Egypt vs Kenya
Egypt has a population of 107.3M, compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Egypt is 2.0 times more populous than Kenya. Economically, Egypt ($389.1B) has a GDP 3.2 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Egypt covers 1,002,450 km², 1.7 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Egypt stands at 71.6 years, 8.0 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
EgyptKenya| Population | +101.1%107.3M | -50.3%53.3M |
| Area | +72.7%1,002,450 km² | -42.1%580,367 km² |
| GDP | +223.3%$389.1B | -69.1%$120.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +56.6%$3,338.474 | -36.1%$2,132.435 |
| Life Expectancy | +12.5%71.6 yrs | -11.1%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -53.6%16.1 | +115.5%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +24.4%6.8% | -19.6%5.4% |
| Capital | Cairo | Nairobi |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | Arabic | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | EGP (£) | KES (Sh) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Egypt is 2.0 times more populous than Kenya, with 107.3M residents compared to 53.3M. Egypt is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Egypt averages 107 people per km² (moderate), while Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate). Egypt has grown at 1.85% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Egypt is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Egypt economy ($389.1B) is 3.2 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Egypt's GDP per capita of $3,338.474 is 52% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Egypt are on average 1.6 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Egypt is 71.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Kenya, a gap of 8.0 years. Egypt (71.6 years) is at the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 116% higher than Egypt's 16.1.
Geographic Comparison
Egypt (1,002,450 km²) is 1.7 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Egypt shares borders with 4 countries, while Kenya borders 5 countries. Egypt spans 1 timezone, compared to Kenya's 1 timezone. Both Egypt and Kenya are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Northern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Egypt and Kenya is in GDP: Egypt's $389.1B compared to Kenya's $120.3B represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Kenya is in infant mortality: Egypt's 16.1 per 1,000 compared to Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 54% gap. The most significant difference between Egypt and Kenya is in population: Egypt's 107.3M compared to Kenya's 53.3M represents a 50% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Egypt's lower-middle-income economy and Kenya's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Egypt has a GDP per capita of $3,338.474, which is 1.6x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Egypt is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Egypt is 1.2x more densely populated than Kenya (107 vs 92 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kenya's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Egypt live an average of 8.0 years longer than those of Kenya (71.6 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Egypt's 2.4%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Egypt vs Kenya for Families
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Egypt's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Egypt vs Kenya for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Egypt vs Kenya for Retirees
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Egypt vs Kenya Cost of Living
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Egypt's smaller cities.
Egypt vs Kenya for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Egypt or Kenya by population?
Egypt is larger by population, with 107.3M residents compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Egypt is 2.0 times more populous than Kenya.
Which country has a higher GDP, Egypt or Kenya?
Egypt has the higher GDP at $389.1B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Egypt's economy is 3.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Egypt and Kenya?
Egypt has a higher life expectancy at 71.6 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.0 years. Egypt's life expectancy is at the global average of 72 years, while Kenya's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Egypt or Kenya?
Egypt is larger by land area, covering 1,002,450 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Egypt is 1.7 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Egypt and Kenya?
Egypt recognizes the following official language: Arabic. Kenya recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Egypt or Kenya?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Egypt's 28.3%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Egypt's rate is severely elevated at 28.3%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Egypt or Kenya better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Egypt generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (16.1 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries ...
Is Egypt or Kenya cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Egypt. However, Egypt may offer better value in spec...
Is Egypt or Kenya better for retirement?
Egypt's life expectancy of 71.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate p...
Is Egypt or Kenya more expensive to live in?
Egypt's GDP per capita is 1.6x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Egypt, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city...
Is Egypt or Kenya better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Egypt and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Egypt spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both c...