Tanzania vs Kenya
Tanzania has a population of 68.2M, compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Kenya. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 1.5 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Tanzania covers 947,303 km², 1.6 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Tanzania stands at 67.0 years, 3.3 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
TanzaniaKenya| Population | +27.8%68.2M | -21.7%53.3M |
| Area | +63.2%947,303 km² | -38.7%580,367 km² |
| GDP | -34.5%$78.8B | +52.6%$120.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | -44.3%$1,186.717 | +79.7%$2,132.435 |
| Life Expectancy | +5.3%67.0 yrs | -5.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -13.8%29.9 | +16.1%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.2%1.6% | +246.6%5.4% |
| Capital | Dodoma | Nairobi |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | TZS (Sh) | 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
Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Kenya, with 68.2M residents compared to 53.3M. Tanzania is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Tanzania averages 72 people per km² (moderate), while Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Tanzania is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 1.5 times larger than Tanzania's ($78.8B). Tanzania's GDP per capita of $1,186.717 is 46% below 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 Kenya are on average 1.8 times wealthier than those in Tanzania.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Tanzania is 67.0 years, compared to 63.6 years in Kenya, a gap of 3.3 years. Tanzania (67.0 years) is 5.0 years below 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 16% higher than Tanzania's 29.9.
Geographic Comparison
Tanzania (947,303 km²) is 1.6 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Tanzania shares borders with 8 countries, while Kenya borders 5 countries. Tanzania spans 1 timezone, compared to Kenya's 1 timezone. Both Tanzania and Kenya are located in Africa. Both countries fall within the Africa region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Africa and Eastern Africa.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Tanzania and Kenya is in GDP per capita: Tanzania's $1,186.717 compared to Kenya's $2,132.435 represents a 44% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Kenya is in land area: Tanzania's 947,303 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km² represents a 39% gap. The most significant difference between Tanzania and Kenya is in GDP: Tanzania's $78.8B compared to Kenya's $120.3B represents a 34% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Tanzania's lower-middle-income economy and Kenya's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 1.8x that of Tanzania ($1,186.717). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Kenya is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 1.3x more densely populated than Tanzania (92 vs 72 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Tanzania's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Tanzania live an average of 3.3 years longer than those of Kenya (67.0 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Tanzania's economy grew at 5.5% compared to Kenya's 4.7%. Tanzania's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Tanzania vs Kenya for Families
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 Tanzania's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Tanzania vs Kenya for Budget Travelers
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Tanzania vs Kenya for Retirees
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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.
Tanzania vs Kenya Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Tanzania can approach or exceed average costs in Kenya's smaller cities.
Tanzania vs Kenya for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Tanzania'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, Tanzania or Kenya by population?
Tanzania is larger by population, with 68.2M residents compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Tanzania is 1.3 times more populous than Kenya.
Which country has a higher GDP, Tanzania or Kenya?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Tanzania's $78.8B. Kenya's economy is 1.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Tanzania and Kenya?
Tanzania has a higher life expectancy at 67.0 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 3.3 years. Tanzania's life expectancy is 5.0 years below 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, Tanzania or Kenya?
Tanzania is larger by land area, covering 947,303 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Tanzania is 1.6 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Tanzania and Kenya?
Tanzania recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Kenya recognizes: English, Swahili. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, Tanzania or Kenya?
Tanzania has lower inflation at 3.1%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Tanzania's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Tanzania or Kenya better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Tanzania generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (29.9 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 countri...
Is Tanzania or Kenya cheaper to visit?
Tanzania is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,186.717 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Tanzania can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value i...
Is Tanzania or Kenya better for retirement?
Tanzania's life expectancy of 67.0 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, climat...
Is Tanzania or Kenya more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 1.8x that of Tanzania, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Tanzania offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly b...
Is Tanzania or Kenya better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Tanzania and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Tanzania spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Tanzania's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote incom...