Vietnam vs Kenya
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Vietnam is 1.9 times more populous than Kenya. Economically, Vietnam ($476.4B) has a GDP 4.0 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 1.8 times larger than Vietnam's 331,212 km². Life expectancy in Vietnam stands at 74.6 years, 10.9 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
VietnamKenya| Population | +90.0%101.3M | -47.4%53.3M |
| Area | -42.9%331,212 km² | +75.2%580,367 km² |
| GDP | +295.9%$476.4B | -74.7%$120.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +121.2%$4,717.29 | -54.8%$2,132.435 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.2%74.6 yrs | -14.7%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -59.7%14.0 | +147.9%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -72.0%1.5% | +257.8%5.4% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Nairobi |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Vietnamese | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | 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
Vietnam is 1.9 times more populous than Kenya, with 101.3M residents compared to 53.3M. Vietnam 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, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate). Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Kenya.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Vietnam economy ($476.4B) is 4.0 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 Vietnam are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 63.6 years in Kenya, a gap of 10.9 years. Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above 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 148% higher than Vietnam's 14.0.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than Vietnam (331,212 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while Kenya borders 5 countries. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to Kenya's 1 timezone. Vietnam lies in Asia, while Kenya is located in Africa. Vietnam is categorized within the Asia region (South-Eastern Asia), whereas Kenya belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and Kenya is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to Kenya's $120.3B represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Kenya is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 60% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and Kenya is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to Kenya's $2,132.435 represents a 55% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-income economy and Kenya's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Vietnam has a GDP per capita of $4,717.29, which is 2.2x 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 Vietnam is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Vietnam is 3.3x more densely populated than Kenya (306 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 Vietnam live an average of 10.9 years longer than those of Kenya (74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to Kenya's 4.7%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs Kenya for Families
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Vietnam's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Vietnam vs Kenya for Retirees
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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.
Vietnam vs Kenya Cost of Living
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs Kenya for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam 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, Vietnam or Kenya by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Vietnam is 1.9 times more populous than Kenya.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or Kenya?
Vietnam has the higher GDP at $476.4B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Vietnam's economy is 4.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and Kenya?
Vietnam has a higher life expectancy at 74.6 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.9 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above 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, Vietnam or Kenya?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Vietnam's 331,212 km². Kenya is 1.8 times larger than Vietnam.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and Kenya?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. Kenya recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or Kenya?
Vietnam has lower inflation at 3.6%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Vietnam'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 Vietnam or Kenya better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Vietnam generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (14.0 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Vietnam 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 Vietnam. However, Vietnam may offer better value in ...
Is Vietnam or Kenya better for retirement?
Vietnam's life expectancy of 74.6 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...
Is Vietnam or Kenya more expensive to live in?
Vietnam's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Vietnam, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Vietnam or Kenya better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Bo...