Iran vs Kenya
Iran has a population of 86.0M, compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Iran is 1.6 times more populous than Kenya. Economically, Iran ($475.3B) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Iran covers 1,648,195 km², 2.8 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Iran stands at 77.7 years, 14.0 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
IranKenya| Population | +61.2%86.0M | -38.0%53.3M |
| Area | +184.0%1,648,195 km² | -64.8%580,367 km² |
| GDP | +294.9%$475.3B | -74.7%$120.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +143.4%$5,190.17 | -58.9%$2,132.435 |
| Life Expectancy | +22.0%77.7 yrs | -18.0%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -69.2%10.7 | +224.3%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +52.3%8.3% | -34.4%5.4% |
| Capital | Tehran | Nairobi |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Persian (Farsi) | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | IRR (﷼) | 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
Iran is 1.6 times more populous than Kenya, with 86.0M residents compared to 53.3M. Iran 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, Iran averages 52 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
Iran is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Iran economy ($475.3B) is 3.9 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Iran's GDP per capita of $5,190.17 is 54% 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 Iran are on average 2.4 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Iran is 77.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Kenya, a gap of 14.0 years. Iran (77.7 years) is 5.7 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 224% higher than Iran's 10.7.
Geographic Comparison
Iran (1,648,195 km²) is 2.8 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Iran shares borders with 7 countries, while Kenya borders 5 countries. Iran spans 1 timezone, compared to Kenya's 1 timezone. Iran lies in Asia, while Kenya is located in Africa. Iran is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Kenya belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Iran and Kenya is in GDP: Iran's $475.3B compared to Kenya's $120.3B represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Kenya is in infant mortality: Iran's 10.7 per 1,000 compared to Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 69% gap. The most significant difference between Iran and Kenya is in land area: Iran's 1,648,195 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km² represents a 65% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Iran's upper-middle-income economy and Kenya's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Iran has a GDP per capita of $5,190.17, which is 2.4x 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 Iran is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 1.8x more densely populated than Iran (92 vs 52 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Iran's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Iran live an average of 14.0 years longer than those of Kenya (77.7 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 Iran's 3.7%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Iran vs Kenya for Families
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 Iran's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Iran vs Kenya for Retirees
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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.
Iran vs Kenya Cost of Living
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, 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 Iran's smaller cities.
Iran vs Kenya for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran 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, Iran or Kenya by population?
Iran is larger by population, with 86.0M residents compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Iran is 1.6 times more populous than Kenya.
Which country has a higher GDP, Iran or Kenya?
Iran has the higher GDP at $475.3B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Iran's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Iran and Kenya?
Iran has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.0 years. Iran's life expectancy is 5.7 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, Iran or Kenya?
Iran is larger by land area, covering 1,648,195 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Iran is 2.8 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Iran and Kenya?
Iran recognizes the following official language: Persian (Farsi). Kenya recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Iran or Kenya?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Iran's 32.5%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Iran's rate is severely elevated at 32.5%, a rate that erodes household purchasing power.
Is Iran or Kenya better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Iran generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (10.7 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 h...
Is Iran 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 Iran. However, Iran may offer better value in specif...
Is Iran or Kenya better for retirement?
Iran's life expectancy of 77.7 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 pr...
Is Iran or Kenya more expensive to live in?
Iran's GDP per capita is 2.4x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Iran, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Iran or Kenya better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Iran and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Iran spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...