Kenya vs Peru
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Peru's 34.4M. Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Peru. Economically, Peru ($289.2B) has a GDP 2.4 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Peru covers 1,285,216 km², 2.2 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Peru stands at 77.7 years, 14.1 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
KenyaPeru| Population | +55.3%53.3M | -35.6%34.4M |
| Area | -54.8%580,367 km² | +121.4%1,285,216 km² |
| GDP | -58.4%$120.3B | +140.3%$289.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | -74.8%$2,132.435 | +296.4%$8,452.372 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.1%63.6 yrs | +22.1%77.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +157.0%34.7 | -61.1%13.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +6.5%5.4% | -6.1%5.1% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Lima |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Aymara, Quechua, Spanish |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | PEN (S/ ) |
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
Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Peru, with 53.3M residents compared to 34.4M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Peru is a nation of 34.4M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Peru averages 27 people per km² (sparse). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Peru is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Peru economy ($289.2B) is 2.4 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Peru's GDP per capita of $8,452.372 is 37% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of Peru are on average 4.0 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 77.7 years in Peru, a gap of 14.1 years. Peru (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 157% higher than Peru's 13.5.
Geographic Comparison
Peru (1,285,216 km²) is 2.2 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Peru borders 5 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Peru's 1 timezone. Kenya lies in Africa, while Peru is located in South America. Kenya is categorized within the Africa region (Eastern Africa), whereas Peru belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Kenya and Peru is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Peru's $8,452.372 represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Peru is in infant mortality: Kenya's 34.7 per 1,000 compared to Peru's 13.5 per 1,000 represents a 61% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Peru is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Peru's $289.2B represents a 58% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Peru's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Peru has a GDP per capita of $8,452.372, which is 4.0x 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 Peru is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Kenya is 3.4x more densely populated than Peru (92 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Peru's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Peru live an average of 14.1 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 Peru's 3.3%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Peru for Families
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Peru's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Kenya vs Peru for Retirees
Peru'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.
Kenya vs Peru Cost of Living
Peru's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, 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 Peru's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Peru for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Peru 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, Kenya or Peru by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Peru's 34.4M. Kenya is 1.6 times more populous than Peru.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Peru?
Peru has the higher GDP at $289.2B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Peru's economy is 2.4 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Peru?
Peru has a higher life expectancy at 77.7 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.1 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Peru's is 5.7 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Peru?
Peru is larger by land area, covering 1,285,216 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Peru is 2.2 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Peru?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Peru recognizes: Aymara, Quechua, Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Peru?
Peru has lower inflation at 2.0%, compared to Kenya's 4.5%. Peru's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Kenya's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Kenya or Peru better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Peru generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (13.5 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 Kenya or Peru 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 Peru. However, Peru may offer better value in specif...
Is Kenya or Peru better for retirement?
Peru'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 Kenya or Peru more expensive to live in?
Peru's GDP per capita is 4.0x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Peru, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city w...
Is Kenya or Peru better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Peru, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Peru covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both cou...