Kenya vs Somalia
Kenya has a population of 53.3M, compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Kenya is 2.7 times more populous than Somalia. Economically, Kenya ($120.3B) has a GDP 10.1 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Somalia covers 637,657 km², 1.1 times larger than Kenya's 580,367 km². Life expectancy in Kenya stands at 63.6 years, 4.8 years higher than Somalia's 58.8 years.
KenyaSomalia| Population | +171.3%53.3M | -63.1%19.7M |
| Area | -9.0%580,367 km² | +9.9%637,657 km² |
| GDP | +905.6%$120.3B | -90.1%$12.0B |
| GDP Per Capita | +238.7%$2,132.435 | -70.5%$629.539 |
| Life Expectancy | +8.2%63.6 yrs | -7.6%58.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -48.8%34.7 | +95.4%67.8 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -71.2%5.4% | +247.7%18.9% |
| Capital | Nairobi | Mogadishu |
| Region | Africa | Africa |
| Languages | English, Swahili | Arabic, Somali |
| Currencies | KES (Sh) | SOS (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
Kenya is 2.7 times more populous than Somalia, with 53.3M residents compared to 19.7M. Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Somalia is a nation of 19.7M people. In terms of population density, Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate), while Somalia averages 31 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 Somalia is classified as a low-income economy. The Kenya economy ($120.3B) is 10.1 times larger than Somalia's ($12.0B). Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. Somalia's GDP per capita of $629.539 is 71% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Kenya are on average 3.4 times wealthier than those in Somalia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Kenya is 63.6 years, compared to 58.8 years in Somalia, a gap of 4.8 years. Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia (58.8 years) is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 67.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, Somalia's infant mortality is 95% higher than Kenya's 34.7.
Geographic Comparison
Somalia (637,657 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than Kenya (580,367 km²). Kenya shares borders with 5 countries, while Somalia borders 3 countries. Kenya spans 1 timezone, compared to Somalia's 1 timezone. Both Kenya and Somalia 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 Kenya and Somalia is in GDP: Kenya's $120.3B compared to Somalia's $12.0B represents a 90% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Somalia is in GDP per capita: Kenya's $2,132.435 compared to Somalia's $629.539 represents a 70% gap. The most significant difference between Kenya and Somalia is in population: Kenya's 53.3M compared to Somalia's 19.7M represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Kenya's lower-middle-income economy and Somalia's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Kenya has a GDP per capita of $2,132.435, which is 3.4x that of Somalia ($629.539). 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 3.0x more densely populated than Somalia (92 vs 31 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Somalia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Kenya live an average of 4.8 years longer than those of Somalia (63.6 vs 58.8 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
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Somalia's 4.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Kenya vs Somalia for Families
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Kenya's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Kenya vs Somalia for Budget Travelers
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia 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.
Kenya vs Somalia for Retirees
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Somalia Cost of Living
Kenya's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Somalia can approach or exceed average costs in Kenya's smaller cities.
Kenya vs Somalia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia'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 Somalia by population?
Kenya is larger by population, with 53.3M residents compared to Somalia's 19.7M. Kenya is 2.7 times more populous than Somalia.
Which country has a higher GDP, Kenya or Somalia?
Kenya has the higher GDP at $120.3B, compared to Somalia's $12.0B. Kenya's economy is 10.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Kenya and Somalia?
Kenya has a higher life expectancy at 63.6 years, compared to Somalia's 58.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 4.8 years. Kenya's life expectancy is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years, while Somalia's is 13.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Kenya or Somalia?
Somalia is larger by land area, covering 637,657 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km². Somalia is 1.1 times larger than Kenya.
What languages are spoken in Kenya and Somalia?
Kenya recognizes the following languages: English, Swahili. Somalia recognizes: Arabic, Somali. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Kenya or Somalia?
Inflation data is not available for Somalia. Kenya's inflation rate is 4.5%.
Is Kenya or Somalia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Kenya generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (34.7 vs 67.8 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Somalia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly at...
Is Kenya or Somalia cheaper to visit?
Somalia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $629.539 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Somalia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Kenya. However, Kenya may offer better value in sp...
Is Kenya or Somalia better for retirement?
Kenya's life expectancy of 63.6 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Somalia 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 Kenya or Somalia more expensive to live in?
Kenya's GDP per capita is 3.4x that of Somalia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Kenya, while Somalia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by ...
Is Kenya or Somalia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Kenya and Somalia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Kenya spans 1 timezone while Somalia covers 1. Somalia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. ...