Compare countries · Kenya vs South Africa
Kenya vs South Africa
Kenya(Africa)·
South Africa(Africa)
Across 13 comparable indicators: Kenya leads on 4, South Africa on 8, 1 effectively tied. Which trade-offs matter is yours to weigh — the rows below show where each country wins, with sources.
Head to head
Cost of living index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Kenya
28.9
Better than 83% of countries
South Africa
37.1
Better than 63% of countries
Kenya: 22% cheaper overall.
Rent index
Numbeo 2026 (NYC = 100)
Kenya
7.8
Better than 89% of countries
South Africa
13.0
Better than 57% of countries
Kenya: 40% cheaper rents.
Peace — Global Peace Index
Institute for Economics & Peace (lower = more peaceful)
Kenya
2.28
Worse than 75% of countries
South Africa
2.40
Worse than 79% of countries
Kenya: more peaceful (2.28 vs 2.40).
Perceived street safety
Numbeo Safety Index 2026
Kenya
44.9
Worse than 75% of countries
South Africa
25.5
Worse than 97% of countries
Kenya: higher perceived safety (44.9 vs 25.5).
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report
Kenya
0.601
Worse than 76% of countries
South Africa
0.717
Worse than 57% of countries
South Africa: higher human development (0.717 vs 0.601).
GDP per person (PPP)
World Bank · 2025
Kenya
$7,016
Worse than 77% of countries
South Africa
$15,906
Worse than 59% of countries
South Africa: 127% higher income per person.
Life expectancy
World Bank · 2024
Kenya
63.8 yrs
Worse than 91% of countries
South Africa
66.3 yrs
Worse than 84% of countries
South Africa: 2.5 years longer on average.
Healthcare index
Numbeo Healthcare Index 2026
Kenya
62.2
Worse than 56% of countries
South Africa
64.0
Around the global middle
South Africa: better-rated healthcare (64.0 vs 62.2).
Fixed broadband speed
Ookla Speedtest Global Index
Kenya
16 Mbps
Worse than 97% of countries
South Africa
48 Mbps
Worse than 73% of countries
South Africa: 204% faster fixed internet.
Press freedom
RSF World Press Freedom Index
Kenya
51/100
Worse than 59% of countries
South Africa
78/100
Better than 88% of countries
South Africa: freer press (78 vs 51 of 100).
Happiness
World Happiness Report (Cantril ladder 0–10)
Kenya
4.67
Worse than 74% of countries
South Africa
5.01
Worse than 69% of countries
South Africa: happier on the Cantril ladder (5.01 vs 4.67).
English proficiency
EF English Proficiency Index
Kenya
593
Better than 80% of countries
South Africa
602
Better than 83% of countries
Effectively tied — under 2% apart.
Climate pleasantness
Numbeo Climate Index 2026
Kenya
87.1
Better than 67% of countries
South Africa
95.7
Better than 94% of countries
South Africa: more pleasant climate rating (95.7 vs 87.1).
Deciding between Kenya and South Africa for real?
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Find your match →Full Kenya profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.
Full South Africa profile →
70+ indicators: economy, safety, governance, climate and visas.