Key Facts: Bahamas vs Singapore Wages
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Singapore Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Singapore Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- S$5,800 /mo ($4,539.05 USD)
- Data Sources
- Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) (2026-06-01)
Bahamas
Singapore
Updated 2026-06-01
Unlike Singapore, which has no statutory minimum wage, the Bahamas mandates a wage floor of $7/hr. Average salaries are lower in the Bahamas at $3,500/mo compared to $4,539/mo in Singapore. GDP per capita (PPP) in Singapore is 3.7x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Bahamas has lower GDP per capita ($41,198 vs $150,689). The Bahamas' unemployment rate is 9.2% compared to Singapore's 2.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Bahamas | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | B$6.50 $6.50 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | B$13,520 $13,520 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 | S$5,800 /mo $4,539.05 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 | S$4,930 /mo $3,858.19 |
| Median individual income /yr | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 | S$66,000 /yr $51,651.28 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Bahamas is higher.
Work Week
- Bahamas
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 40 per week or 8 per day. Work on public holidays or rest days is paid at 2x the regular rate. Governed by the Employment Act, 2001.
- Singapore
-
44 hrs/wk standard
Max 44 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Employment Act caps at 44 hours/week (8 hrs/day for 5-day week, or 9 hrs/day for fewer days). Overtime pay at 1.5x hourly basic rate, applies to non-workmen earning up to SGD 2,600/mo and workmen earning up to SGD 4,500/mo. Maximum overtime: 72 hours/month.
What This Means for Workers
Standard work weeks differ: the Bahamas mandates 40 hours while Singapore mandates 44 hours.
See this comparison from Singapore's perspective: Singapore vs Bahamas
Compare Bahamas with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Bahamas or Singapore?
In the Bahamas, the minimum wage is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD). In Singapore, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Bahamas compared to Singapore?
The average gross salary in the Bahamas is B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD), compared to S$5,800/mo ($4,539.05 USD) in Singapore. In USD terms, workers in the Bahamas earn approximately 30% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Bahamas and Singapore is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Singapore earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Bahamas.
How do work hours compare between Bahamas and Singapore?
Singapore has a longer standard work week at 44 hours, compared to 40 hours in the Bahamas. Workers in the Bahamas work 40 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in the Bahamas working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Bahamas and Singapore?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Singapore has the higher GDP per capita at $150,689, which is 3.7x that of Bahamas at $41,198. From the Bahamas' perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a lower economic level. A higher GDP per capita generally correlates with higher wages, higher consumer prices, and greater availability of goods and services. Workers moving between these two countries should expect significant differences in rent, food, and transportation costs.