Key Facts: Belize vs Central African Republic Wages
- Belize Minimum Wage
- BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD)
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Belize Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- BZ$1,800 /mo ($900 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development — Belize (2026-02-25), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (2026-02-25)
Belize
Central African Republic
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Belize is roughly 25 times lower than in the Central African Republic in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $900/mo in Belize versus $135/mo in the Central African Republic, a 6.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Belize is 11.4x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Belize has higher GDP per capita ($14,347 vs $1,263). Belize's unemployment rate is 8.9% compared to the Central African Republic's 6.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Belize | Central African Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | BZ$5 $2.50 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | FCFA1,400 $2.51 |
| Minimum wage /mo | BZ$975 $487.50 | FCFA35,000 $62.84 |
| Minimum wage /yr | BZ$11,700 $5,850 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | BZ$1,800 /mo $900 | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | BZ$1,530 /mo $765 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | BZ$12,000 /yr $6,000 | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Belize is higher.
Work Week
- Belize
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 45 hours (9 hours/day, 5 days). All workers are entitled to at least 1 day of rest per week. Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 45/week. Work on Sundays and public holidays is typically paid at double the normal rate. Governed by the Labour Act.
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Belize earns 2413% less per hour in USD terms than one in the Central African Republic. Standard work weeks differ: Belize mandates 45 hours while the Central African Republic mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Belize are $113 vs $2,513 in the Central African Republic.
See this comparison from Central African Republic's perspective: Central African Republic vs Belize
Compare Belize with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Belize or Central African Republic?
In Belize, the minimum wage is BZ$5/hr ($2.50 USD). In the Central African Republic, it is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 2413% in USD terms. That nominal gap does not account for local prices; see the purchasing power comparison below for a cost-of-living-adjusted view. Workers in Belize may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Belize compared to Central African Republic?
The average gross salary in Belize is BZ$1,800/mo ($900 USD), compared to FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD) in the Central African Republic. In USD terms, workers in Belize earn approximately 568% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Belize and Central African Republic is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Belize earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Belize and Central African Republic?
Belize has a longer standard work week at 45 hours, compared to 40 hours in the Central African Republic. Workers in Belize work 45 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in the Central African Republic 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 Belize and Central African Republic?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Belize has the higher GDP per capita at $14,347, which is 11.4x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From Belize's perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher 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.