Key Facts: Benin vs Iceland Wages
- Benin Minimum Wage
- CFA300/hr ($0.54 USD)
- Iceland Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Benin Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Iceland Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr800,000 /mo ($6,478.78 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Public Service / ILO (2026-02-25), Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun) / Statistics Iceland (2026-02-24)
Benin
Iceland
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Iceland, which has no statutory minimum wage, Benin mandates a wage floor of $1/hr. Average gross salaries diverge further: $215/mo in Benin versus $6,479/mo in Iceland, a 30.1:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Iceland is 19.0x that of Benin, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Benin has lower GDP per capita ($4,435 vs $84,257). Benin's unemployment rate is 1.6% compared to Iceland's 3.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Benin | Iceland |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | CFA300 $0.54 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | CFA52,000 $93.36 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | CFA624,000 $1,120.29 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 | kr800,000 /mo $6,478.78 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | CFA100,000 /mo $179.53 | kr560,000 /mo $4,535.15 |
| Median individual income /yr | CFA480,000 /yr $861.76 | kr7,800,000 /yr $63,168.12 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Benin is higher.
Work Week
- Benin
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.12x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours for non-agricultural sectors (48 hours for agriculture). Overtime from 41-48 hours paid at 112% of normal rate; hours exceeding 48 paid at 135%. Night work and weekend overtime carry higher premiums.
- Iceland
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.8x pay
Standard working week is 40 hours (set by collective agreements). The Act on Working Environment and Health sets maximum average of 48 hours/week per EU Working Time Directive. Overtime premiums are set by collective agreements, typically 80% premium (1.8x) for daytime overtime, higher for evenings/weekends. A landmark 2021 agreement reduced standard hours from 40 to 36 for many public sector workers, with the private sector gradually following.
See this comparison from Iceland's perspective: Iceland vs Benin
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Benin or Iceland?
In Benin, the minimum wage is CFA300/hr ($0.54 USD). In Iceland, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Benin compared to Iceland?
The average gross salary in Benin is CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD), compared to kr800,000/mo ($6,478.78 USD) in Iceland. In USD terms, workers in Benin earn approximately 2907% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Benin and Iceland is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Iceland earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Benin.
How do work hours compare between Benin and Iceland?
Both Benin and Iceland mandate a similar standard work week of 40 hours. When work hours are equal, the country with the higher minimum wage delivers proportionally higher weekly earnings. Standard work week rules set the baseline; actual hours worked often differ based on industry norms and individual employment contracts.
What is the cost of living difference between Benin and Iceland?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Iceland has the higher GDP per capita at $84,257, which is 19.0x that of Benin at $4,435. From Benin's 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.