Key Facts: Burundi vs Bulgaria Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Bulgaria Minimum Wage
- лв7.30/hr ($4.40 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Bulgaria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- лв2,200 /mo ($1,325.30 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour and Social Policy; 2026 figure verified via Wikipedia EU member states by minimum wage table (eff 2026-01-01) (2026-05-04)
Burundi
Bulgaria
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Burundi is 68% lower than in Bulgaria in USD terms, though average salaries tell a different story. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $1,325/mo in Bulgaria, a 65.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bulgaria is 35.1x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $41,969). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to Bulgaria's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | Bulgaria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | лв7.30 $4.40 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | лв1,213 $730.72 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | лв14,556 $8,768.67 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | лв2,200 /mo $1,325.30 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | лв1,720 /mo $1,036.14 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | лв14,400 /yr $8,674.70 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Burundi is higher.
Work Week
- Burundi
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 45 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets 40 hours/week as the standard. The Code du Travail is French-language, reflecting Belgian colonial heritage. Overtime capped at 45 hours total. Enforcement is minimal outside the formal sector.
- Bulgaria
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours over 5 days. Overtime premium: 50% for weekdays, 75% for weekends, 100% for public holidays. Annual overtime limit of 150 hours.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burundi earns 214% less per hour in USD terms than one in Bulgaria.
See this comparison from Bulgaria's perspective: Bulgaria vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or Bulgaria?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In Bulgaria, it is лв7.30/hr ($4.40 USD). Bulgaria has the higher rate by 214% 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 Burundi may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Burundi compared to Bulgaria?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to лв2,200/mo ($1,325.30 USD) in Bulgaria. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 6465% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and Bulgaria is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Bulgaria earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Burundi.
How do work hours compare between Burundi and Bulgaria?
Both Burundi and Bulgaria 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 Burundi and Bulgaria?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Bulgaria has the higher GDP per capita at $41,969, which is 35.1x that of Burundi at $1,195. From Burundi'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.