Key Facts: Burundi vs Kyrgyzstan Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Minimum Wage
- сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сом37,361 /mo ($427.28 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic / National Statistical Committee (2026-02-25)
Burundi
Kyrgyzstan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Burundi is roughly 7 times higher than in Kyrgyzstan in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $427/mo in Kyrgyzstan, a 21.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Kyrgyzstan is 6.7x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $8,012). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to Kyrgyzstan's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | Kyrgyzstan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | сом17.16 $0.20 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | сом2,863 $32.74 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | сом34,356 $392.91 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | сом37,361 /mo $427.28 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | сом33,625 /mo $384.55 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | сом180,000 /yr $2,058.55 |
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.
- Kyrgyzstan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18 and hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 50%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Kyrgyzstan to Burundi would see a 613% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Kyrgyzstan's perspective: Kyrgyzstan vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or Kyrgyzstan?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In Kyrgyzstan, it is сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD). Burundi has the higher rate by 613% 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 Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to сом37,361/mo ($427.28 USD) in Kyrgyzstan. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 2016% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and Kyrgyzstan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
Both Burundi and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Kyrgyzstan has the higher GDP per capita at $8,012, which is 6.7x 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.