Key Facts: Burundi vs Serbia Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- Serbia Minimum Wage
- RSD271/hr ($2.52 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- Serbia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- RSD110,000 /mo ($1,023.26 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs (2026-02-24)
Burundi
Serbia
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Burundi is 44% lower than in Serbia in USD terms, though average salaries tell a different story. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $1,023/mo in Serbia, a 50.7:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Serbia is 27.5x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $32,832). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to Serbia's 7.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | RSD271 $2.52 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | RSD2,168 $20.17 |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | RSD47,000 $437.21 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | RSD564,000 $5,246.51 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | RSD110,000 /mo $1,023.26 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | RSD80,000 /mo $744.19 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | RSD600,000 /yr $5,581.40 |
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.
- Serbia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.26x pay
Labour Law sets full-time working hours at 40/week. Overtime: minimum 26% surcharge. Night work (22:00-06:00): minimum 26% surcharge. Holiday work: minimum 110% surcharge. Maximum overtime is 8 hours/week. Reduced working hours (36 or fewer) for hazardous occupations.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burundi earns 80% less per hour in USD terms than one in Serbia.
See this comparison from Serbia's perspective: Serbia vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or Serbia?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In Serbia, it is RSD271/hr ($2.52 USD). Serbia has the higher rate by 80% 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 Serbia?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to RSD110,000/mo ($1,023.26 USD) in Serbia. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 4969% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and Serbia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Serbia 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 Serbia?
Both Burundi and Serbia 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 Serbia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Serbia has the higher GDP per capita at $32,832, which is 27.5x 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.