Key Facts: Burundi vs United Kingdom Wages
- Burundi Minimum Wage
- FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD)
- United Kingdom Minimum Wage
- £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD)
- Burundi Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FBu60,000 /mo ($20.19 USD)
- United Kingdom Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- £3,253 /mo ($4,379.96 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / Ministère de la Fonction Publique du Burundi (2026-02-25), UK Government / Low Pay Commission (2026-06-01)
Burundi
United Kingdom
Updated 2026-06-01
The minimum wage in Burundi is roughly 12 times lower than in the United Kingdom in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a high-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $20/mo in Burundi versus $4,380/mo in the United Kingdom, a 217.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in United Kingdom is 51.9x that of Burundi, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Burundi has lower GDP per capita ($1,195 vs $62,009). Burundi's unemployment rate is 0.9% compared to the United Kingdom's 4.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Burundi | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | £12.71 $17.11 |
| Minimum wage /day | FBu160 $0.05 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FBu4,160 $1.40 | £2,203.07 $2,966.30 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | £26,436.80 $35,595.53 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FBu60,000 /mo $20.19 | £3,253 /mo $4,379.96 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | N/A/mo | £2,636 /mo $3,549.21 |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | £28,000 /yr $37,700.28 |
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.
- United Kingdom
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Working Time Regulations limit average to 48 hrs/week (opt-out available). No statutory overtime rate; overtime pay is set by contract.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Burundi earns 1123% less per hour in USD terms than one in the United Kingdom.
See this comparison from United Kingdom's perspective: United Kingdom vs Burundi
Compare Burundi with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Burundi or United Kingdom?
In Burundi, the minimum wage is FBu4,160/mo ($1.40 USD). In the United Kingdom, it is £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD). United Kingdom has the higher rate by 1123% 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 United Kingdom?
The average gross salary in Burundi is FBu60,000/mo ($20.19 USD), compared to £3,253/mo ($4,379.96 USD) in the United Kingdom. In USD terms, workers in Burundi earn approximately 21595% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Burundi and United Kingdom is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in the United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?
Both Burundi and United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. United Kingdom has the higher GDP per capita at $62,009, which is 51.9x 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.