Key Facts: Central African Republic vs Bulgaria Wages
- Central African Republic Minimum Wage
- FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD)
- Bulgaria Minimum Wage
- лв7.30/hr ($4.40 USD)
- Central African Republic Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- FCFA75,000 /mo ($134.65 USD)
- Bulgaria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- лв2,200 /mo ($1,325.30 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / OHADA Labour Code (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)
Central African Republic
Bulgaria
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in the Central African Republic is roughly 14 times higher than in Bulgaria in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a low-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $135/mo in the Central African Republic versus $1,325/mo in Bulgaria, a 9.8:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Bulgaria is 33.2x that of Central African Republic, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Central African Republic has lower GDP per capita ($1,263 vs $41,969). The Central African Republic's unemployment rate is 6.3% compared to Bulgaria's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Central African Republic | Bulgaria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | лв7.30 $4.40 |
| Minimum wage /day | FCFA1,400 $2.51 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | FCFA35,000 $62.84 | лв1,213 $730.72 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | лв14,556 $8,768.67 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | FCFA75,000 /mo $134.65 | 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 Central African Republic is higher.
Work Week
- Central African Republic
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Labour Code sets a standard 40-hour workweek, with maximum 48 hours including overtime. These provisions apply to formal employment only, which represents a small fraction of total employment. Enforcement capacity is severely constrained by institutional fragility.
- 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 moving from Bulgaria to the Central African Republic would see a 1329% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Bulgaria's perspective: Bulgaria vs Central African Republic
Compare Central African Republic with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Central African Republic or Bulgaria?
In the Central African Republic, the minimum wage is FCFA35,000/mo ($62.84 USD). In Bulgaria, it is лв7.30/hr ($4.40 USD). Central African Republic has the higher rate by 1329% 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 Bulgaria may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Central African Republic compared to Bulgaria?
The average gross salary in the Central African Republic is FCFA75,000/mo ($134.65 USD), compared to лв2,200/mo ($1,325.30 USD) in Bulgaria. In USD terms, workers in the Central African Republic earn approximately 884% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Central African Republic 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 the Central African Republic.
How do work hours compare between Central African Republic and Bulgaria?
Both Central African Republic 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 Central African Republic 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 33.2x that of Central African Republic at $1,263. From the Central African Republic'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.