Key Facts: Cyprus vs Suriname Wages
- Cyprus Minimum Wage
- €6.28/hr ($7.31 USD)
- Suriname Minimum Wage
- Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD)
- Cyprus Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- €2,200 /mo ($2,562.01 USD)
- Suriname Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sr$5,500 /mo ($149.86 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance; 2026 figure verified via Wikipedia EU member states by minimum wage table (eff 2026-01-01) (2026-05-04), Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment — Suriname / ILO (2026-02-25)
Cyprus
Suriname
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Cyprus is roughly 8 times lower than in Suriname in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $2,562/mo in Cyprus versus $150/mo in Suriname, a 17.1:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Cyprus is 2.9x that of Suriname, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Cyprus has higher GDP per capita ($63,007 vs $21,801). Cyprus' unemployment rate is 4.9% compared to Suriname's 7.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Cyprus | Suriname |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | €6.28 $7.31 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | €1,088 $1,267.03 | Sr$2,166 $59.02 |
| Minimum wage /yr | €13,056 $15,204.38 | Sr$25,992 $708.23 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | €2,200 /mo $2,562.01 | Sr$5,500 /mo $149.86 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | €1,850 /mo $2,154.42 | Sr$4,700 /mo $128.07 |
| Median individual income /yr | €17,000 /yr $19,797.37 | Sr$28,000 /yr $762.94 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Cyprus is higher.
Work Week
- Cyprus
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is typically 38-40 hours depending on sector (most common is 40 hours in 5 days). Maximum 48 hours/week averaged over 4 months. Overtime premium depends on collective agreements, typically 50%.
- Suriname
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Suriname Labour Act sets the standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 48 hours. Overtime is compensated at a minimum of 1.5x the regular wage. Sunday and public holiday work is typically at 2x.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Cyprus earns 707% less per hour in USD terms than one in Suriname.
See this comparison from Suriname's perspective: Suriname vs Cyprus
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Cyprus or Suriname?
In Cyprus, the minimum wage is €6.28/hr ($7.31 USD). In Suriname, it is Sr$2,166/mo ($59.02 USD). Suriname has the higher rate by 707% 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 Cyprus may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Cyprus compared to Suriname?
The average gross salary in Cyprus is €2,200/mo ($2,562.01 USD), compared to Sr$5,500/mo ($149.86 USD) in Suriname. In USD terms, workers in Cyprus earn approximately 1610% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Cyprus and Suriname is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Cyprus earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Suriname.
How do work hours compare between Cyprus and Suriname?
Both Cyprus and Suriname 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 Cyprus and Suriname?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Cyprus has the higher GDP per capita at $63,007, which is 2.9x that of Suriname at $21,801. From Cyprus' perspective, this means goods and services are priced at a higher 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.