Key Facts: Gambia vs United Kingdom Wages
- Gambia Minimum Wage
- D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD)
- United Kingdom Minimum Wage
- £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD)
- Gambia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- D8,000 /mo ($107.90 USD)
- United Kingdom Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- £3,253 /mo ($4,379.96 USD)
- Data Sources
- ILO ILOSTAT / Gambia Bureau of Statistics / Department of Labour (2026-02-25), UK Government / Low Pay Commission (2026-06-01)
Gambia
United Kingdom
Updated 2026-06-01
The Gambia, a low-income economy, and United Kingdom, classified as high-income, take different approaches to wage policy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $108/mo in the Gambia versus $4,380/mo in the United Kingdom, a 40.6:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in United Kingdom is 17.8x that of Gambia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
The Gambia has lower GDP per capita ($3,476 vs $62,009). The Gambia's unemployment rate is 6.5% compared to the United Kingdom's 4.8%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Gambia | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | £12.71 $17.11 |
| Minimum wage /day | D50 $0.67 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | D1,300 $17.53 | £2,203.07 $2,966.30 |
| Minimum wage /yr | — | £26,436.80 $35,595.53 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | D8,000 /mo $107.90 | £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 Gambia is higher.
Work Week
- Gambia
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act 2007 sets a 40-hour standard working week (8 hours/day, 5 days). Overtime is payable at 1.5x for weekdays and 2x for Sundays and public holidays.
- 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 moving from the United Kingdom to the Gambia would see a 2% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from United Kingdom's perspective: United Kingdom vs Gambia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Gambia or United Kingdom?
In the Gambia, the minimum wage is D1,300/mo ($17.53 USD). In the United Kingdom, it is £12.71/hr ($17.11 USD). Gambia has the higher rate by 2% 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 the United Kingdom may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Gambia compared to United Kingdom?
The average gross salary in the Gambia is D8,000/mo ($107.90 USD), compared to £3,253/mo ($4,379.96 USD) in the United Kingdom. In USD terms, workers in the Gambia earn approximately 3959% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Gambia 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 the Gambia.
How do work hours compare between Gambia and United Kingdom?
Both Gambia 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 Gambia 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 17.8x that of Gambia at $3,476. From the Gambia'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.