Key Facts: India vs Somalia Wages
- India Minimum Wage
- ₹4,576/mo ($48.17 USD)
- Somalia Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- India Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₹31,900 /mo ($335.82 USD)
- Somalia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- Sh150,000 /mo ($262.70 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment. Central VDA April 2026 update verified via clc.gov.in/clc/min-wages: CPI rose 11.28 points triggering increase in centrally-regulated minimum wages (covers construction, sweeping/cleaning, watch & ward, and other Central Sphere employments). Note: Central VDA does NOT replace state minimum wages — most workers are subject to state-set rates which vary by state and update on different cycles. (2026-05-04), ILO ILOSTAT / World Bank / UN OCHA Somalia (2026-02-25)
India
Somalia
Updated 2026-05-04
Unlike Somalia, which has no statutory minimum wage, India mandates a wage floor of $48/mo. Average salaries are higher in India at $336/mo compared to $263/mo in Somalia. GDP per capita (PPP) in India is 7.0x that of Somalia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
India has higher GDP per capita ($11,160 vs $1,602). India's unemployment rate is 4.2% compared to Somalia's 18.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | India | Somalia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /day | ₹176 $1.85 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | ₹4,576 $48.17 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | ₹54,912 $578.08 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ₹31,900 /mo $335.82 | Sh150,000 /mo $262.70 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ₹27,500 /mo $289.50 | Sh140,000 /mo $245.18 |
| Median individual income /yr | ₹150,000 /yr $1,579.11 | N/A/yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means India is higher.
Work Week
- India
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Factories Act sets 48 hours/week, 9 hours/day. Overtime paid at double the ordinary rate. New Labour Codes (when implemented) may standardize at 48 hours across 4-6 day weeks.
- Somalia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
No reliable standardised workweek provisions are enforced. Friday is the weekly rest day. Labour conditions vary widely between sectors — from formal NGO employment with international standards to highly exploitative informal arrangements. Somaliland and Puntland have some locally administered labour rules.
See this comparison from Somalia's perspective: Somalia vs India
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in India or Somalia?
In India, the minimum wage is ₹4,576/mo ($48.17 USD). In Somalia, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much more does the average worker earn in India compared to Somalia?
The average gross salary in India is ₹31,900/mo ($335.82 USD), compared to Sh150,000/mo ($262.70 USD) in Somalia. In USD terms, workers in India earn approximately 28% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between India and Somalia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in India earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Somalia.
How do work hours compare between India and Somalia?
Both India and Somalia mandate a similar standard work week of 48 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 India and Somalia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. India has the higher GDP per capita at $11,160, which is 7.0x that of Somalia at $1,602. From India's 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.