Key Facts: Kyrgyzstan vs Sweden Wages
- Kyrgyzstan Minimum Wage
- сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD)
- Sweden Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Kyrgyzstan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сом37,361 /mo ($427.28 USD)
- Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic / National Statistical Committee (2026-02-25), Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24)
Kyrgyzstan
Sweden
Updated 2026-02-25
Unlike Sweden, which has no statutory minimum wage, Kyrgyzstan mandates a wage floor of $0/hr. Average gross salaries diverge further: $427/mo in Kyrgyzstan versus $4,318/mo in Sweden, a 10.1:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 9.0x that of Kyrgyzstan, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Kyrgyzstan has lower GDP per capita ($8,012 vs $71,845). Kyrgyzstan's unemployment rate is 3.5% compared to Sweden's 8.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Kyrgyzstan | Sweden |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | сом17.16 $0.20 | None |
| Minimum wage /mo | сом2,863 $32.74 | None |
| Minimum wage /yr | сом34,356 $392.91 | None |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | сом37,361 /mo $427.28 | kr40,000 /mo $4,317.74 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | сом33,625 /mo $384.55 | kr30,000 /mo $3,238.31 |
| Median individual income /yr | сом180,000 /yr $2,058.55 | kr367,000 /yr $39,615.29 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Kyrgyzstan is higher.
Work Week
- Kyrgyzstan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18 and hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 50%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
- Sweden
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Standard workweek is 40 hours (Working Hours Act / Arbetstidslagen). Maximum overtime is 48 hours over 4 weeks or 200 hours per calendar year. Overtime compensation is determined by collective agreements, not statute. Many agreements provide overtime at 150-200% of normal pay. EU Working Time Directive limits average to 48 hrs/week.
See this comparison from Sweden's perspective: Sweden vs Kyrgyzstan
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Kyrgyzstan or Sweden?
In Kyrgyzstan, the minimum wage is сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD). In Sweden, it is no statutory minimum wage.
How much less does the average worker earn in Kyrgyzstan compared to Sweden?
The average gross salary in Kyrgyzstan is сом37,361/mo ($427.28 USD), compared to kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD) in Sweden. In USD terms, workers in Kyrgyzstan earn approximately 911% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Kyrgyzstan and Sweden is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Sweden earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Kyrgyzstan.
How do work hours compare between Kyrgyzstan and Sweden?
Both Kyrgyzstan and Sweden 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 Kyrgyzstan and Sweden?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Sweden has the higher GDP per capita at $71,845, which is 9.0x that of Kyrgyzstan at $8,012. From Kyrgyzstan'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.