Key Facts: Lebanon vs Mexico Wages
- Lebanon Minimum Wage
- L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Lebanon Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- L£27,000,000 /mo ($301.68 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Labour — Lebanon (2026-02-25), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
Lebanon
Mexico
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Lebanon is roughly 306 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $302/mo in Lebanon versus $952/mo in Mexico, a 3.2:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 2.1x that of Lebanon, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Lebanon has lower GDP per capita ($12,575 vs $26,185). Lebanon's unemployment rate is 11.0% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Lebanon | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | L£161,600 $1.81 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | L£28,000,000 $312.85 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | L£336,000,000 $3,754.19 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | L£27,000,000 /mo $301.68 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | L£24,000,000 /mo $268.16 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | L£144,000,000 /yr $1,608.94 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Lebanon is higher.
Work Week
- Lebanon
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets maximum working hours at 48 per week. Overtime is paid at 150% of normal rate. Overtime on holidays at 200%. In practice, many workers work longer hours due to the economic crisis.
- Mexico
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (daytime). Night shift maximum is 42 hours, mixed shift 45 hours. First 9 hours of overtime per week at 200% rate; beyond that at 300%. A 2023 reform discussion to reduce to 40 hours is pending.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Lebanon earns 30533% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Lebanon
Compare Lebanon with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Lebanon or Mexico?
In Lebanon, the minimum wage is L£161,600/hr ($1.81 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 30533% 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 Lebanon may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Lebanon compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in Lebanon is L£27,000,000/mo ($301.68 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Lebanon earn approximately 216% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Lebanon and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mexico earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Lebanon.
How do work hours compare between Lebanon and Mexico?
Both Lebanon and Mexico 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 Lebanon and Mexico?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mexico has the higher GDP per capita at $26,185, which is 2.1x that of Lebanon at $12,575. From Lebanon'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.