Key Facts: Mexico vs Benin Wages
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Benin Minimum Wage
- CFA300/hr ($0.54 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Benin Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA120,000 /mo ($215.44 USD)
- Data Sources
- CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02), Ministry of Labour and Public Service / ILO (2026-02-25)
Mexico
Benin
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Mexico is roughly 1027 times higher than in Benin in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a upper-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $952/mo in Mexico versus $215/mo in Benin, a 4.4:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 5.9x that of Benin, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Mexico has higher GDP per capita ($26,185 vs $4,435). Mexico's unemployment rate is 2.7% compared to Benin's 1.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Mexico | Benin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CFA300 $0.54 |
| Minimum wage /day | MX$315.04 $18.18 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 | CFA52,000 $93.36 |
| Minimum wage /yr | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 | CFA624,000 $1,120.29 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 | CFA120,000 /mo $215.44 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 | CFA100,000 /mo $179.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 | CFA480,000 /yr $861.76 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Mexico is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- Benin
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.12x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours for non-agricultural sectors (48 hours for agriculture). Overtime from 41-48 hours paid at 112% of normal rate; hours exceeding 48 paid at 135%. Night work and weekend overtime carry higher premiums.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Benin to Mexico would see a 102592% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings. Standard work weeks differ: Mexico mandates 48 hours while Benin mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Mexico are $26,549 vs $22 in Benin.
See this comparison from Benin's perspective: Benin vs Mexico
Compare Mexico with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Mexico or Benin?
In Mexico, the minimum wage is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). In Benin, it is CFA300/hr ($0.54 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 102592% 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 Benin may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Mexico compared to Benin?
The average gross salary in Mexico is MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD), compared to CFA120,000/mo ($215.44 USD) in Benin. In USD terms, workers in Mexico earn approximately 342% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Mexico and Benin 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 Benin.
How do work hours compare between Mexico and Benin?
Mexico has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Benin. Workers in Mexico work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Benin working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Mexico and Benin?
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 5.9x that of Benin at $4,435. From Mexico'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.