Key Facts: Saudi Arabia vs Liberia Wages
- Saudi Arabia Minimum Wage
- ﷼23.08/hr ($6.15 USD)
- Liberia Minimum Wage
- $156/mo
- Saudi Arabia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ﷼10,500 /mo ($2,800 USD)
- Liberia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; minimum wage for Saudi nationals at SAR 4,000/mo unchanged since March 2021 Nitaqat reforms (2026-05-04), ILO / Ministry of Labour (Liberia) (2026-02-25)
Saudi Arabia
Liberia
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Saudi Arabia is roughly 25 times lower than in Liberia in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a high-income and a low-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $2,800/mo in Saudi Arabia versus $350/mo in Liberia, a 8.0:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Saudi Arabia is 38.1x that of Liberia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Saudi Arabia has higher GDP per capita ($71,375 vs $1,871). Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate is 3.0% compared to Liberia's 2.9%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Saudi Arabia | Liberia |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | ﷼23.08 $6.15 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | — | $6 |
| Minimum wage /mo | ﷼4,000 $1,066.67 | $156 |
| Minimum wage /yr | ﷼48,000 $12,800 | — |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | ﷼10,500 /mo $2,800 | $350 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | ﷼10,500 /mo $2,800 | N/A/mo |
| Median individual income /yr | N/A/yr | $900 /yr |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Saudi Arabia is higher.
Work Week
- Saudi Arabia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Saudi Labour Law sets 8 hrs/day, 48 hrs/week (6-day week). During Ramadan, reduced to 6 hrs/day, 36 hrs/week for Muslim employees. Overtime capped at 2 hrs/day. Overtime paid at base hourly rate + 50%. Friday is the standard weekly rest day. Government sector works 35 hrs/week (Sun-Thu).
- Liberia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 56 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
The Decent Work Act 2015 sets a standard workweek of 8 hours/day, 6 days/week (48 hours). Maximum 56 hours including overtime. Overtime paid at 1.5x. These rules apply to formal-sector employers.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Saudi Arabia earns 2435% less per hour in USD terms than one in Liberia.
See this comparison from Liberia's perspective: Liberia vs Saudi Arabia
Compare Saudi Arabia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Saudi Arabia or Liberia?
In Saudi Arabia, the minimum wage is ﷼23.08/hr ($6.15 USD). In Liberia, it is $156/mo. Liberia has the higher rate by 2435% 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 Saudi Arabia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Saudi Arabia compared to Liberia?
The average gross salary in Saudi Arabia is ﷼10,500/mo ($2,800 USD), compared to $350/mo in Liberia. In USD terms, workers in Saudi Arabia earn approximately 700% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Saudi Arabia and Liberia is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Saudi Arabia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Liberia.
How do work hours compare between Saudi Arabia and Liberia?
Both Saudi Arabia and Liberia 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 Saudi Arabia and Liberia?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Saudi Arabia has the higher GDP per capita at $71,375, which is 38.1x that of Liberia at $1,871. From Saudi Arabia'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.