Key Facts: Sweden vs Bahamas Wages
- Sweden Minimum Wage
- No statutory minimum wage
- Bahamas Minimum Wage
- B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD)
- Sweden Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- kr40,000 /mo ($4,317.74 USD)
- Bahamas Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- B$3,500 /mo ($3,500 USD)
- Data Sources
- Medlingsinstitutet (Swedish National Mediation Office) (2026-02-24), Government of The Bahamas / Ministry of Labour (2026-02-25)
Sweden
Bahamas
Updated 2026-02-25
Sweden has no statutory minimum wage, while the Bahamas sets a floor of $7/hr. Average salaries are higher in Sweden at $4,318/mo compared to $3,500/mo in the Bahamas. GDP per capita (PPP) in Sweden is 1.7x that of Bahamas, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Sweden has higher GDP per capita ($71,845 vs $41,198). Sweden's unemployment rate is 8.7% compared to the Bahamas' 9.2%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Sweden | Bahamas |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | None | B$6.50 $6.50 |
| Minimum wage /mo | None | B$1,126.67 $1,126.67 |
| Minimum wage /yr | None | B$13,520 $13,520 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | kr40,000 /mo $4,317.74 | B$3,500 /mo $3,500 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | kr30,000 /mo $3,238.31 | B$3,150 /mo $3,150 |
| Median individual income /yr | kr367,000 /yr $39,615.29 | B$24,000 /yr $24,000 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Sweden is higher.
Work Week
- 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.
- Bahamas
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Standard workweek is 40 hours (8 hours/day). Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate for hours beyond 40 per week or 8 per day. Work on public holidays or rest days is paid at 2x the regular rate. Governed by the Employment Act, 2001.
See this comparison from Bahamas's perspective: Bahamas vs Sweden
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Sweden or Bahamas?
In Sweden, the minimum wage is no statutory minimum wage. In the Bahamas, it is B$6.50/hr ($6.50 USD).
How much more does the average worker earn in Sweden compared to Bahamas?
The average gross salary in Sweden is kr40,000/mo ($4,317.74 USD), compared to B$3,500/mo ($3,500 USD) in the Bahamas. In USD terms, workers in Sweden earn approximately 23% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Sweden and Bahamas 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 the Bahamas.
How do work hours compare between Sweden and Bahamas?
Both Sweden and Bahamas 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 Sweden and Bahamas?
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 1.7x that of Bahamas at $41,198. From Sweden'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.