Key Facts: Timor-Leste vs Ivory Coast Wages
- Timor-Leste Minimum Wage
- $115/mo
- Ivory Coast Minimum Wage
- CFA432.70/hr ($0.78 USD)
- Timor-Leste Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Ivory Coast Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- CFA337,000 /mo ($605.03 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment — Timor-Leste / ILO (2026-02-25), Ministère de l'Emploi et de la Protection Sociale — Côte d'Ivoire (2026-05-04)
Timor-Leste
Ivory Coast
Updated 2026-05-04
The minimum wage in Timor-Leste is roughly 148 times higher than in Ivory Coast in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are lower in Timor-Leste at $350/mo compared to $605/mo in Ivory Coast. GDP per capita (PPP) in Ivory Coast is 1.7x that of Timor-Leste, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Timor-Leste has lower GDP per capita ($4,423 vs $7,669). Timor-Leste's unemployment rate is 1.6% compared to Ivory Coast's 2.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Timor-Leste | Ivory Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | CFA432.70 $0.78 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $115 | CFA75,000 $134.65 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,380 | CFA900,000 $1,615.80 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | CFA337,000 /mo $605.03 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $330 /mo | CFA280,000 /mo $502.69 |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,500 /yr | CFA960,000 /yr $1,723.52 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Timor-Leste is higher.
Work Week
- Timor-Leste
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 52 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Timor-Leste Labour Code sets a standard workweek of 40 hours (8 hours/day, 5 days). Maximum including overtime is 52 hours. Overtime is compensated at 1.5x the normal rate. Work on public holidays and Sundays is at 2x.
- Ivory Coast
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.15x pay
Labour Code sets standard working hours at 40 per week (non-agricultural) and 48 hours for agricultural workers. Overtime rates: 115% for the first 8 hours of weekly overtime, 150% for subsequent hours. Night work (9pm-5am) and holiday work have higher multipliers.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Ivory Coast to Timor-Leste would see a 14704% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Ivory Coast's perspective: Ivory Coast vs Timor-Leste
Compare Timor-Leste with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Timor-Leste or Ivory Coast?
In Timor-Leste, the minimum wage is $115/mo. In Ivory Coast, it is CFA432.70/hr ($0.78 USD). Timor-Leste has the higher rate by 14704% 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 Ivory Coast may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Timor-Leste compared to Ivory Coast?
The average gross salary in Timor-Leste is $350/mo, compared to CFA337,000/mo ($605.03 USD) in Ivory Coast. In USD terms, workers in Timor-Leste earn approximately 73% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Timor-Leste and Ivory Coast is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Ivory Coast earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Timor-Leste.
How do work hours compare between Timor-Leste and Ivory Coast?
Both Timor-Leste and Ivory Coast 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 Timor-Leste and Ivory Coast?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Ivory Coast has the higher GDP per capita at $7,669, which is 1.7x that of Timor-Leste at $4,423. From Timor-Leste'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.