Key Facts: Timor-Leste vs Kyrgyzstan Wages
- Timor-Leste Minimum Wage
- $115/mo
- Kyrgyzstan Minimum Wage
- сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD)
- Timor-Leste Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Kyrgyzstan Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- сом37,361 /mo ($427.28 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment — Timor-Leste / ILO (2026-02-25), Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic / National Statistical Committee (2026-02-25)
Timor-Leste
Kyrgyzstan
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Timor-Leste is roughly 586 times higher than in Kyrgyzstan 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 $427/mo in Kyrgyzstan. GDP per capita (PPP) in Kyrgyzstan is 1.8x that of Timor-Leste, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Timor-Leste has lower GDP per capita ($4,423 vs $8,012). Timor-Leste's unemployment rate is 1.6% compared to Kyrgyzstan's 3.5%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Timor-Leste | Kyrgyzstan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | сом17.16 $0.20 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $115 | сом2,863 $32.74 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,380 | сом34,356 $392.91 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | сом37,361 /mo $427.28 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $330 /mo | сом33,625 /mo $384.55 |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,500 /yr | сом180,000 /yr $2,058.55 |
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.
- Kyrgyzstan
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 40 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Code sets standard workweek at 40 hours (8 hrs/day). Reduced hours (36 hrs) for workers aged 16-18 and hazardous conditions. Overtime limited to 120 hours per year. Overtime premium at least 50%. Night work (22:00-06:00) premium at least 50%. Holiday work at double rate.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Kyrgyzstan to Timor-Leste would see a 58499% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Kyrgyzstan's perspective: Kyrgyzstan vs Timor-Leste
Compare Timor-Leste with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Timor-Leste or Kyrgyzstan?
In Timor-Leste, the minimum wage is $115/mo. In Kyrgyzstan, it is сом17.16/hr ($0.20 USD). Timor-Leste has the higher rate by 58499% 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 Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
The average gross salary in Timor-Leste is $350/mo, compared to сом37,361/mo ($427.28 USD) in Kyrgyzstan. In USD terms, workers in Timor-Leste earn approximately 22% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Timor-Leste and Kyrgyzstan is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
Both Timor-Leste and Kyrgyzstan 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 Kyrgyzstan?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Kyrgyzstan has the higher GDP per capita at $8,012, which is 1.8x 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.