Key Facts: Timor-Leste vs Nigeria Wages
- Timor-Leste Minimum Wage
- $115/mo
- Nigeria Minimum Wage
- ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD)
- Timor-Leste Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Nigeria Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- ₦339,000 /mo ($220.42 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment — Timor-Leste / ILO (2026-02-25), National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 (2026-02-24)
Timor-Leste
Nigeria
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Timor-Leste is roughly 438 times higher than in Nigeria in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Timor-Leste at $350/mo compared to $220/mo in Nigeria. GDP per capita (PPP) in Nigeria is 2.1x that of Timor-Leste, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Timor-Leste has lower GDP per capita ($4,423 vs $9,087). Timor-Leste's unemployment rate is 1.6% compared to Nigeria's 3.1%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Timor-Leste | Nigeria |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | — | ₦404 $0.26 |
| Minimum wage /mo | $115 | ₦70,000 $45.51 |
| Minimum wage /yr | $1,380 | ₦840,000 $546.16 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | $350 /mo | ₦339,000 /mo $220.42 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | $330 /mo | ₦290,000 /mo $188.56 |
| Median individual income /yr | $1,500 /yr | ₦1,200,000 /yr $780.23 |
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.
- Nigeria
-
40 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Labour Act sets standard at 40 hours/week. Overtime rates set by individual employment contracts. No statutory overtime multiplier.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker moving from Nigeria to Timor-Leste would see a 43680% increase in USD-equivalent hourly earnings.
See this comparison from Nigeria's perspective: Nigeria vs Timor-Leste
Compare Timor-Leste with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Timor-Leste or Nigeria?
In Timor-Leste, the minimum wage is $115/mo. In Nigeria, it is ₦404/hr ($0.26 USD). Timor-Leste has the higher rate by 43680% 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 Nigeria may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much more does the average worker earn in Timor-Leste compared to Nigeria?
The average gross salary in Timor-Leste is $350/mo, compared to ₦339,000/mo ($220.42 USD) in Nigeria. In USD terms, workers in Timor-Leste earn approximately 59% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Timor-Leste and Nigeria is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Timor-Leste earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Nigeria.
How do work hours compare between Timor-Leste and Nigeria?
Both Timor-Leste and Nigeria 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 Nigeria?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Nigeria has the higher GDP per capita at $9,087, which is 2.1x 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.