Key Facts: Tunisia vs Mexico Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Mexico Minimum Wage
- MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD)
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Mexico Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- MX$16,500 /mo ($952.27 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), CONASAMI (Comision Nacional de los Salarios Minimos) (2026-03-02)
Tunisia
Mexico
Updated 2026-03-02
The minimum wage in Tunisia is roughly 750 times lower than in Mexico in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a upper-middle-income economy. Average gross salaries diverge further: $383/mo in Tunisia versus $952/mo in Mexico, a 2.5:1 ratio. GDP per capita (PPP) in Mexico is 1.8x that of Tunisia, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Tunisia has lower GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $26,185). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Mexico's 2.7%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | MX$315.04 $18.18 |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | MX$9,583.52 $553.10 |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | MX$114,989.60 $6,636.44 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | MX$16,500 /mo $952.27 |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | MX$14,200 /mo $819.53 |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | MX$96,000 /yr $5,540.49 |
Percentage differences are based on USD equivalent values. Positive means Tunisia is higher.
Work Week
- Tunisia
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.75x pay
Labour Code allows both 48-hour and 40-hour regimes depending on sector and collective agreements. Most industrial/services workers are on 48 hours. Overtime surcharge: 75% for daytime hours beyond standard. Night and holiday overtime receive higher premiums. The 40-hour regime is increasingly common in services and offices.
- Mexico
-
48 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 2x pay
Standard workweek is 48 hours (daytime). Night shift maximum is 42 hours, mixed shift 45 hours. First 9 hours of overtime per week at 200% rate; beyond that at 300%. A 2023 reform discussion to reduce to 40 hours is pending.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Tunisia earns 74876% less per hour in USD terms than one in Mexico.
See this comparison from Mexico's perspective: Mexico vs Tunisia
Compare Tunisia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Mexico?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Mexico, it is MX$9,583.52/mo ($553.10 USD). Mexico has the higher rate by 74876% 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 Tunisia may retain a larger share of their earnings if prices there are lower.
How much less does the average worker earn in Tunisia compared to Mexico?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to MX$16,500/mo ($952.27 USD) in Mexico. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 148% less. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Mexico is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Mexico earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Tunisia.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Mexico?
Both Tunisia and Mexico 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 Tunisia and Mexico?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Mexico has the higher GDP per capita at $26,185, which is 1.8x that of Tunisia at $14,521. From Tunisia'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.