Key Facts: Tunisia vs Timor-Leste Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Timor-Leste Minimum Wage
- $115/mo
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Timor-Leste Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $350 /mo ($350 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment — Timor-Leste / ILO (2026-02-25)
Tunisia
Timor-Leste
Updated 2026-02-25
The minimum wage in Tunisia is roughly 156 times lower than in Timor-Leste in USD terms, reflecting the gap between a lower-middle-income and a lower-middle-income economy. Average salaries are higher in Tunisia at $383/mo compared to $350/mo in Timor-Leste. GDP per capita (PPP) in Tunisia is 3.3x that of Timor-Leste, underscoring the structural economic divide.
Tunisia has higher GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $4,423). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Timor-Leste's 1.6%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Timor-Leste |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | — |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | $115 |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | $1,380 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | $350 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | $330 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | $1,500 /yr |
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.
- 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.
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Tunisia earns 15489% less per hour in USD terms than one in Timor-Leste. Standard work weeks differ: Tunisia mandates 48 hours while Timor-Leste mandates 40 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Tunisia are $35 vs $4,600 in Timor-Leste.
See this comparison from Timor-Leste's perspective: Timor-Leste vs Tunisia
Compare Tunisia with...
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Timor-Leste?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Timor-Leste, it is $115/mo. Timor-Leste has the higher rate by 15489% 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 more does the average worker earn in Tunisia compared to Timor-Leste?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to $350/mo in Timor-Leste. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 10% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Timor-Leste is shaped by differences in industry composition, labor productivity, and the overall cost of living in each country. Workers in Tunisia earn more in nominal terms, though how far that income stretches depends on local prices in Timor-Leste.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Timor-Leste?
Tunisia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 40 hours in Timor-Leste. Workers in Tunisia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Timor-Leste working fewer hours may have comparable or better effective hourly earnings depending on the wage levels of each country. Total annual compensation depends on both the wage rate and the number of hours required.
What is the cost of living difference between Tunisia and Timor-Leste?
While direct cost of living data varies by source, GDP per capita (PPP) gives a useful proxy for overall economic level. Tunisia has the higher GDP per capita at $14,521, which is 3.3x that of Timor-Leste at $4,423. From Tunisia'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.