Key Facts: Tunisia vs Zimbabwe Wages
- Tunisia Minimum Wage
- TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD)
- Zimbabwe Minimum Wage
- $0.87/hr
- Tunisia Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- TND1,200 /mo ($383.39 USD)
- Zimbabwe Avg. Gross Monthly Salary
- $253 /mo ($253 USD)
- Data Sources
- Ministère des Affaires Sociales / SMIG/SMAG decrees (2026-02-24), Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare — Zimbabwe (2026-02-25)
Tunisia
Zimbabwe
Updated 2026-02-25
Both lower-middle-income economies, Tunisia and Zimbabwe set comparable minimum wage floors in USD terms. Average salaries are higher in Tunisia at $383/mo compared to $253/mo in Zimbabwe. GDP per capita (PPP) in Tunisia is 2.4x that of Zimbabwe, underscoring the structural economic divide.
From Tunisia's perspective: adjusting for purchasing power, Tunisia's minimum wage buys more than Zimbabwe's. The PPP-adjusted hourly rate in Tunisia is $3 international dollars, compared to $0 in Zimbabwe. Tunisia has higher GDP per capita ($14,521 vs $5,928). Tunisia's unemployment rate is 15.1% compared to Zimbabwe's 9.3%.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Tunisia | Zimbabwe |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum wage /hr | TND2.31 $0.74 | $0.87 |
| Minimum wage /day | TND16 $5.11 | — |
| Minimum wage /mo | TND480 $153.35 | $150 |
| Minimum wage /yr | TND5,760 $1,840.26 | $1,800 |
| Avg. gross salary /mo | TND1,200 /mo $383.39 | $253 /mo |
| Avg. net salary /mo | TND1,020 /mo $325.88 | $220 /mo |
| Median individual income /yr | TND7,200 /yr $2,300.32 | $1,200 /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.
- Zimbabwe
-
45 hrs/wk standard
Max 48 hrs/wk
Overtime : 1.5x pay
Labour Act sets maximum working hours at 45 per week (9 hours/day for 5-day week). Overtime is limited and must be compensated at 150% of normal rate. Sunday and public holiday work at 200%.
• WAGE TRAJECTORY (USD/hr)
What This Means for Workers
A minimum wage worker in Tunisia earns 18% less per hour in USD terms than one in Zimbabwe. However, after adjusting for cost of living, Tunisia's minimum wage provides more purchasing power. Standard work weeks differ: Tunisia mandates 48 hours while Zimbabwe mandates 45 hours. A minimum wage worker's weekly earnings in Tunisia are $35 vs $39 in Zimbabwe.
See this comparison from Zimbabwe's perspective: Zimbabwe vs Tunisia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the minimum wage higher in Tunisia or Zimbabwe?
In Tunisia, the minimum wage is TND2.31/hr ($0.74 USD). In Zimbabwe, it is $0.87/hr. Zimbabwe has the higher rate by 18% 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 Zimbabwe?
The average gross salary in Tunisia is TND1,200/mo ($383.39 USD), compared to $253/mo in Zimbabwe. In USD terms, workers in Tunisia earn approximately 52% more. Average salaries reflect the full labor market, not just the minimum wage floor. The gap between Tunisia and Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe.
Which country has better purchasing power for minimum wage workers, Tunisia or Zimbabwe?
After adjusting for local prices using purchasing power parity (PPP), minimum wage workers in Tunisia can afford more than those in Zimbabwe. The PPP-adjusted rate is $3 in Tunisia and $0 in Zimbabwe. PPP converts wages into equivalent US dollar buying power, accounting for what a unit of currency actually buys locally. The 2362% purchasing power gap means that even if the nominal wage in Zimbabwe appears competitive, minimum wage workers there face greater constraints on day-to-day spending.
How do work hours compare between Tunisia and Zimbabwe?
Tunisia has a longer standard work week at 48 hours, compared to 45 hours in Zimbabwe. Workers in Tunisia work 48 hours per week by law. Longer mandatory hours can offset a nominally higher wage; a worker in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe?
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 2.4x that of Zimbabwe at $5,928. 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.