Cost of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $552 (excluding rent), and $1,160 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,341 (excluding rent), and $2,317 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.67 BND 4.75

$2.32 BND 3

$7.73 BND 10.01

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.11 BND 35.11

$17.8 BND 23.06

$65.9 BND 85.3

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.24 BND 8.09

$5.53 BND 7.17

$9.48 BND 12.28

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.99 BND 2.58

$1.59 BND 2.06

$3.2 BND 4.14

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.32 BND 3.01

$1.32 BND 1.71

$3.88 BND 5.03

Cappuccino

$3.74 BND 4.84

$2.18 BND 2.83

$3.89 BND 5.04

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.97 BND 1.25

$0.79 BND 1.03

$1.19 BND 1.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.61 BND 0.79

$0.41 BND 0.52

$0.81 BND 1.05

Milk (1 liter)

$1.89 BND 2.45

$1.58 BND 2.05

$3.96 BND 5.13

White Bread (500g)

$1.72 BND 2.22

$0.92 BND 1.19

$2.3 BND 2.97

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.25 BND 1.62

$0.77 BND 1

$1.93 BND 2.49

Eggs

$2.31 BND 3

$1.91 BND 2.48

$2.88 BND 3.73

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.35 BND 9.53

$3.15 BND 4.08

$11.03 BND 14.28

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.41 BND 5.71

$3.12 BND 4.04

$5.05 BND 6.55

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.26 BND 14.59

$4.69 BND 6.07

$22.69 BND 29.38

Apples (1kg)

$3.24 BND 4.2

$1.58 BND 2.05

$3.96 BND 5.13

Banana (1kg)

$2.6 BND 3.37

$1.57 BND 2.04

$3.93 BND 5.09

Oranges (1kg)

$3.06 BND 3.96

$1.53 BND 1.98

$3.83 BND 4.96

Tomato (1kg)

$2.85 BND 3.69

$1.58 BND 2.05

$5.14 BND 6.66

Potato (1kg)

$1.7 BND 2.2

$0.79 BND 1.03

$2.77 BND 3.59

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 BND 2.81

$0.77 BND 1

$3.09 BND 4

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.55 BND 4.59

$0.8 BND 1.03

$6.35 BND 8.22

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.77 BND 1

$0.46 BND 0.59

$1.14 BND 1.47

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$12.84 BND 16.63

$2.33 BND 3.02

$23.36 BND 30.25

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.31 BND 4.29

$2.72 BND 3.52

$3.89 BND 5.03

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 BND 1.97

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.86 BND 20.55

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.8 BND 1.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.71 BND 6.1

$3.93 BND 5.09

$5.49 BND 7.1

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.54 BND 3.29

$3.64 BND 4.71

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.76 BND 15.23

$11.75 BND 15.21

$23.49 BND 30.43

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.4 BND 0.52

$0.32 BND 0.41

$0.42 BND 0.55

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$39.4K BND 51K

$23.6K BND 30.6K

$39.7K BND 51.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$37.5K BND 48.6K

$30.9K BND 40.1K

$37.5K BND 48.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$59.8 BND 77.5

$34.85 BND 45.14

$98.8 BND 128

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$22.83 BND 29.57

$14.28 BND 18.5

$23.83 BND 30.86

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.8 BND 83.9

$46.61 BND 60.4

$93.3 BND 121

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.46 BND 49.8

$11.93 BND 15.45

$47.77 BND 61.9

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$2.85 BND 3.69

Cinema Ticket

$5.55 BND 7.19

$3.96 BND 5.13

$6.34 BND 8.21

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$156 BND 202

$115 BND 150

$231 BND 299

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,557 BND 12.4K

$3,936 BND 5,098

$39.4K BND 51K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$97.5 BND 126

$15.82 BND 20.49

$158 BND 205

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$69.4 BND 89.9

$18.9 BND 24.48

$158 BND 204

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$106 BND 138

$77.4 BND 100

$116 BND 150

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64 BND 82.9

$31.01 BND 40.16

$155 BND 201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$739 BND 957

$516 BND 668

$1,032 BND 1,336

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$449 BND 581

$231 BND 299

$615 BND 797

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,283 BND 1,661

$923 BND 1,195

$1,925 BND 2,493

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$821 BND 1,063

$469 BND 607

$1,328 BND 1,720

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,996 BND 3,880

$2,004 BND 2,595

$5,973 BND 7,736

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,298 BND 2,976

$877 BND 1,135

$4,602 BND 5,960

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,934 BND 2,505

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.06

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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Cost of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan - Frequently Asked Questions

From a broad perspective, Cost of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei tends to offer a comfortable balance for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Core needs like housing near amenities, reliable utilities, and public services often feel reasonable compared with larger regional capitals, while some imported goods and dining out can push up the price tag. The expatriate community favors longer leases and flexible coworking options, which can stabilize monthly costs. Seasonal shopping and services remain steady, so you can plan around routines rather than drastic price swings. Tip: Build routines around neighborhood markets, and negotiate leases to include utilities where possible to stretch value without sacrificing convenience.

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei living cost influences your day-to-day choices, from where you rent to how you shop. Housing options range from compact, well-situated flats to larger units with simple layouts, often with flexible leases that help you acclimate. Local markets and casual eateries offer affordable, fresh options, while dining out occasionally at riverfront spots adds variety. Transport leans on walking, river paths, taxis, and a modest public transit network, making car ownership optional for many. Co-working spaces and libraries provide quiet, connected work settings without long commutes. Tip: Start with a neighborhood walkable to markets and transit to keep errands efficient.

Think of a budgeting framework that separates fixed vs flexible costs, and plan around utilities, groceries, and leisure. A practical approach is to set a monthly rhythm: choose neighborhoods that balance quiet living with access to amenities, and adjust choices seasonally for outdoor activities. Use local markets for affordable produce, and reserve some weeks for bulk buys of staples. Weather and humidity shape comfort needs, influencing cooling use and wardrobe. Safe, walkable areas reduce transport spend. Tip: Track spending by category for a few weeks to spot opportunities to save without sacrificing convenience.