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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $690 (excluding rent), and $1,159 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,392 (excluding rent), and $2,347 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.74 BND 4.78

$2.36 BND 3.02

$7.87 BND 10.07

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.10 BND 34.69

$17.80 BND 22.78

$65.9 BND 84.3

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.35 BND 8.13

$5.63 BND 7.21

$9.64 BND 12.34

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.93 BND 2.47

$1.54 BND 1.98

$3.10 BND 3.96

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 BND 3.06

$1.36 BND 1.74

$3.99 BND 5.11

Cappuccino

$3.66 BND 4.68

$2.14 BND 2.73

$3.81 BND 4.88

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

$0.98 BND 1.26

$0.81 BND 1.03

$1.21 BND 1.55

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.61 BND 0.79

$0.41 BND 0.52

$0.81 BND 1.04

Milk (1 liter)

$1.91 BND 2.44

$1.59 BND 2.04

$3.99 BND 5.10

White Bread (500g)

$1.72 BND 2.20

$0.92 BND 1.18

$2.29 BND 2.94

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.29 BND 1.65

$0.79 BND 1.02

$1.98 BND 2.54

Eggs

$2.30 BND 2.94

$1.90 BND 2.43

$2.85 BND 3.65

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.41 BND 9.48

$3.17 BND 4.06

$11.10 BND 14.21

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.35 BND 5.56

$3.08 BND 3.94

$4.98 BND 6.38

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.46 BND 14.67

$4.77 BND 6.11

$23.09 BND 29.55

Apples (1kg)

$3.25 BND 4.16

$1.58 BND 2.03

$3.97 BND 5.08

Banana (1kg)

$2.56 BND 3.28

$1.55 BND 1.98

$3.88 BND 4.96

Oranges (1kg)

$3.11 BND 3.98

$1.55 BND 1.99

$3.89 BND 4.98

Tomato (1kg)

$2.77 BND 3.55

$1.54 BND 1.97

$5.00 BND 6.40

Potato (1kg)

$1.63 BND 2.08

$0.76 BND 0.97

$2.66 BND 3.41

Onion (1kg)

$2.25 BND 2.88

$0.80 BND 1.03

$3.21 BND 4.11

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.40 BND 4.35

$0.76 BND 0.98

$6.08 BND 7.78

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.81 BND 1.03

$0.48 BND 0.61

$1.19 BND 1.53

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$13.05 BND 16.71

$2.38 BND 3.04

$23.73 BND 30.37

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.31 BND 4.23

$2.72 BND 3.48

$3.89 BND 4.97

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.53 BND 1.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.46 BND 19.79

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.81 BND 1.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.66 BND 5.96

$3.88 BND 4.97

$5.42 BND 6.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.62 BND 3.35

$3.75 BND 4.80

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.82 BND 15.12

$11.81 BND 15.11

$23.61 BND 30.22

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.37 BND 0.48

$0.30 BND 0.38

$0.39 BND 0.50

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

$39.3K BND 50.2K

$23.6K BND 30.1K

$39.6K BND 50.7K

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

$36.8K BND 47.1K

$30.3K BND 38.8K

$36.8K BND 47.1K

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

$59.5 BND 76.1

$34.64 BND 44.33

$98.2 BND 126

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

$22.70 BND 29.05

$14.20 BND 18.17

$23.69 BND 30.32

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$64.0 BND 81.9

$46.05 BND 58.9

$92.2 BND 118

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$38.13 BND 48.80

$11.83 BND 15.14

$47.36 BND 60.6

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$2.89 BND 3.70

Cinema Ticket

$5.56 BND 7.11

$3.97 BND 5.08

$6.35 BND 8.13

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

$155 BND 198

$115 BND 147

$230 BND 294

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,656 BND 12.4K

$3,977 BND 5,091

$39.8K BND 51.0K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$95.9 BND 123

$15.56 BND 19.92

$156 BND 199

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$69.6 BND 89.1

$18.96 BND 24.27

$158 BND 203

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$108 BND 138

$78.6 BND 101

$118 BND 151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$63.8 BND 81.6

$30.90 BND 39.56

$155 BND 198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$733 BND 939

$512 BND 656

$1,025 BND 1,311

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$451 BND 577

$232 BND 297

$618 BND 791

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,306 BND 1,672

$940 BND 1,203

$1,960 BND 2,509

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$810 BND 1,037

$463 BND 592

$1,311 BND 1,678

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,078 BND 3,939

$2,058 BND 2,634

$6,138 BND 7,857

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,305 BND 2,950

$886 BND 1,134

$4,598 BND 5,886

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,938 BND 2,481

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.06

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

Last update: March 1, 2026

Bandar Seri Begawan Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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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.