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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $669 (excluding rent), and $1,161 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,289 (excluding rent), and $2,345 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$3.63 BND 4.61

$2.29 BND 2.91

$7.64 BND 9.70

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$27.49 BND 34.91

$18.05 BND 22.93

$66.8 BND 84.8

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.16 BND 7.82

$5.46 BND 6.93

$9.35 BND 11.88

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.98 BND 2.51

$1.58 BND 2.01

$3.18 BND 4.03

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.31 BND 2.93

$1.31 BND 1.67

$3.86 BND 4.90

Cappuccino

$3.86 BND 4.90

$2.25 BND 2.86

$4.03 BND 5.11

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

$0.96 BND 1.22

$0.79 BND 1.00

$1.18 BND 1.50

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.57 BND 0.72

$0.38 BND 0.48

$0.75 BND 0.95

Milk (1 liter)

$1.92 BND 2.44

$1.60 BND 2.04

$4.02 BND 5.11

White Bread (500g)

$1.71 BND 2.17

$0.92 BND 1.17

$2.29 BND 2.91

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.29 BND 1.63

$0.79 BND 1.00

$1.98 BND 2.51

Eggs

$2.22 BND 2.82

$1.84 BND 2.33

$2.76 BND 3.50

Local Cheese (1kg)

$7.11 BND 9.03

$3.04 BND 3.87

$10.66 BND 13.54

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.47 BND 5.68

$3.17 BND 4.02

$5.13 BND 6.52

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$11.08 BND 14.07

$4.61 BND 5.86

$22.32 BND 28.35

Apples (1kg)

$3.11 BND 3.95

$1.52 BND 1.93

$3.80 BND 4.83

Banana (1kg)

$2.53 BND 3.21

$1.53 BND 1.94

$3.83 BND 4.86

Oranges (1kg)

$3.16 BND 4.01

$1.58 BND 2.00

$3.95 BND 5.02

Tomato (1kg)

$2.78 BND 3.53

$1.54 BND 1.96

$5.01 BND 6.36

Potato (1kg)

$1.69 BND 2.15

$0.79 BND 1.00

$2.76 BND 3.51

Onion (1kg)

$2.25 BND 2.86

$0.80 BND 1.02

$3.20 BND 4.07

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.57 BND 4.53

$0.80 BND 1.02

$6.39 BND 8.11

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.81 BND 1.03

$0.48 BND 0.61

$1.20 BND 1.53

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$13.05 BND 16.57

$2.38 BND 3.02

$23.73 BND 30.14

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.30 BND 4.19

$2.71 BND 3.45

$3.88 BND 4.92

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.52 BND 1.93

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.53 BND 19.73

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.81 BND 1.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.63 BND 5.88

$3.86 BND 4.90

$5.39 BND 6.85

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.54 BND 3.22

$3.63 BND 4.61

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.53 BND 14.65

$11.52 BND 14.63

$23.05 BND 29.27

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.41 BND 0.52

$0.32 BND 0.41

$0.43 BND 0.54

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

$39.3K BND 49.9K

$23.6K BND 30.0K

$39.7K BND 50.4K

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

$37.6K BND 47.7K

$31.0K BND 39.4K

$37.6K BND 47.7K

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

$59.3 BND 75.3

$34.55 BND 43.88

$97.9 BND 124

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

$22.39 BND 28.43

$14.00 BND 17.78

$23.36 BND 29.67

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.5 BND 83.1

$47.10 BND 59.8

$94.3 BND 120

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$37.41 BND 47.51

$11.61 BND 14.74

$46.47 BND 59.0

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$2.78 BND 3.54

Cinema Ticket

$5.57 BND 7.07

$3.98 BND 5.05

$6.36 BND 8.08

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

$160 BND 203

$118 BND 150

$236 BND 300

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$9,384 BND 11.9K

$3,865 BND 4,909

$38.7K BND 49.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$96.8 BND 123

$15.71 BND 19.95

$157 BND 199

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$69.8 BND 88.6

$19.01 BND 24.14

$159 BND 201

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$109 BND 138

$79.3 BND 101

$119 BND 151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$64.9 BND 82.4

$31.46 BND 39.96

$157 BND 200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$716 BND 909

$500 BND 635

$1,000 BND 1,269

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$450 BND 572

$231 BND 294

$617 BND 784

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,318 BND 1,674

$948 BND 1,204

$1,978 BND 2,512

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$806 BND 1,024

$461 BND 585

$1,305 BND 1,657

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,076 BND 3,907

$2,055 BND 2,610

$6,141 BND 7,799

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,310 BND 2,933

$887 BND 1,126

$4,608 BND 5,853

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$1,993 BND 2,532

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.06

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

Bandar Seri Begawan Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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.