Cost of Living in Brunei - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Brunei
Address: BN

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $783 (excluding rent), and $1,364 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,768 (excluding rent), and $2,676 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.37 BND 6.96

$2.4 BND 3.11

$9.6 BND 12.44

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$33.02 BND 42.8

$23.3 BND 30.2

$62.2 BND 80.6

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.34 BND 8.22

$6.27 BND 8.13

$9.53 BND 12.35

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.93 BND 2.51

$1.55 BND 2

$3.87 BND 5.01

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.3 BND 2.98

$1.92 BND 2.49

$3.85 BND 4.99

Cappuccino

$4.05 BND 5.25

$3.08 BND 4

$5.01 BND 6.49

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

$1.13 BND 1.47

$0.79 BND 1.02

$1.74 BND 2.25

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.73 BND 0.95

$0.38 BND 0.49

$1.14 BND 1.48

Milk (1 liter)

$2.41 BND 3.12

$1.77 BND 2.29

$4.02 BND 5.21

White Bread (500g)

$1.93 BND 2.5

$1.53 BND 1.99

$3.69 BND 4.78

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2 BND 2.6

$0.95 BND 1.23

$3.65 BND 4.73

Eggs

$2.4 BND 3.11

$1.85 BND 2.39

$3.24 BND 4.2

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.52 BND 20.11

$6.2 BND 8.03

$34.16 BND 44.28

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.17 BND 9.29

$3.85 BND 4.99

$11.56 BND 14.98

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.25 BND 23.65

$9.2 BND 11.93

$30.55 BND 39.59

Apples (1kg)

$4 BND 5.18

$2.38 BND 3.09

$6.68 BND 8.65

Banana (1kg)

$3.31 BND 4.3

$1.58 BND 2.04

$7.89 BND 10.23

Oranges (1kg)

$3.64 BND 4.72

$1.53 BND 1.99

$7.68 BND 9.95

Tomato (1kg)

$3.75 BND 4.86

$1.55 BND 2.01

$6.46 BND 8.37

Potato (1kg)

$2.18 BND 2.82

$0.77 BND 1

$3.08 BND 3.99

Onion (1kg)

$2.51 BND 3.26

$0.79 BND 1.03

$3.17 BND 4.11

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.72 BND 6.12

$1.17 BND 1.52

$8.48 BND 10.98

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.95 BND 1.24

$0.42 BND 0.54

$1.52 BND 1.97

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$11.52 BND 14.94

$2.3 BND 2.98

$23.06 BND 29.88

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$5.26 BND 6.81

$2.76 BND 3.58

$7.9 BND 10.23

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32 BND 1.71

$1.08 BND 1.4

$1.55 BND 2.01

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.76 BND 15.24

$7.84 BND 10.16

$15.67 BND 20.31

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.81 BND 1.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.6 BND 5.97

$3.84 BND 4.97

$5.36 BND 6.94

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.61 BND 3.39

$3.76 BND 4.88

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.62 BND 15.07

$11.61 BND 15.05

$23.23 BND 30.11

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.41 BND 0.53

$0.31 BND 0.4

$0.43 BND 0.55

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

$23.5K BND 30.5K

$39.2K BND 50.8K

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

$30.1K BND 39K

$29.9K BND 38.7K

$30.7K BND 39.7K

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

$53.3 BND 69

$35.16 BND 45.57

$78.1 BND 101

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

$22.38 BND 29

$15.78 BND 20.46

$23.7 BND 30.72

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$90.2 BND 117

$53.7 BND 69.7

$184 BND 238

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.64 BND 56.6

$11.48 BND 14.88

$91.8 BND 119

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.84 BND 7.57

Cinema Ticket

$5.6 BND 7.26

$4 BND 5.18

$6.41 BND 8.31

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

$171 BND 222

$116 BND 150

$347 BND 450

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.5K BND 13.7K

$4,631 BND 6,002

$18.5K BND 24K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$82.4 BND 107

$30.89 BND 40.03

$139 BND 180

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$64.5 BND 83.5

$26.84 BND 34.78

$115 BND 149

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$102 BND 132

$71.5 BND 92.6

$198 BND 257

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$90.2 BND 117

$38.48 BND 49.87

$154 BND 200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$756 BND 980

$538 BND 697

$922 BND 1,195

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$521 BND 676

$391 BND 507

$626 BND 811

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,297 BND 1,680

$922 BND 1,196

$1,924 BND 2,494

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$865 BND 1,121

$465 BND 603

$1,318 BND 1,709

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,973 BND 2,557

$1,830 BND 2,372

$6,024 BND 7,807

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,273 BND 2,946

$867 BND 1,124

$4,553 BND 5,901

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,330 BND 3,020

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.05

4.8

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

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

Cost of Living in Brunei - Frequently Asked Questions

Brunei offers a practical balance of reliable services, safety, and comfortable living that appeals to travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking stability. You may find local essentials and daily services affordable when you shop at markets or choose modest accommodations, while imported goods or premium brands can push costs higher. Cost of Living in Brunei is shaped by subsidies and modern amenities, which can make longer stays worthwhile if you align housing and transport with local options. Neighborhoods with strong expat networks and good transit often deliver the smoothest day-to-day rhythm. Tip: start your housing search near transit hubs and community facilities to maximize value.

Brunei living cost can vary by area, but the urban core tends to be predictable and convenient for daily routines. Housing search favors longer leases in modern flats or serviced apartments, with utilities often included or clearly outlined in the contract. Food options range from busy local markets to international eateries; groceries suit those who enjoy fresh produce and staple items. Transport is practical in the city, with taxis, ride-sharing, and some bus routes that keep errands manageable. Co-working spaces cluster near business districts, offering day passes or short-term memberships. Tip: map your commonly used errands and transit routes to minimize back-and-forth during busy days.

Quality of life in Brunei blends reliable public services, green spaces, and a calm pace that suits many long stays. Build a simple budgeting framework: secure stable housing first, then estimate groceries and utilities, and leave room for transport and occasional leisure. Neighborhood fit matters; look for areas with walkable streets, parks, and quick access to shops, cafes, or coworking hubs. Seasonality affects outdoor plans more than prices, so plan activities around heat, rain, and long daylight months. Practical tips: join local expat groups to learn shortcuts, test a few neighborhoods on weekend strolls, and keep a short list of preferred routes. Tip: try a short-term stay in several areas before committing to a long lease.