Cost of Living in Brunei - Updated Prices & Insights

52.2

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $763 (excluding rent), and $1,333 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,773 (excluding rent), and $2,773 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.29 BND 6.76

$2.36 BND 3.02

$9.45 BND 12.09

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$32.61 BND 41.69

$23.01 BND 29.42

$61.4 BND 78.5

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.3 BND 8.05

$6.22 BND 7.96

$9.45 BND 12.09

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$2 BND 2.56

$1.6 BND 2.05

$4 BND 5.12

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.33 BND 2.97

$1.94 BND 2.48

$3.89 BND 4.97

Cappuccino

$4.13 BND 5.29

$3.15 BND 4.02

$5.11 BND 6.54

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

$1.14 BND 1.45

$0.79 BND 1.01

$1.74 BND 2.23

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.71 BND 0.91

$0.37 BND 0.48

$1.12 BND 1.43

Milk (1 liter)

$2.31 BND 2.95

$1.69 BND 2.17

$3.85 BND 4.93

White Bread (500g)

$2.01 BND 2.57

$1.6 BND 2.05

$3.85 BND 4.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.1 BND 2.68

$1 BND 1.28

$3.82 BND 4.88

Eggs

$2.5 BND 3.2

$1.92 BND 2.46

$3.37 BND 4.31

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.32 BND 19.59

$6.12 BND 7.82

$33.73 BND 43.13

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.34 BND 9.39

$3.94 BND 5.04

$11.84 BND 15.14

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.94 BND 24.22

$9.55 BND 12.21

$31.7 BND 40.54

Apples (1kg)

$3.88 BND 4.96

$2.31 BND 2.95

$6.48 BND 8.28

Banana (1kg)

$3.25 BND 4.16

$1.55 BND 1.98

$7.74 BND 9.9

Oranges (1kg)

$3.78 BND 4.84

$1.6 BND 2.04

$7.99 BND 10.21

Tomato (1kg)

$3.68 BND 4.71

$1.52 BND 1.95

$6.34 BND 8.1

Potato (1kg)

$2.23 BND 2.85

$0.79 BND 1.01

$3.15 BND 4.03

Onion (1kg)

$2.54 BND 3.25

$0.8 BND 1.03

$3.21 BND 4.1

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.75 BND 6.07

$1.18 BND 1.51

$8.53 BND 10.91

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.96 BND 1.22

$0.42 BND 0.54

$1.52 BND 1.95

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$15.53 BND 19.85

$2.33 BND 2.98

$27.17 BND 34.75

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$5.07 BND 6.49

$2.66 BND 3.41

$7.62 BND 9.74

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 BND 1.65

$1.06 BND 1.35

$1.51 BND 1.94

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.5 BND 14.7

$7.67 BND 9.81

$15.33 BND 19.6

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.8 BND 1.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.57 BND 5.84

$3.81 BND 4.87

$5.32 BND 6.8

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.57 BND 3.29

$3.7 BND 4.74

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.8 BND 15.08

$11.79 BND 15.07

$23.57 BND 30.14

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.41 BND 0.52

$0.31 BND 0.4

$0.43 BND 0.55

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

$23.8K BND 30.5K

$39.7K BND 50.8K

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

$30.6K BND 39.1K

$30.4K BND 38.8K

$31.2K BND 39.9K

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

$52.8 BND 67.6

$34.88 BND 44.6

$77.5 BND 99.1

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

$22.21 BND 28.4

$15.66 BND 20.03

$23.52 BND 30.08

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$91.6 BND 117

$54.6 BND 69.9

$187 BND 239

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.88 BND 57.4

$11.81 BND 15.1

$94.4 BND 121

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.82 BND 7.45

Cinema Ticket

$5.59 BND 7.15

$4 BND 5.11

$6.4 BND 8.19

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

$176 BND 225

$119 BND 152

$356 BND 456

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.6K BND 13.6K

$4,679 BND 5,983

$18.7K BND 23.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$84.3 BND 108

$31.6 BND 40.41

$142 BND 182

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$65.9 BND 84.3

$27.46 BND 35.11

$118 BND 151

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 BND 128

$70.2 BND 89.8

$195 BND 249

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$90.9 BND 116

$38.78 BND 49.59

$155 BND 199

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$777 BND 993

$553 BND 707

$948 BND 1,212

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$528 BND 675

$396 BND 506

$634 BND 811

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,329 BND 1,699

$946 BND 1,209

$1,972 BND 2,522

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$880 BND 1,126

$474 BND 606

$1,342 BND 1,716

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,274 BND 4,186

$1,698 BND 2,171

$6,230 BND 7,966

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$3,053 BND 3,904

$1,454 BND 1,860

$4,652 BND 5,949

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,299 BND 2,940

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

4.05

4.8

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

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.