Cost of Living in Brunei - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: Brunei
Address: BN

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $781 (excluding rent), and $1,356 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,805 (excluding rent), and $2,760 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.19 BND 6.69

$2.32 BND 2.99

$9.28 BND 11.97

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$33.42 BND 43.11

$23.58 BND 30.42

$62.9 BND 81.2

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$6.14 BND 7.92

$6.07 BND 7.83

$9.22 BND 11.90

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.99 BND 2.56

$1.59 BND 2.05

$3.97 BND 5.13

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.32 BND 3.00

$1.94 BND 2.50

$3.88 BND 5.01

Cappuccino

$4.20 BND 5.42

$3.20 BND 4.12

$5.20 BND 6.70

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

$1.14 BND 1.46

$0.79 BND 1.02

$1.74 BND 2.25

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.76 BND 0.98

$0.40 BND 0.51

$1.19 BND 1.53

Milk (1 liter)

$2.41 BND 3.10

$1.77 BND 2.28

$4.02 BND 5.18

White Bread (500g)

$1.99 BND 2.57

$1.59 BND 2.05

$3.81 BND 4.92

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.11 BND 2.73

$1.01 BND 1.30

$3.85 BND 4.96

Eggs

$2.39 BND 3.08

$1.84 BND 2.37

$3.22 BND 4.15

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.74 BND 20.31

$6.28 BND 8.11

$34.65 BND 44.70

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.14 BND 9.22

$3.83 BND 4.94

$11.52 BND 14.86

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$18.74 BND 24.18

$9.45 BND 12.19

$31.37 BND 40.47

Apples (1kg)

$3.95 BND 5.09

$2.35 BND 3.03

$6.59 BND 8.50

Banana (1kg)

$3.26 BND 4.20

$1.55 BND 2.00

$7.76 BND 10.01

Oranges (1kg)

$3.60 BND 4.65

$1.52 BND 1.96

$7.61 BND 9.81

Tomato (1kg)

$3.81 BND 4.91

$1.58 BND 2.03

$6.56 BND 8.46

Potato (1kg)

$2.26 BND 2.91

$0.80 BND 1.03

$3.19 BND 4.12

Onion (1kg)

$2.42 BND 3.12

$0.76 BND 0.98

$3.05 BND 3.94

Lettuce (1 head)

$4.61 BND 5.95

$1.15 BND 1.48

$8.28 BND 10.69

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.99 BND 1.28

$0.44 BND 0.56

$1.58 BND 2.04

Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)

$11.60 BND 14.96

$2.32 BND 2.99

$23.19 BND 29.92

Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$5.23 BND 6.74

$2.74 BND 3.54

$7.85 BND 10.13

Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.32 BND 1.70

$1.08 BND 1.39

$1.54 BND 1.99

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.90 BND 15.35

$7.94 BND 10.24

$15.86 BND 20.46

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.81 BND 1.05

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.63 BND 5.97

$3.86 BND 4.98

$5.39 BND 6.95

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.65 BND 3.42

$3.81 BND 4.92

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$11.57 BND 14.92

$11.56 BND 14.91

$23.11 BND 29.81

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.37 BND 0.48

$0.29 BND 0.37

$0.39 BND 0.51

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

$23.2K BND 30.0K

$23.2K BND 29.9K

$38.7K BND 49.9K

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

$31.2K BND 40.3K

$31.0K BND 40.0K

$31.8K BND 41.0K

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

$52.6 BND 67.8

$34.71 BND 44.78

$77.1 BND 99.5

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

$22.40 BND 28.89

$15.80 BND 20.38

$23.72 BND 30.60

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$92.0 BND 119

$54.8 BND 70.7

$187 BND 242

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$44.94 BND 58.0

$11.82 BND 15.25

$94.6 BND 122

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$5.85 BND 7.55

Cinema Ticket

$5.35 BND 6.90

$3.82 BND 4.93

$6.13 BND 7.90

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

$174 BND 224

$117 BND 151

$353 BND 455

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$10.7K BND 13.9K

$4,722 BND 6,092

$18.9K BND 24.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$82.1 BND 106

$30.78 BND 39.71

$139 BND 179

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$64.4 BND 83.0

$26.80 BND 34.58

$115 BND 148

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$100 BND 129

$70.2 BND 90.5

$195 BND 251

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$92.2 BND 119

$39.33 BND 50.7

$157 BND 203

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$781 BND 1,008

$556 BND 717

$953 BND 1,229

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$521 BND 672

$391 BND 504

$626 BND 807

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,324 BND 1,708

$942 BND 1,215

$1,965 BND 2,535

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$854 BND 1,102

$460 BND 593

$1,302 BND 1,680

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,974 BND 2,546

$1,832 BND 2,364

$6,030 BND 7,779

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,351 BND 3,033

$898 BND 1,159

$4,704 BND 6,068

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,274 BND 2,933

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: January 10, 2026

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.