Cost of Living in Kuala Belait - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,657 per month with rent, or $957 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,452 per month with rent, or $1,580 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,247 per month with rent, or $2,202 without housing.

Overall, Kuala Belait is 15–24% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 64% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.67 BND 4.74
$2.31 BND 2.99
$9.26 BND 11.96
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$46.09 BND 59.5
$30.73 BND 39.67
$61.5 BND 79.4
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.89 BND 10.18
$6.42 BND 8.30
$10.46 BND 13.51
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.92 BND 2.48
$1.54 BND 1.98
$3.84 BND 4.96
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.32 BND 3.00
$1.94 BND 2.50
$3.10 BND 4.00
Cappuccino
$4.62 BND 5.96
$3.99 BND 5.15
$6.38 BND 8.23
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.97 BND 1.25
$0.80 BND 1.03
$1.99 BND 2.57
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.61 BND 0.79
$0.40 BND 0.52
$2.02 BND 2.61
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.53 BND 3.27
$1.96 BND 2.54
$4.72 BND 6.09
White Bread (500g)
$2.53 BND 3.27
$1.60 BND 2.07
$4.00 BND 5.17
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.28 BND 2.95
$0.99 BND 1.28
$3.79 BND 4.89
Eggs
$2.58 BND 3.33
$1.83 BND 2.36
$3.19 BND 4.12
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.15 BND 24.73
$11.85 BND 15.31
$34.84 BND 44.98
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.77 BND 12.62
$5.49 BND 7.09
$11.78 BND 15.21
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$24.73 BND 31.93
$14.12 BND 18.23
$72.5 BND 93.7
Apples (1kg)
$4.50 BND 5.82
$3.07 BND 3.96
$7.68 BND 9.92
Banana (1kg)
$2.53 BND 3.27
$1.53 BND 1.98
$7.67 BND 9.90
Oranges (1kg)
$3.19 BND 4.11
$1.59 BND 2.06
$7.98 BND 10.30
Tomato (1kg)
$2.78 BND 3.59
$1.54 BND 1.99
$7.73 BND 9.97
Potato (1kg)
$1.65 BND 2.13
$0.77 BND 0.99
$3.86 BND 4.98
Onion (1kg)
$2.23 BND 2.88
$0.79 BND 1.03
$3.98 BND 5.14
Lettuce (1 head)
$5.55 BND 7.17
$3.10 BND 4.00
$12.24 BND 15.81
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.76 BND 0.98
$0.38 BND 0.48
$2.25 BND 2.91
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$11.44 BND 14.77
$7.63 BND 9.85
$15.25 BND 19.70
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.98 BND 7.73
$3.99 BND 5.15
$7.99 BND 10.31
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.59 BND 2.05
$1.59 BND 2.05
$1.59 BND 2.05
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.01 BND 10.34
$8.01 BND 10.34
$8.01 BND 10.34
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.72 BND 6.09
$3.94 BND 5.08
$5.50 BND 7.10
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.62 BND 15.01
$11.61 BND 14.99
$23.23 BND 29.99
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.36 BND 0.46
$0.28 BND 0.36
$0.40 BND 0.51
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.9K BND 29.6K
$14.2K BND 18.4K
$39.8K BND 51.4K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.1K BND 35.0K
$27.1K BND 35.0K
$30.9K BND 39.9K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$38.63 BND 49.87
$34.74 BND 44.85
$98.4 BND 127
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.89 BND 28.26
$14.32 BND 18.49
$23.89 BND 30.84
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.4 BND 83.2
$46.34 BND 59.8
$193 BND 249
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$97.6 BND 126
$39.01 BND 50.4
$195 BND 252
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$21.79 BND 28.13
$15.85 BND 20.46
$27.73 BND 35.80
Cinema Ticket
$5.57 BND 7.20
$3.98 BND 5.14
$6.38 BND 8.24
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$155 BND 201
$115 BND 149
$346 BND 446
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,500 BND 12.3K
$3,981 BND 5,139
$39.9K BND 51.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$98.4 BND 127
$70.0 BND 90.4
$140 BND 181
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$103 BND 133
$31.81 BND 41.08
$119 BND 154
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$121 BND 157
$69.6 BND 89.8
$201 BND 259
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$63.5 BND 82.0
$30.79 BND 39.76
$192 BND 248
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$742 BND 958
$547 BND 706
$937 BND 1,210
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$794 BND 1,025
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,178 BND 1,521
$942 BND 1,217
$1,413 BND 1,825
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,167 BND 1,507
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,320 BND 4,286
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.06
3
5

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

Last update: July 12, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $742, dropping to $794 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 22% of the average salary ($3,320) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,320 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,657. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,486.

Groceries cost around $356 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $46.00 – above the Asian average of $35.00.

Cost Highlights

Milk is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Gasoline is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is more expensive than 98% of cities in Asia

Kuala Belait Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Kuala Belait - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living in Kuala Belait, Brunei compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking a balanced lifestyle?
Cost of Living in Kuala Belait, Brunei offers a balanced mix of value and comfort for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who prefer a quieter base with reliable amenities. You’ll find groceries and everyday services that feel approachable, with more predictable pricing than large regional capitals. Housing options range from practical apartments near the riverfront to newer developments with good security, often offering reasonable rents for the space and location. Utilities and internet tend to be dependable, helping you budget with less fluctuation. Local markets, cafes, and community recreation keep costs down without sacrificing quality. Tip: start with a short-term stay to feel out neighborhoods before committing long-term.
What does daily life look like when searching for housing, choosing food options, getting around, and handling errands in Kuala Belait, Brunei?
Daily life in Kuala Belait, Brunei revolves around planning and practicality. When you search for housing, a mix of online listings and local agents helps you compare neighborhoods like town cores and quieter estates, then visit at different times of day to gauge noise and convenience. Food options range from bustling markets with fresh produce to international spots and home cooking to control costs. For getting around, car ownership is common, though you’ll find taxis and limited public routes; easy drives unlock beaches and nature trails. Co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi‑Fi support remote work. Kuala Belait, Brunei living cost can guide your monthly plan. Tip: Start with one or two neighborhoods, and keep a flexible schedule to chase seasonal fresh produce.
What are practical budgeting frameworks and neighborhood-fit ideas to maximize quality of life in Kuala Belait, Brunei?
In terms of quality of life, you can balance comfort with flexibility by framing a simple budget: predictable housing, predictable utilities, and discretionary spending aligned with your pace of life. Use a lightweight framework like a three-pile plan – essential, lifestyle, and save – adjusting as you explore neighborhoods such as the riverfront, downtown, or inland estates. Seasonality matters more for outdoor plans than for price swings, so plan outdoor activities around the tropical climate and occasional rain. Neighborhood fit comes from ease of access to markets, cafes, and coworking, plus a sense of community. Tip: build a short-term test stay in a couple areas to compare vibe and amenities.
Is rent in Kuala Belait too high relative to local incomes?
Housing in Kuala Belait takes a heavy bite – about 22% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What are typical monthly expenses for a single person in Kuala Belait?
All in, Kuala Belait runs about $1,657 monthly with rent, or $957 without it. These numbers assume a moderate lifestyle – comfortable but not lavish. Choosing a cheaper neighborhood and cooking at home are the easiest ways to spend less.
What income do you need to cover all expenses in Kuala Belait?
You'll want at least $2,486 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Kuala Belait. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in Kuala Belait?
A central one-bedroom apartment in Kuala Belait runs about $742 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $794. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
What should I budget for groceries in Kuala Belait?
Grocery spending in Kuala Belait lands around $356 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
Is food shopping expensive in Kuala Belait?
Groceries in Kuala Belait run about $356 monthly for one person – a moderate figure that matches the city's overall cost level. Local markets and supermarkets cover most needs, and food costs are manageable without strict budgeting.
Does $3,000 cover living expenses in Kuala Belait?
$3,000 is below the $1,657 average in Kuala Belait, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
What are the pros and cons of living in Kuala Belait?
Quality of life in Kuala Belait is genuinely good – highlights include low crime rates, clean air, coastal lifestyle, and monthly costs hover around $1,657. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is Kuala Belait affordable for the average person?
Kuala Belait is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,657, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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