Last update: Oct 2026 Brunei 31.2K

Cost of Living in Kuala Belait

For one person, living costs in Kuala Belait are estimated at $1,723 a month, including rent and utilities – 27% above the national average. Rent and utilities take about half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Kuala Belait

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Kuala Belait actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $1,723 per month with rent, or $904 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,723 /mo

A couple spends around $2,576 per month with rent, or $1,553 for everyday expenses alone.

$2,576 /mo

A family of three spends around $3,429 per month with rent, or $2,201 without housing.

$3,429 /mo

Overall, Kuala Belait is 21–28% above the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 63% above average – among the most expensive in the region.

Currency
Do you live in Kuala Belait? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.88 BND 10.08
$3.15 BND 4.03
$9.45 BND 12.09
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$46.73 BND 59.8
$31.17 BND 39.88
$62.3 BND 79.7
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.72 BND 9.87
$6.30 BND 8.06
$10.24 BND 13.10
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.96 BND 2.51
$1.57 BND 2.01
$3.92 BND 5.02
Imported Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.31 BND 2.96
$1.93 BND 2.47
$3.09 BND 3.95
Cappuccino
$4.46 BND 5.70
$3.84 BND 4.92
$6.16 BND 7.88
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 BND 1.20
$0.79 BND 1.02
$1.98 BND 2.54
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53 BND 0.68
$0.40 BND 0.51
$1.99 BND 2.55
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.88 BND 2.41
$1.58 BND 2.02
$4.75 BND 6.07
White Bread (500g)
$2.50 BND 3.20
$1.58 BND 2.02
$3.95 BND 5.06
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.27 BND 2.91
$0.98 BND 1.26
$3.77 BND 4.82
Eggs
$2.60 BND 3.33
$1.84 BND 2.35
$3.22 BND 4.12
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.10 BND 24.44
$11.83 BND 15.13
$34.78 BND 44.49
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.78 BND 12.51
$5.50 BND 7.04
$11.78 BND 15.07
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$24.84 BND 31.79
$14.17 BND 18.12
$72.9 BND 93.3
Apples (1kg)
$4.83 BND 6.18
$3.18 BND 4.07
$7.96 BND 10.19
Banana (1kg)
$2.22 BND 2.83
$1.58 BND 2.02
$7.90 BND 10.11
Oranges (1kg)
$4.92 BND 6.29
$2.98 BND 3.81
$7.84 BND 10.03
Tomato (1kg)
$2.58 BND 3.30
$1.59 BND 2.03
$7.94 BND 10.15
Potato (1kg)
$1.67 BND 2.13
$0.77 BND 0.98
$3.83 BND 4.90
Onion (1kg)
$2.87 BND 3.67
$1.58 BND 2.02
$3.95 BND 5.05
Lettuce (1 head)
$5.47 BND 7.00
$3.05 BND 3.90
$12.07 BND 15.44
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.92 BND 1.17
$0.41 BND 0.52
$2.44 BND 3.12
Bottle of Non-Alcoholic Wine (Mid-Range)
$11.69 BND 14.96
$7.80 BND 9.97
$15.59 BND 19.95
Local Non-Alcoholic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$5.80 BND 7.42
$3.86 BND 4.94
$7.73 BND 9.89
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$7.72 BND 9.88
$7.72 BND 9.88
$7.72 BND 9.88
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.01 BND 5.13
$2.41 BND 3.08
$4.81 BND 6.16
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$3.33 BND 4.26
$2.74 BND 3.50
$3.91 BND 5.01
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$11.53 BND 14.75
$11.53 BND 14.75
$11.53 BND 14.75
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.36 BND 0.46
$0.29 BND 0.37
$0.39 BND 0.50
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30.7K BND 39.3K
$30.7K BND 39.3K
$46.1K BND 59.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$27.2K BND 34.8K
$27.2K BND 34.8K
$36.3K BND 46.4K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$39.35 BND 50.4
$39.33 BND 50.3
$100 BND 128
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$21.71 BND 27.77
$14.21 BND 18.19
$31.56 BND 40.38
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$65.4 BND 83.6
$47.08 BND 60.2
$196 BND 251
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$99.2 BND 127
$39.68 BND 50.8
$198 BND 254
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$26.92 BND 34.44
-
Cinema Ticket
$5.56 BND 7.12
$3.97 BND 5.08
$6.37 BND 8.15
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$214 BND 274
$116 BND 148
$386 BND 494
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$9,168 BND 11.7K
$3,841 BND 4,915
$38.4K BND 49.1K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$75.8 BND 96.9
$15.54 BND 19.88
$155 BND 199
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$103 BND 132
$70.9 BND 90.7
$119 BND 153
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$154 BND 197
$77.9 BND 99.7
$203 BND 259
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$73.6 BND 94.2
$39.80 BND 50.9
$199 BND 255
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$751 BND 961
$554 BND 708
$949 BND 1,214
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$780 BND 998
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,187 BND 1,518
$950 BND 1,215
$1,424 BND 1,822
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,188 BND 1,520
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,363 BND 4,302
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
3.88
3
5

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

Last update: October 13, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Kuala Belait $1,723
Accommodation & Living
$780
Groceries & Markets
$358
Clothing & Footwear
$183
Eating Out
$146
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$126
Sport & Entertainment
$110
Getting Around
$21 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $751, dropping to $780 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 22% of the average salary ($3,363) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $3,363 – comfortably above monthly costs of $1,723. Most workers can save and live well. A comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,585.

Groceries cost around $358 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $47.00 – above the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

Taxi is more expensive than 99% of cities in Asia

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

Average monthly net salary is higher than 96% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
08:19 8:19 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
31,178
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to BND – Brunei Dollar Converter

Brunei Dollar exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 USD = 1.28 BND (1 BND = 0.782 USD). 1 EUR = 1.44 BND (1 BND = 0.695 EUR).

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Kuala Belait Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 $1,723 monthly with rent, or $904 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 $2,585 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 $751 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $780. 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 $358 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 $358 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 $1,723 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 $1,723. 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 $1,723, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.

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