Cost of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Brunei · Asia
$1,500
Monthly Cost
avg/person
48
Cost Index
NYC=100
40
Rent Index
NYC=100
68
Quality of Life
Good
80
Safety Index
Excellent
0.1M
Population
BND
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $4 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $18 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $0 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $0 |
| Cappuccino | $3 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $1 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.5 |
| Bread (500g) | $1 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1 |
| Eggs (12) | $2.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $9 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.6 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $20 |
| Taxi 1km | $1 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.4 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $40000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $30000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $60 |
| Mobile Plan | $18 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $35 |
| Fitness Club/month | $45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $650/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $400/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $900/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,500/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1800 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 5.5% |
Cost of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48, making it around 52% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Bandar Seri Begawan costs around $400/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $650/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,500/month. The rent index is 40 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Bandar Seri Begawan scores 68/100 on the quality of life index and 80/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 72/100. The climate index is 52/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Bandar Seri Begawan is approximately $1,800/month. With a purchasing power index of 72/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is BND, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Bandar Seri Begawan
The average monthly salary in Bandar Seri Begawan is approximately $1,800. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $1,500, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 72/100.
Healthcare Costs in Bandar Seri Begawan
Healthcare quality in Bandar Seri Begawan is rated 72/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan has a quality of life score of 68/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Bandar Seri Begawan
Students living in Bandar Seri Begawan should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Bandar Seri Begawan
Expats moving to Bandar Seri Begawan often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 48 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Bandar Seri Begawan
Living in Bandar Seri Begawan offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 48 and a quality of life score of 68/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,800 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Bandar Seri Begawan provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Brunei and around the world.
Key Facts About Bandar Seri Begawan
- Average Monthly Cost: $1,500
- Cost Index: 48
- Rent Index: 40
- Average Salary: $1,800
- Quality of Life: 68/100
- Safety Score: 80/100
- Country: Brunei
- Currency: BND
Is Bandar Seri Begawan Expensive?
Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Bandar Seri Begawan compare to other cities?
Bandar Seri Begawan is located in Asia with a population of approximately 0.1M. At a cost index of 48 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Bandar Seri Begawan stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan?
The average cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei is approximately $1,500 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 48 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Rent in Bandar Seri Begawan varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 40 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Bandar Seri Begawan alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan expensive to live in?
Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48 compared to New York City (100). At 48, Bandar Seri Begawan is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $1,500.
What is the quality of life in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Bandar Seri Begawan has a quality of life index of 68/100 and a safety index of 80/100. The city is located in Asia and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bandar Seri Begawan with any city worldwide. Bandar Seri Begawan's cost index is 48 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Many residents live comfortably in Bandar Seri Begawan with a monthly budget of around $1,500 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan good for expats?
Bandar Seri Begawan is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Bandar Seri Begawan?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $1,500 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan cheaper than New York?
Yes, Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Bandar Seri Begawan
Cheapest Ways to Live in Bandar Seri Begawan
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Bandar Seri Begawan typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $400/month compared to $650/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 72/100 and a quality of life score of 68/100, Bandar Seri Begawan is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 48 relative to New York City, Bandar Seri Begawan remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Brunei has to offer against other destinations in Asia.
Bandar Seri Begawan Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan", "Bandar Seri Begawan monthly expenses 2026", and "is Bandar Seri Begawan affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $1,500, a safety score of 80/100, and healthcare rated 72/100, Bandar Seri Begawan offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Brunei.
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