Bandar Seri Begawan Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
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: July 2026
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. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Bandar Seri Begawan costs around $400/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $650/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $1,500/month. The rent index for Bandar Seri Begawan is 40 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Bandar Seri Begawan play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Bandar Seri Begawan are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 55/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
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, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
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.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Bandar Seri Begawan.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Bandar Seri Begawan should weigh the 48 cost index against the 68/100 quality of life score and 80/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Bandar Seri Begawan fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Bandar Seri Begawan
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $400 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $650 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $1,500 |
| Average Net Salary | $1,800 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $1,500 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Bandar Seri Begawan
Families relocating to Bandar Seri Begawan typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $1,500/month, and with a healthcare index of 72/100 and safety index of 80/100, Bandar Seri Begawan is generally considered a solid option for raising children. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $1,500/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Bandar Seri Begawan
Students in Bandar Seri Begawan generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 48 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 40, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $1,500 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $400/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan is $1,500 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $400for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 68/100 for quality of life and 80/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Bandar Seri Begawan
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 48, NYC = 100)
- Strong safety rating (80/100)
- Good healthcare access and quality (72/100)
- Solid purchasing power for residents (72/100)
Cons
- Traffic and commute can be a challenge (55/100)
- Climate scores lower (52/100) — check seasonal conditions
How does Bandar Seri Begawan compare to other countries?
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 countries 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 or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bandar Seri Begawan
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). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $400/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $650/month.
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 places 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. Located in Asia, it offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Bandar Seri Begawan?
The average net salary in Bandar Seri Begawan is approximately $1,800/month, with a purchasing power index of 72/100.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Bandar Seri Begawan has a cost index of 48 and a quality of life score of 68/100, making it an attractive option for remote workers looking for a strong balance of affordability and livability. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Check the individual city pages for Bandar Seri Begawan to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Bandar Seri Begawan with any city or country 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 at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare