Cost of Living in Brunei Darussalam in 2025

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to live in Brunei Darussalam? Perhaps you are considering moving there or are simply curious after hearing about the luxurious lifestyle and advanced facilities in this small country. Brunei is indeed known for its wealth and high standard of living, but how much do you actually need to prepare to live comfortably there?

In this article, we will dive into the various costs you will face if you decide to live in Brunei. From housing rent, food costs, to daily expenses, everything will be covered in detail. So, if you're wondering if Brunei fits within your budget, keep reading for the complete information!

Living Costs in Brunei Darussalam

Despite being small, Brunei Darussalam offers a high quality of life. The cost of living here may be higher than its neighboring countries, but the facilities and standard of living provided are equally exceptional.

With a good healthcare system and adequate infrastructure, you can enjoy a comfortable life. However, it is important to understand the breakdown of expenses to plan your budget effectively.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Brunei Darussalam?

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Brunei Darussalam is relatively high, but the quality of life is equally excellent. These costs include various aspects such as housing, food, transportation, and more. Knowing these costs will help you plan your monthly budget and decide if Brunei is the right place for you.

Cost of Living in Brunei Darussalam for Workers

For workers living in Brunei, the cost of living can vary depending on the type of job and accommodation. Typically, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Brunei Darussalam ranges from BND 800 to BND 1,200 per month.

Food and beverages can cost around BND 300 to BND 500 per month. If you use public transportation, the monthly transport costs are approximately BND 50 to BND 100. These are estimated costs to consider in order to keep your monthly budget on track.

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Cost of Living in Brunei Darussalam for Families

For families, the cost of living is of course higher. Renting a three-bedroom house in Brunei ranges from BND 1,500 to BND 2,500 per month. Food and beverages for a family can reach BND 700 to BND 1,000 per month.

For transportation, the monthly cost may range from BND 100 to BND 200, depending on how often you travel. Understanding these costs will help you plan your family's budget more effectively.

Cost of Living in Brunei Darussalam for Students

Students in Brunei typically have different living costs compared to workers or families. Renting a student room can range from BND 400 to BND 600 per month. Food and beverages may cost around BND 200 to BND 300 per month, depending on eating habits.

If using public transportation, the monthly cost is around BND 30 to BND 50. By understanding these breakdowns, students can manage their budgets more efficiently.

Cost of Living in Brunei Darussalam Per Day

If you're curious about the daily living costs in Brunei, here are the estimated expenses: For food, you may spend around BND 15 to BND 30 per day. Public transportation costs range from BND 5 to BND 10 per day.

Insurance costs range from BND 5 to BND 10 per day, depending on the type of insurance you have. Additionally, miscellaneous expenses for extra needs could reach BND 10 to BND 20 per day. This is a general overview to help you plan your daily expenses.

Everyday Living Costs

The cost of living in Brunei Darussalam tends to be higher compared to some Southeast Asian countries, mainly due to its high standard of living and large per capita income. Below is a breakdown of daily costs in Brunei:

1. Food Costs

Eating Out:

1. Simple local restaurants: A meal at a local restaurant typically costs between BND 4 and BND 10. Common dishes include nasi lemak, nasi ayam, or fried noodles.
2. Mid-range restaurants: A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant could cost between BND 30 and BND 60, depending on the type of restaurant and menu selected.
3. Fast food restaurants: A meal at fast food chains like McDonald's or KFC usually costs between BND 7 and BND 10.

Grocery Shopping (Supermarkets):

1. Eggs (12 pieces): BND 2.80 – BND 3.20
2. Milk (1 liter): BND 2.50 – BND 3.00
3. Rice (1 kg): BND 2.00 – BND 2.50
4. Chicken (1 kg): BND 5.00 – BND 6.00
5. Fruit (bananas, 1 kg): BND 2.00 – BND 3.50
6. Vegetables (1 kg): BND 1.50 – BND 3.00 (depending on the type of vegetable)

Eating out tends to be more expensive than cooking at home, but imported groceries are also more expensive compared to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

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2. Transportation Costs

1. Public transport: Brunei does not have an extensive public transport network. There are buses serving certain routes at a cost of BND 1 per trip, but this is less popular due to limited schedules.
2. Taxis: Taxis are rarely seen on the streets and are usually used by booking. The base fare for a short trip is around BND 3 to BND 4, with an additional charge of BND 0.50 to BND 1 per kilometer. However, most locals prefer private vehicles.
3. Private vehicles: Cars are the main mode of transport in Brunei. Fuel prices are relatively low, at around BND 0.53 per liter for gasoline (RON 97). Additional vehicle ownership costs include road taxes, which range from BND 50 to BND 100 per year, depending on the engine size.

3. Insurance Costs

1. Health insurance: Brunei citizens receive free healthcare services from the government. However, expatriates and foreign workers require private health insurance. Private health insurance premiums range from BND 50 to BND 200 per month, depending on the coverage (inpatient, outpatient, specialists, etc.).
2. Vehicle insurance: The cost of vehicle insurance depends on the type and value of the vehicle. For private vehicles, annual premiums range from BND 300 to BND 600. More comprehensive coverage options will obviously cost more.

4. Other costs

1. Apartment rent: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around BND 800 to BND 1,200 per month, while outside the city center it ranges from BND 500 to BND 800.
2. Utilities (electricity, water, and internet): Basic utility bills (electricity, water, trash) are typically between BND 150 and BND 250 per month, depending on usage. High-speed internet costs around BND 50 to BND 100 per month.
3. Entertainment costs: Watching a movie at the cinema costs around BND 10 to BND 12 per ticket, while gym memberships typically range from BND 50 to BND 100 per month.

Read Also: List of Currency Names in Asian Countries with Their Exchange Rates

Tips for Saving on Living Costs in Brunei Darussalam

While living costs in Brunei Darussalam can be high, there are several ways to save on expenses. First, shopping at local markets can help you get lower prices compared to supermarkets. Second, using public transportation is more economical than owning a private car.

Lastly, be mindful of your electricity and water bills to avoid unnecessary waste. By following these tips, you can better manage your budget in Brunei.Kota-Kota Termurah di Brunei Darussalam

If you're looking for more affordable living options in Brunei, some cities may be a better choice. Kota Baru is one such place known for having lower living costs compared to the capital city. Kuala Belait is also recognized as a city with more affordable living expenses. Choosing these cities can help reduce your monthly expenditures.

So, are you interested and planning to move to Brunei Darussalam? Make sure to prepare all the necessary things now, including a money transfer app for your family and friends there. With Easylink, you can send money abroad safely, easily, and quickly.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Easylink now and ensure your financial needs are secure and met!