Cost of Living in Brunei: Detailed Breakdown (2026)
Understanding the true cost of living before you move is essential for financial planning. This detailed breakdown covers every major expense category in Brunei for 2026, using real data from official sources and cost surveys.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €650 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €1,100 | For families |
| Groceries | €250 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €45 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €120 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €8 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €1,129 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €2,375/month |
| Minimum Wage | €1,150/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €1,725/month |
With an average salary of €2,375 and rent of €650, approximately 27% of income goes to housing.
Considering Brunei? Our decision engine scores your profile against real visa rules, salary data, and cost of living. Get Your Free Verdict →
Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €29,500 | €42,000 | €59,000 |
| Retail | €11,000 | €16,000 | €22,500 |
| Finance | €28,000 | €40,000 | €56,000 |
| Education | €19,500 | €28,000 | €39,000 |
| Healthcare | €24,500 | €35,000 | €49,000 |
| Engineering | €26,500 | €38,000 | €53,000 |
| Hospitality | €12,500 | €18,000 | €25,000 |
| Construction | €18,000 | €26,000 | €36,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunei expensive compared to other countries?
Brunei cost comparison depends on your home country. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
How much are utilities in Brunei?
Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment cost approximately €120. Internet typically adds another €20-50/month. In colder climates, heating can significantly increase winter bills.
How does inflation affect costs in Brunei?
Prices in Brunei are subject to inflation like anywhere else. The data shown reflects 2026 estimates. Food and energy costs can be particularly volatile. Budget a 5-10% buffer above estimated costs to account for price increases during your stay.
What is the cost of living in Brunei in 2026?
A single person in Brunei needs approximately €1,129/month for a comfortable lifestyle, including rent (€650), groceries (€250), transport (€45), and utilities (€120).
How does purchasing power compare in Brunei?
Purchasing power data is not available. This factors in both incomes and costs.
Planning to move to Brunei?
Get your personalised emigration verdict covering visa eligibility, cost of living, and career prospects across 200+ countries.
Get Your Free Verdict