MigrantoCost of living in Brunei
Average monthly spending, by standard of living and against other countries
Monthly cost
BND 899
what a typical person spends
Spending by standard of living
BND 384richest 20%
BND 2,300
Brunei is a small, oil-rich sultanate, and that wealth quietly shapes the cost of living. Energy money pays for generous subsidies and keeps fuel and some essentials cheap, yet the overall standard of living still runs on the expensive side — imported goods and a comfortable, car-dependent way of life see to that. The distance between comfortable and modest is moderate; the oil cushions the bottom as much as it lifts the top.
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Brunei
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Brunei and how much you could have left each month
- What your lifestyle costs
- How much could be left each month
- How it compares with today
Cost of living in Brunei
BND 384/mo
vs BND 1,030 in your country
Take-home
BND 627
vs BND 1,540 in your country
Potential savings
BND 243
more than in your country
Standard of living
Under a minute, no sign-up
How living costs in Brunei compare
Measured against the world, Brunei ranks above most countries, and within Asia it counts among the pricier places to live. The reason isn't a booming, costly economy so much as a small one floating on oil, where wealth and imports together push everyday prices up. For someone deciding, it's quietly expensive — comfortable, well-provided, and dearer than its sleepy reputation suggests.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank, regional estimate), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
Ask Migo
Tap a question — our AI assistant answers it in chat
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Brunei?
A typical person in Brunei spends about BND 899 a month — around BND 10,800 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the cost of living in Brunei in US dollars?
The cost of living in Brunei is about $700 a month, or roughly $8,400 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Brunei?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about BND 384 a month per person, a typical one around BND 899, and a comfortable life around BND 1,270. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Brunei enough to live on?
Yes, with room to spare. Average spending is about BND 899 a month, while the average take-home pay in Brunei is about BND 1,500. For more on incomes, see salaries in Brunei.
Is Brunei an expensive country to live in?
Somewhat. Brunei is more expensive than 65% of countries worldwide and ranks 6th of 27 in Asia by cost of living.
Where to live?
Match a country to your priorities
Living in Brunei
See the full country overview