The cost of living in Brunei in 2026 runs about B$1,650 (~$1,290) a month for a single person living simply, and about B$2,470 (~$1,930) for a comfortable single life in central Bandar Seri Begawan. A couple should plan on roughly B$3,100 (~$2,430), and a family of four about B$3,800 (~$2,970) before international school fees. These figures use an exchange rate of about B$1.28 per US dollar (October 2, 2026). Brunei has no personal income tax and no sales tax or VAT, and gasoline costs about B$0.53 a liter, among the cheapest in the world. Rent is the main cost: a one-bedroom averages about B$925 (~$720) in the capital’s center and about B$605 (~$475) outside it. Below you will find rents, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, wages, entry rules, local laws, and sample budgets.
Cost of Living in Brunei: Quick Answer
- Single person: about B$1,650 (~$1,290) on a lean budget; about B$2,470 (~$1,930) for a comfortable one.
- Couple: about B$3,100 (~$2,430) a month in a central one-bedroom.
- Family of four: about B$3,800 (~$2,970) before international school fees.
- Rent, one-bedroom: about B$605–B$645 (~$475–$505) outside the center; B$925–B$930 (~$720–$730) in the center.
- Utilities: about B$73–B$79 (~$57–$61) a month for an 85 m² apartment; internet adds B$83–B$116 (~$65–$91).
- Fuel: about B$0.50 a liter (~$1.57 a gallon).
- Taxes: no personal income tax and no VAT or sales tax.
Exchange Rate, Inflation, and Wages in 2026
The exchange rate. The Brunei dollar (BND, written B$) traded at about 1.28 per US dollar on October 2, 2026, according to Trading Economics currency data. It trades at par with the Singapore dollar, and Singapore notes are accepted in Brunei. A B$2,000 budget costs about $1,565.
Inflation. Prices barely move in Brunei. Annual inflation was 0.5% in August 2026, up from 0% in July and the highest reading since December 2023, per Trading Economics inflation data. Food rose 1.7% and clothing 2.4%, while communication costs fell 3.5%.
Wages. Crowd-sourced data put the average take-home salary at about B$2,260 (~$1,765) a month in Bandar Seri Begawan and about B$2,810 (~$2,195) nationally. Because there is no income tax, gross and net pay are close for most foreign workers. Pay varies widely: oil and gas and senior professional roles pay far more, while many foreign workers in retail, construction, and domestic service earn much less.
Brunei is one of the few places where a mid-level salary is not reduced by income tax or a sales tax. The main costs that bite are rent, a car, and private schooling.
Rent and Housing
Brunei is small, with most people living in the Brunei-Muara district around the capital. The oil towns of Seria and Kuala Belait in the Belait district have their own housing markets tied to the energy industry. Crowd-sourced data from Numbeo (updated September 2026) give these averages. Data for Brunei come from a small number of contributors, so use them as a guide, not a quote.
| Apartment | Bandar Seri Begawan, Center | Bandar Seri Begawan, Outside Center | Brunei Average, Center | Brunei Average, Outside Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | B$923 (~$720) | B$606 (~$475) | B$932 (~$730) | B$645 (~$505) |
| 3-bedroom | B$1,467 (~$1,145) | B$889 (~$695) | B$1,478 (~$1,155) | B$991 (~$775) |
Reported ranges are wide: about B$650–B$1,200 for a central one-bedroom and B$1,200–B$1,800 for a central three-bedroom. Many homes in Brunei are detached or terraced houses rather than apartment blocks, and larger family houses with gardens cost more.
Renting Tips
- Employer housing: many expat packages in oil and gas, government contracts, and education include housing or a housing allowance. Ask before you sign a job offer.
- Deposits: landlords commonly ask for one to two months’ rent as a deposit plus the first month in advance. Confirm the terms in writing.
- Location: Gadong and the areas around the capital’s center are popular for shops and services. Living farther out cuts rent but makes a car essential.
- Furnishing: both furnished and unfurnished homes are common. Air conditioning is a must in Brunei’s hot, humid climate.
Buying Property
Crowd-sourced data put purchase prices at about B$3,970 per square meter (~$3,100) in the capital’s center and about B$2,920 (~$2,280) outside it, with 20-year mortgage rates near 3.9%. Foreigners face strict limits on land ownership in Brunei, so most expats rent.
Utilities, Internet, and Phone
Utilities are cheap thanks to government subsidies on electricity and water.
| Service | Typical Monthly Cost | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities (85 m², Bandar Seri Begawan) | B$79 | $61 |
| Basic utilities (85 m², national average) | B$73 | $57 |
| Home internet (60+ Mbps) | B$83–B$116 | $65–$91 |
| Mobile plan (10 GB+) | B$27–B$28 | $21–$22 |
Air conditioning is the main driver of electricity use, so bills rise in larger homes that run several units all day. Internet is one of the few items that costs more in Brunei than in neighboring Malaysia.
Food: Groceries and Dining Out
Local food is cheap, especially at markets and hawker-style stalls. Imported Western brands cost more. A single person who cooks most meals spends about B$400–B$500 (~$310–$390) a month on groceries.
Average prices in Bandar Seri Begawan (September 2026):
| Item | Typical Cost (B$) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (1 liter) | 2.39 | $1.87 |
| White bread (1 lb loaf) | 2.00 | $1.56 |
| Rice (1 lb) | 0.71 | $0.55 |
| Eggs (12) | 2.61 | $2.04 |
| Chicken fillets (1 lb) | 2.61 | $2.04 |
| Beef (1 lb) | 6.24 | $4.88 |
| Local cheese (1 lb) | 5.45 | $4.26 |
| Apples (1 lb) | 1.82 | $1.42 |
| Potatoes (1 lb) | 0.99 | $0.77 |
Eating out is affordable:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: about B$5–B$6.40 (~$4–$5)
- Three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: about B$35–B$48 (~$27–$37)
- Fast-food combo meal: about B$7.90 (~$6.20)
- Cappuccino: about B$5 (~$3.90)
Alcohol is not sold in Brunei. Non-Muslim adults may bring in a limited personal allowance and must declare it at customs.
Transportation and Getting Around
Brunei is a car country. Public buses run on set routes around the capital and charge about B$1 per ride, but service is limited, especially in the evening, so most residents drive.
- Fuel: about B$0.50–B$0.53 per liter, or roughly $1.57 per gallon, because gasoline is heavily subsidized.
- Cars: new and used cars carry import and excise duties, so the purchase price is the main cost. Insurance, road tax, and maintenance add more. Many expats buy a used car or get one through their employer.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: taxis are scarce and the meter starts around B$5. Local ride-hailing apps operate in the capital and are easier to find than a cab.
- Water taxis: small boats link the capital with Kampong Ayer, the historic water village, for a few dollars.
- Getting out of Brunei: many residents drive into Malaysian Sarawak or Sabah for shopping and travel, or fly from Brunei International Airport.
Healthcare and Insurance
Public healthcare in Brunei is heavily subsidized for citizens, but it is not free for foreigners. The US State Department’s Brunei page notes that care is adequate for basic conditions, that complex treatment may require going abroad, and that facilities may ask for payment or proof of insurance before treatment.
- Employer coverage: check whether your employment contract includes medical insurance and medical evacuation. Many expat packages do.
- Private insurance: if your employer does not cover you, buy an international health policy with evacuation cover, often to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur for specialist care.
- Private clinics: available in the capital for routine visits and are paid out of pocket or through insurance.
Schools and Childcare
- Private preschool: about B$280 (~$215) a month, full day.
- International primary school: about B$12,500 (~$9,740) a year per child. A handful of international schools in the capital and Belait district teach English-language curricula.
- Public schools: teach in Malay and English, with Islamic religious education for Muslim students.
For a family with two children in international school, tuition adds about B$2,080 (~$1,620) a month. Many oil and gas employers include school fees in expat packages.
Taxes: No Income Tax and No VAT
Brunei is one of the most tax-friendly places to live in Asia.
- Income tax: “Brunei does not impose personal income tax on individuals,” according to PwC’s Brunei tax summary (reviewed August 2026).
- Sales tax: there is no VAT or sales tax. Excise duties apply to tobacco, alcohol, motor vehicles, and some petroleum products.
- Retirement scheme: the SPK national retirement scheme, with an 8.5% employee contribution, applies only to citizens and permanent residents, per PwC’s summary of other Brunei taxes. Foreign workers do not pay into it.
- Home-country taxes: US citizens and some others are still taxed by their home country, so check your obligations.
Visas, Local Laws, and Safety
Entry and Work Passes
- Visitors: US and UK citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. All travelers must get an approved E-Arrival Card before arriving, per the US State Department, and UK guidance is on the FCDO’s Brunei entry page.
- Working: foreign workers need an Employment Pass, usually arranged by the employer. Spouses and children can apply for dependent passes. Details are on the Immigration and National Registration Department website.
- Passport validity: at least six months beyond your arrival date.
Local Laws
Brunei applies both civil law and the Sharia Penal Code, and some rules apply to non-Muslims too:
- Alcohol cannot be bought. Non-Muslim adults may import up to 2 liters of spirits or wine and 12 cans of beer for private use, declared at customs.
- Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan fasting hours is illegal.
- Close physical proximity between unmarried men and women in some situations can be an offense.
- Drug offenses carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.
Safety
The US State Department rates Brunei Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, its lowest level. Crime is mostly non-violent, such as burglary and car break-ins, which tend to peak during the July and December holidays.
Daily Life and Practical Tips
Life in Brunei is quiet compared with Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. There are no bars or nightclubs, and social life centers on home gatherings, restaurants, malls, sports clubs, and weekend trips to the rainforest, the coast, or across the border into Malaysia. Most shops and offices close for Friday prayers around midday. English is widely used in business and government, though Malay is the national language. Card payments work in malls and larger shops, but keep cash for markets, small stalls, and taxis.
One-Time Setup Costs
Budget for these before your first month:
- Deposit and first month’s rent: about B$1,800–B$2,800 (~$1,410–$2,190) for a central one-bedroom, depending on the deposit terms.
- Car: the biggest setup cost for most newcomers, unless your employer provides one.
- Furniture and air conditioners: if you rent unfurnished.
- Health insurance: if your employer does not provide it.
- Shipping: get quotes early, since Brunei is a small market with limited shipping routes.
Sample Monthly Budgets
These budgets combine the averages above and assume you own or lease a car. They exclude car purchase or loan payments.
| Expense (B$) | Single, Lean | Single, Comfortable | Couple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed) | 606 | 923 | 923 |
| Utilities | 79 | 79 | 100 |
| Internet + mobile | 111 | 111 | 140 |
| Groceries | 450 | 500 | 900 |
| Eating out + leisure | 200 | 400 | 500 |
| Fuel, road tax, car upkeep | 100 | 250 | 250 |
| Gym | — | 58 | — |
| Health + other | 100 | 150 | 300 |
| Total (B$) | 1,646 | 2,471 | 3,113 |
| Total (USD) | ~$1,285 | ~$1,930 | ~$2,435 |
Family of four: crowd-sourced estimates put a family of four at about B$2,910 (~$2,275) a month before rent nationally. Adding a three-bedroom outside the capital’s center (B$889) brings the total to about B$3,800 (~$2,970). International school for two children adds about B$2,080, for roughly B$5,875 (~$4,590).
Salary vs. costs: the average take-home pay of about B$2,260–B$2,810 covers a comfortable single budget, and with no income tax, a couple on two average salaries can save a good share each month.
Money-Saving Tips
- Negotiate housing and car allowances into your job offer. They are the biggest costs in Brunei.
- Eat at local markets and stalls instead of Western restaurants.
- Buy a reliable used car rather than a new one.
- Shop across the border in Miri, Sarawak, for some goods, but check customs allowances.
- Watch air-conditioning use to keep electricity bills down.
- Compare internet plans, since home broadband is relatively pricey.
How Brunei Compares With Nearby Countries
Brunei sits between Malaysia and Singapore on cost. Crowd-sourced figures for September–October 2026 compare like this:
| City | 1-Bed, City Center | 1-Bed, Outside Center | Avg. Net Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandar Seri Begawan | ~$720 | ~$475 | ~$1,765 |
| Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) | ~$431 | ~$190 | ~$585 |
| Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) | ~$618 | ~$372 | ~$1,500 |
| Singapore | ~$2,975 | ~$2,136 | ~$4,400 |
Rent in Brunei is a quarter of Singapore’s and a bit above Kuala Lumpur’s, while fuel and taxes are far lower than in either. For full breakdowns, see our guides to the cost of living in Malaysia, living costs in Singapore, what it costs to live in Indonesia, and our Philippines cost of living guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to live in Brunei per month?
A single person needs about B$1,650 (~$1,290) a month for a simple life and about B$2,470 (~$1,930) for a comfortable one in Bandar Seri Begawan. A couple should budget about B$3,100 (~$2,430), and a family of four about B$3,800 (~$2,970) before international school fees.
Is Brunei expensive to live in?
No. Brunei is cheaper than Singapore and only slightly pricier than Kuala Lumpur. There is no income tax or sales tax, fuel costs about B$0.50 a liter, and utilities are subsidized. Rent, cars, and international schools are the main costs.
How much is rent in Brunei?
A one-bedroom apartment averages about B$925 (~$720) a month in central Bandar Seri Begawan and about B$605 (~$475) outside the center. A three-bedroom costs about B$1,465 (~$1,145) in the center and B$890 (~$695) outside.
Does Brunei have income tax?
No. Brunei does not tax personal income and has no VAT or sales tax. The SPK retirement contribution of 8.5% applies only to citizens and permanent residents.
Can foreigners live and work in Brunei?
Yes. Foreigners need an Employment Pass, usually arranged by the employer, and family members can get dependent passes. US and UK citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days but must get an approved E-Arrival Card before arriving.
Is alcohol allowed in Brunei?
Alcohol cannot be bought in Brunei. Non-Muslim adults may import up to 2 liters of spirits or wine and 12 cans of beer for private use, declared at customs.
Conclusion
Brunei is a quiet, safe, and low-tax place to live. A single person can live comfortably on about B$2,470 (~$1,930) a month, and with no income tax or sales tax, savings build quickly on a good salary. The main costs are rent, a car, and international schooling, so try to negotiate housing, transport, and school allowances into your contract. Before you move, read up on local laws, including the alcohol ban and Ramadan rules, and confirm your health coverage.
Sources
- Trading Economics – USD/BND exchange rate, October 2026
- Trading Economics – Brunei inflation, August 2026
- PwC – Brunei personal income tax
- PwC – Brunei other taxes and SPK
- US State Department – Brunei country information
- US State Department – Brunei travel advisory
- UK FCDO – Brunei entry requirements
- Immigration and National Registration Department, Brunei
- Numbeo – Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore (crowd-sourced data)
