Key Cost of Living Data
Bandar Seri Begawan 2026 · NYC baseline = 100
| Category | Value | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CoL Index | N/A | NYC baseline = 100 · global avg 87.2 | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Rent Index | N/A | Avg rent vs NYC | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR City Centre | $380 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| 1-BR Outside Centre | $247 | Monthly rent, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Cheap Restaurant Meal | $5 | Per person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Groceries | $330 | Single person, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
| Monthly Transport | $67 | Transit pass, USD | GlobalCostData 2026 |
Affordability snapshot
Rent / Salary ratio
N/A
Share of average net salary absorbed by 1-bed city-centre rent. Lower = more disposable income.
Country context · Brunei
Avg net salary
N/A
Food basket /mo
N/A
Avg rent /mo
$380
Internet speed
53 Mbps
Safety index
N/A
HDI
0.823
Life expectancy
76.7 yrs
Purchasing power
199.7
Housing & Rent
USD per month · 2026
| Type | USD / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed, city centre | $380 | Capital city avg. |
| 1-bed, outside centre | $247 | Suburbs avg. |
| Country avg rent | $380 | Brunei (national) |
Food & Dining
Per-item prices in USD
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap restaurant meal | $5 | Per person |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | $15 | 3-course |
| Monthly groceries (single) | $330 | Single person estimate |
| Country food basket | N/A | Brunei (national avg) |
Transport
Monthly costs in USD
| Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly transit pass | $67 | Public transport avg. |
City Insight
Bandar Seri Begawan's CoL Index of 56.0 makes it a 'value destination' — expats from Western countries typically see their purchasing power increase substantially here.
Country profile
Full cost of living guide for Brunei
Related · TaxRatesByCountry.com
Tax Rates in Brunei for Expats 2026
Income tax, corporate rates, capital gains & special regimes
Read guide →
Free resource
Planning a move to Bandar Seri Begawan?
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Monthly Budget Estimates
Bandar Seri Begawan · 2026 · Single person
| Lifestyle | Monthly Budget (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frugal | $500 | Shared room, basic lifestyle |
| Comfortable | $800 | 1-bed apt, normal expat lifestyle |
| Western expat | $1,300 | Private apt, regular travel |
Monthly Budget Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bandar Seri Begawan cost of living
Is Bandar Seri Begawan good for digital nomads on a budget?
Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the more affordable cities for digital nomads, with a CoL Index of 56.0 (roughly 44% below New York City). A comfortable remote-work lifestyle — including a private apartment, fast internet, and regular dining out — typically costs $560–$784/month, making it highly competitive on a USD or EUR income.
What is the cheapest area to live in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Outside the city centre, a 1-bedroom apartment in Bandar Seri Begawan averages $247/month, compared to $380/month in central areas. Outer districts and emerging neighbourhoods can be even cheaper — local expat forums are the best source for current listings.
How does Bandar Seri Begawan compare to other affordable cities?
With a CoL Index of 56.0, Bandar Seri Begawan sits comfortably in the affordable tier (below 60 on the NYC=100 scale). It compares favourably with similar budget destinations in the region, offering a good balance of infrastructure and low cost that appeals to long-stay travellers and expats alike.
Is Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital, more expensive than other cities in Brunei?
As the capital of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan tends to command a premium over smaller regional cities. Its CoL Index of 56.0 (NYC=100) reflects the concentration of government, business, and international institutions that typically drive up housing and service costs. Secondary cities in Brunei are often 20–40% cheaper for rent.
What is the average salary in Bandar Seri Begawan?
Salary data for Bandar Seri Begawan is not yet available in our dataset. For national averages, see the Brunei country profile. International job boards and local recruiters are the best source for current benchmarks.
Cities With Similar Cost of Living
Comparable CoL Index (+/- 10 points) to Bandar Seri Begawan
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Sources: World Bank Open Data 2026 · GlobalCostData Research 2026. Data verified April 2026. Not financial or legal advice.
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and vary by neighbourhood and individual lifestyle. Verify with local sources before relocating.