Cost Of Living For a Single Person in Brunei 2025

Single person cost of living chart - individual average monthly expenditure in Brunei

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: BND
300 2,100 14,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $1,600 $10,000

Average monthly spending for a single person or individual in Brunei

How much money does an individual need in a month to survive in Brunei?

A single person in Brunei spends around 2,100 BND per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a single individual can survive with a monthly budget as low as 300 BND or as high as 14,000 BND. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Brunei


Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Brunei

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.2 BND 6.5 BND 11 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $4.8 $8

Restaurant meal for one

11 BND 16 BND 32 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $12 $24

Fine dining meal for one

22 BND 32 BND 130 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $96

Cappuccino or latte

2.7 BND 4.3 BND 6.5 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $3.2 $4.8

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.2 BND 2.6 BND 3.2 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $1.9 $2.4

12 eggs

1.6 BND 2.2 BND 3.2 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4

Fresh whole chicken

3.7 BND 4.7 BND 6.7 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.5 $5

Pack of beef

4.3 BND 6.5 BND 13 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.8 $9.6

Medium bag of rice

1.7 BND 2.4 BND 3.4 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.8 $2.5

Bag of tomatos

0.65 BND 0.86 BND 1.6 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.64 $1.2

Bag of apples

1.2 BND 1.5 BND 2.5 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.1 $1.8
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Brunei


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

2.7 BND 3.2 BND 6.5 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.4 $4.8

Average car full tank

16 BND 22 BND 43 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $32

Average car 1-day rental

16 BND 22 BND 32 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $24

Average car price

8,100 BND 16,000 BND 22,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6,000 $12,000 $16,000

Bus ticket one way

0.54 BND 0.81 BND 1.6 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.40 $0.60 $1.2

Car Service

22 BND 32 BND 65 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Brunei


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

18 BND 130 BND 840 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $94 $630

Internet and cable

16 BND 32 BND 43 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $24 $32

Mobile phone charges

13 BND 22 BND 65 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.6 $16 $48

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

8.1 BND 11 BND 16 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8 $12

One month gym membership

26 BND 32 BND 65 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$19 $24 $48
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Brunei


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

19 BND 27 BND 40 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$14 $20 $30

Woman dress

18 BND 25 BND 81 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $18 $60

Woman shoes

17 BND 23 BND 54 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $17 $40

Men's shoes

15 BND 18 BND 36 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $13 $27

Men suit

16 BND 20 BND 110 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $80

Regular t-shirt

8.1 BND 11 BND 32 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6 $8 $24
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Brunei


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

270 BND 400 BND 1,100 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $800

1-bedroom apartment

400 BND 650 BND 1,600 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $480 $1,200

2-bedroom apartment

540 BND 810 BND 2,200 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $600 $1,600

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

54,000 BND 81,000 BND 160,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $60,000 $120,000

1-bedroom apartment

65,000 BND 110,000 BND 400,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $80,000 $300,000

2-bedroom apartment

110,000 BND 320,000 BND 650,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $240,000 $480,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Brunei


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

320 BND 400 BND 540 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$240 $300 $400

Double Bed

220 BND 320 BND 400 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $300

Single Bed

190 BND 250 BND 320 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $180 $240

Living Room

360 BND 460 BND 1,600 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $340 $1,200

Dining Table

160 BND 220 BND 400 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $160 $300

Sofa or Couch

220 BND 290 BND 650 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $220 $480
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Brunei


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

220 BND 320 BND 650 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$160 $240 $480

Fridge or Freezer

190 BND 290 BND 400 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$140 $220 $300

Washing Machine

250 BND 360 BND 650 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$180 $270 $480

Stove or Cooker

230 BND 290 BND 400 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170 $220 $300

Mobile Phone

270 BND 320 BND 460 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $240 $340

Laptop or Computer

290 BND 360 BND 650 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220 $270 $480
Single person or Individual cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Brunei

Single person expenditure to income ratio in Brunei

Analysing the how affordable it is for an individual to live in Brunei

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in. Individuals usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a single individual ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

75%

67% to 83%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Individuals in Brunei spend around 75% of their monthly income. Some individuals spend as low as 67% of their income while some as high as 83%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a single person in Brunei

How do individuals spend their money in Brunei?

We asked thousands of individuals about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for individuals

Accomodation Cost33%

33% of total expenses on average (21% to 45%)

LOW$80   110 BND
AVERAGE$560   760 BND
HIGH$3,800   5,000 BND
Per Month

Individuals in Brunei typically spend from 21% to 45% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 33% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 760 BND with expenditure ranging from 110 BND to 5,000 BND. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for individuals

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 12%)

LOW$13   18 BND
AVERAGE$94   130 BND
HIGH$630   840 BND
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Brunei ranges from 3% to 12% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly cost of utilities is 130 BND with 18 BND and 840 BND being the upper and lower limits for a single person.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for individuals

Cost of transport and fuel7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$18   24 BND
AVERAGE$130   170 BND
HIGH$830   1,100 BND
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a single person resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a single person would expect to spend from 24 BND to 1,100 BND in a month on commuting with 170 BND being the norm for most individuals. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 5% or as high as 13%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for individuals

Food and Groceries Cost17%

17% of total expenses on average (11% to 22%)

LOW$35   48 BND
AVERAGE$250   340 BND
HIGH$1,700   2,200 BND
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical person in a month in Brunei is 340 BND. The cost of groceries can range between 48 BND to 2,200 BND. Individuals spend on average about 17% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 22% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for individuals

Cost of healthcare10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 14%)

LOW$20   27 BND
AVERAGE$140   190 BND
HIGH$940   1,300 BND
Per Month

Individuals in Brunei allocate 4% to 14% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 27 BND to 1,300 BND with 190 BND being the norm for most individuals.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for individuals

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$11   15 BND
AVERAGE$78   110 BND
HIGH$520   700 BND
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 15 BND to 700 BND with 110 BND being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most individuals.

Education and schooling expenditure for individuals

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$4.4   6 BND
AVERAGE$31   42 BND
HIGH$210   280 BND
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different individuals. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of individuals with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 42 BND per month with 6 BND being the minimum spent amount and 280 BND being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (12% to 24%)

LOW$40   54 BND
AVERAGE$280   380 BND
HIGH$1,900   2,500 BND
Per Month
Percentage of individuals who manage to save money from their income every month in Brunei

What percentage of individuals in Brunei are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of individuals that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
69%
Not Saving
31%

Almost 69% of surveyed individuals in Brunei said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 31% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


A single person savings to income ratio in Brunei

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


How much money do individuals manage to add to their savings?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 24% of income 34%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

89 BND
$66
800 BND
$600
5,400 BND
$4,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for individuals

Saving To Income Ratio% Individuals
0% - 10%29%
10% - 20%23%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%16%
40% - 50%12%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Individuals that are able to save money can put anywhere from 15% to 34% of their monthly income to their savings, with 24% being the average for most individuals. The average monthly amount of money that individuals can put aside is 800 BND with 89 BND and 5,400 BND being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money in Brunei

Saving Challenges in Brunei

Reasons that make it difficult for individuals to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Brunei. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the individuals said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% of individuals blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do individuals choose to put their savings in Brunei

Typical saving choices for individuals in Brunei

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold10%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks6%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical for individuals to live in Brunei

Affordable living in Brunei

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked individuals one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Brunei?


Yes
72%
No
28%

Around 72% of surveyed individuals think that living in Brunei is affordable with proper budgeting while 28% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for individuals. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Brunei

Low-cost alternatives in Brunei

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked individuals how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the individuals living in Brunei have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Individuals

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked individuals of Brunei whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes71%

No29%


Based on the survey, 29% of the individuals living in Brunei said that they don't have an emergency fund while 71% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for individuals in Brunei

Financial Literacy in Brunei

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy67%


We asked individuals in Brunei whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 33% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 67% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether single people of Brunei have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 27% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 73% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance27%

Easily manages finances73%

Financial goals and targets of single people living in Brunei

Financial goals of individuals in Brunei

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Brunei, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction31%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle11%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of individuals said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 31% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 11% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of individuals who are in debt in Brunei

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Brunei


Percentage of individuals who are in debt


In Debt
25%
Debt Free
75%

According to the survey, 25% of the individuals in Brunei have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 75% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Brunei

Debt-to-income ratio in Brunei

Debt to income ratio

28%

19% to 37%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 28% of a single person's monthly income in Brunei goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%11%
40% - 50%11%
30% - 40%13%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%19%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Brunei pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 11% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 11% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 13% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Brunei

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan24%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan36%

14% of debtors in Brunei confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 24% of people and personal loans rose at 36%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Brunei.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Brunei

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked individuals of Brunei how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year22%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Brunei

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Brunei

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Brunei

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

270 BND 400 BND 1,100 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$200 $300 $800

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

400 BND 650 BND 1,600 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$300 $480 $1,200

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

540 BND 810 BND 2,200 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $600 $1,600

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

650 BND 1,100 BND 2,900 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $800 $2,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,300 BND 3,200 BND 6,500 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$960 $2,400 $4,800

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,100 BND 1,600 BND 4,600 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$800 $1,200 $3,400

House monthly rent cost

1,300 BND 3,200 BND 6,500 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$960 $2,400 $4,800

Villa monthly rent cost

1,600 BND 4,000 BND 6,500 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $3,000 $4,800

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Brunei ranges between 270 BND and 1,100 BND, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 400 BND to 1,600 BND. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 540 BND and 2,200 BND per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 650 BND to 2,900 BND. The average rent of a townhouse in Brunei is around 1,600 BND while house rental costs can be as high as 3,200 BND per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 1,600 BND to 6,500 BND per month.



Apartment and house prices in Brunei

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

54,000 BND 81,000 BND 160,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$40,000 $60,000 $120,000

1-bedroom apartment price

65,000 BND 110,000 BND 400,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$48,000 $80,000 $300,000

2-bedroom apartment price

110,000 BND 320,000 BND 650,000 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$80,000 $240,000 $480,000

3-bedroom apartment price

360,000 BND 540,000 BND 1.6M BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270,000 $400,000 $1.2M

Townhouse price

460,000 BND 1.1M BND 4M BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$340,000 $800,000 $3M

House price

540,000 BND 3.2M BND 4.6M BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400,000 $2.4M $3.4M

Villa price

650,000 BND 3.6M BND 5.4M BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480,000 $2.7M $4M

The average price of a studio apartment in Brunei can range from 54,000 BND to 160,000 BND depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 65,000 BND to 400,000 BND. A villa can cost you 3.6M BND on average with prices ranging from 650,000 BND to 5.4M BND.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Brunei will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


42 x122 monthly income 213
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Brunei can be x122 to x213 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x122 multiples of the average monthly salary in Brunei.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


22% 32% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Brunei is around 32%. This means that people pay 32% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 42% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
30%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.2%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


4.7 BND 61 BND 610 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Brunei

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Brunei

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / A single person

18 BND 130 BND 840 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13 $94 $630

Internet and cable cost

16 BND 32 BND 43 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $24 $32

Mobile phone bill and charges

13 BND 22 BND 65 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.6 $16 $48

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly energy and water consumption of individuals is around 130 BND. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 16 BND to 43 BND with 32 BND being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 22 BND but can range between 13 BND and 65 BND depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


2% 5% of income 9%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Brunei is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 2% to 9% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Brunei

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Brunei

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

3.2 BND 6.5 BND 11 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.4 $4.8 $8

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Brunei is approximatly 6.5 BND with meal cost ranging from 3.2 BND to 11 BND. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

11 BND 16 BND 32 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8 $12 $24

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 11 BND and 32 BND with 16 BND being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Brunei.

Fine dining meal for one price

22 BND 32 BND 130 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$16 $24 $96

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 22 BND to 130 BND with the average cost being 32 BND for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Brunei.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

2.7 BND 4.3 BND 6.5 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $3.2 $4.8

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Brunei is around 4.3 BND. Price ranges between 2.7 BND and 6.5 BND depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.2 BND 2.6 BND 3.2 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.6 $1.9 $2.4

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Brunei is 2.6 BND. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.2 BND and the minimum being 2.2 BND depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

1.6 BND 2.2 BND 3.2 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.6 $2.4

A dozen eggs costs around 2.2 BND on average with 1.6 BND and 3.2 BND being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

3.7 BND 4.7 BND 6.7 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.7 $3.5 $5

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Brunei is between 3.7 BND and 6.7 BND depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 4.7 BND.

Pack of beef price

4.3 BND 6.5 BND 13 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.2 $4.8 $9.6

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 6.5 BND. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

1.7 BND 2.4 BND 3.4 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $1.8 $2.5

A bag of rice in Brunei costs around 2.4 BND on average with prices rangeing between 1.7 BND and 3.4 BND depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.65 BND 0.86 BND 1.6 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.48 $0.64 $1.2

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.65 BND to 1.6 BND. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.2 BND 1.5 BND 2.5 BND
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.86 $1.1 $1.8

A bag of apples costs 1.5 BND on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


17% 25% of income 31%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Brunei is around 25%. This means that individuals spend 25% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 17% to 31% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for individuals

Individuals' spending on grocery ranges from 48 BND to 2,200 BND with the location, income being the most determinite factors.

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