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Cost of living in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both expatriates and locals planning their finances.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, helping you make informed decisions about living in this vibrant city.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants
  • Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.16 on average, with a range between $2.23 and $4.47.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $26.06, with prices ranging from $17.13 to $63.24.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.21, with a range between $4.46 and $5.88.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer averages $1.86, imported beer $2.23, cappuccino $3.08, and Coke/Pepsi $0.82.
Grocery Prices
  • MilkMilk is priced between $1.34 and $4.25 per liter, averaging $1.7.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.89 and $3.72, with an average price of $1.89.
  • Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.42 to $2.97, averaging $2.3.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.61 to $3.72 per kg, while oranges range from $1.49 to $3.72 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.67 and $2.23 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.74 to $5.92 per head.
Transportation
  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.74 and $2.23.
  • Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $0.37 and $0.39 per liter.
  • Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $4.46, with a cost of $2.61 per km.
Housing Costs
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $297.95 to $744.87, averaging $595.6.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $223.46 to $595.9, averaging $421.91.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $893.84 to $2234.61, averaging $1444.6.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $536.31 to $1340.77, averaging $1027.61.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre)The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1787.69 to $5883.72, averaging $3835.71.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1378.01 to $4214.66, averaging $2796.33.
Utilities
  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $33.52 and $74.49, averaging $55.62.
  • InternetInternet services range from $44.69 to $74.49, with an average cost of $51.23.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 38 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$3.16
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$26.06
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.21
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.86
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.23
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.82
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.60
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.08
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.70
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.89
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.30
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.98
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.75
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$22.35
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$3.72
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.49
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$14.90
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.74
Apples (1kg)
$3.26
Oranges (1kg)
$3.72
Potato (1kg)
$1.55
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.54
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.29
Tomato (1kg)
$3.65
Banana (1kg)
$2.23
Onion (1kg)
$1.68
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$14.92
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$1.12
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$11.17
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.39
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,325.56
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.46
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.61
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$22.35
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$29,296.11
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$595.60
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$421.91
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,444.60
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$1,027.61
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$55.62
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$51.23
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$22.32
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$40.96
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.35
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$4.47
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.32
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$23.82
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$86.86
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$74.46
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,835.71
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$2,796.33
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,690.84
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
3.95%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$126.63
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$13,388.00
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