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Cost of Living: Brunei vs Australia

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Brunei and Australia.

Data updated: November 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Brunei is 46.1% cheaper than Australia. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 69.8% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Australia, you would spend about $54 in Brunei for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 69.8%

Brunei is 69.8% cheaper

Other Expenses 62.5%

Brunei is 62.5% cheaper

Markets 53.3%

Brunei is 53.3% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 46.1%

Brunei is 46.1% cheaper than Australia

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +42.6%
  • Transportation +4.8%
  • Clothing And Shoes +1.7%

Is Brunei cheaper than Australia?

Yes, Brunei is cheaper than Australia

Overall, living costs in Brunei are 46.1% lower than in Australia.

Where Brunei is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 69.8% cheaper
  • Other Expenses 62.5% cheaper
  • Markets 53.3% cheaper

Where Brunei is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 42.6% more expensive
  • Transportation 4.8% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 1.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Brunei: 5.22 $ Australia: 16.22 $
67.8% cheaper in Brunei

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Brunei: 766.17 $ Australia: 1,381.57 $
44.5% cheaper in Brunei

Monthly public transport pass

Brunei: 0.00 $ Australia: 97.35 $
100.0% cheaper in Brunei

1 liter of milk

Brunei: 2.33 $ Australia: 1.53 $
52.3% more expensive in Brunei

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Brunei is indeed cheaper than Australia. You would save approximately 46.1% on living expenses by choosing Brunei over Australia. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

46.1%

Brunei is 46.1% cheaper than Australia

Restaurants

35.9%

Brunei is 35.9% cheaper than Australia in this category

Markets

53.3%

Brunei is 53.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Other Expenses

62.5%

Brunei is 62.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Transportation

4.8%

Brunei is 4.8% more expensive than Australia in this category

Household Utilities

69.8%

Brunei is 69.8% cheaper than Australia in this category

Mobile and Internet

42.6%

Brunei is 42.6% more expensive than Australia in this category

Sports And Leisure

28.7%

Brunei is 28.7% cheaper than Australia in this category

Childcare

22.3%

Brunei is 22.3% cheaper than Australia in this category

Clothing And Shoes

1.7%

Brunei is 1.7% more expensive than Australia in this category

Rent Per Month

47.0%

Brunei is 47.0% cheaper than Australia in this category

Property Prices

47.5%

Brunei is 47.5% cheaper than Australia in this category

Salaries And Financing

37.4%

Brunei is 37.4% cheaper than Australia in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Brunei Australia Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.22 $ 16.22 $ 67.8%
Brunei is 67.8% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.11 $ 77.88 $ 57.5%
Brunei is 57.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.23 $ 9.73 $ 36.0%
Brunei is 36.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.09 $ 3.48 $ 17.5%
Brunei is 17.5% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 2.62 $ 57.3%
Brunei is 57.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.75 $ 2.16 $ 65.3%
Brunei is 65.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.98 $ 1.51 $ 35.1%
Brunei is 35.1% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.19 $ 5.69 $ 61.5%
Brunei is 61.5% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 10.61 $ 1.29 $ 722.5%
Brunei is 722.5% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 16.95 $ 7.97 $ 112.7%
Brunei is 112.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.02 $ 1.43 $ 41.3%
Brunei is 41.3% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.33 $ 1.53 $ 52.3%
Brunei is 52.3% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 2.45 $ 20.0%
Brunei is 20.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 2.05 $ 0.5%
Brunei is 0.5% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 4.31 $ 43.6%
Brunei is 43.6% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.59 $ 8.89 $ 75.4%
Brunei is 75.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.25 $ 8.44 $ 14.1%
Brunei is 14.1% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 18.54 $ 13.88 $ 33.6%
Brunei is 33.6% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.92 $ 3.19 $ 22.9%
Brunei is 22.9% more expensive
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 2.75 $ 18.9%
Brunei is 18.9% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.70 $ 2.93 $ 26.3%
Brunei is 26.3% more expensive
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.77 $ 4.30 $ 12.3%
Brunei is 12.3% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.47 $ 10.5%
Brunei is 10.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.47 $ 2.14 $ 15.4%
Brunei is 15.4% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 4.69 $ 2.22 $ 111.3%
Brunei is 111.3% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 97.35 $ 100.0%
Brunei is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.68 $ 31.15 $ 62.5%
Brunei is 62.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 2.92 $ 73.3%
Brunei is 73.3% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.68 $ 3.89 $ 20.3%
Brunei is 20.3% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.73 $ 1.88 $ 45.2%
Brunei is 45.2% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.69 $ 37.90 $ 69.2%
Brunei is 69.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.39 $ 1.18 $ 66.9%
Brunei is 66.9% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,383.36 $ 28,829.12 $ 18.9%
Brunei is 18.9% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,582.62 $ 22,658.59 $ 35.0%
Brunei is 35.0% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.10 $ 175.90 $ 69.8%
Brunei is 69.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.08 $ 26.66 $ 17.2%
Brunei is 17.2% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 91.46 $ 52.98 $ 72.6%
Brunei is 72.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.41 $ 47.43 $ 6.4%
Brunei is 6.4% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.94 $ 16.59 $ 64.2%
Brunei is 64.2% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.45 $ 14.28 $ 61.8%
Brunei is 61.8% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 172.90 $ 1,570.69 $ 89.0%
Brunei is 89.0% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,646.53 $ 12,354.33 $ 13.8%
Brunei is 13.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 83.11 $ 71.57 $ 16.1%
Brunei is 16.1% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.45 $ 50.87 $ 28.7%
Brunei is 28.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.22 $ 102.13 $ 1.9%
Brunei is 1.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.29 $ 109.73 $ 16.8%
Brunei is 16.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 766.17 $ 1,381.57 $ 44.5%
Brunei is 44.5% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 519.42 $ 1,095.96 $ 52.6%
Brunei is 52.6% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,313.37 $ 2,332.99 $ 43.7%
Brunei is 43.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 868.13 $ 1,729.44 $ 49.8%
Brunei is 49.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,232.68 $ 6,794.53 $ 52.4%
Brunei is 52.4% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,998.78 $ 5,084.33 $ 41.0%
Brunei is 41.0% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,264.90 $ 3,619.71 $ 37.4%
Brunei is 37.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.96 6.35 37.6%
Brunei is 37.6% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Australia. Enter your monthly expenses in Brunei to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Brunei and Australia goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Brunei vs Australia

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Brunei

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

Australia

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Brunei Cost of living in Australia

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