Cost of Living: Brunei vs Canada

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Brunei is 44.5% cheaper than Canada. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 64.8% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Canada, you would spend about $55 in Brunei for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 64.8%

Brunei is 64.8% cheaper

Markets 50.1%

Brunei is 50.1% cheaper

Rent Per Month 46.9%

Brunei is 46.9% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 44.5%

Brunei is 44.5% cheaper than Canada

Most Expensive Categories

  • Transportation +19.4%
  • Clothing And Shoes +16.4%
  • Mobile and Internet +5.7%

Is Brunei cheaper than Canada?

Yes, Brunei is cheaper than Canada

Overall, living costs in Brunei are 44.5% lower than in Canada.

Where Brunei is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 64.8% cheaper
  • Markets 50.1% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 46.9% cheaper

Where Brunei is more expensive:

  • Transportation 19.4% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 16.4% more expensive
  • Mobile and Internet 5.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Brunei: 5.22 $ Canada: 18.20 $
71.3% cheaper in Brunei

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Brunei: 766.17 $ Canada: 1,339.05 $
42.8% cheaper in Brunei

Monthly public transport pass

Brunei: 0.00 $ Canada: 76.38 $
100.0% cheaper in Brunei

1 liter of gasoline

Brunei: 0.39 $ Canada: 1.17 $
66.7% cheaper in Brunei

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Brunei is indeed cheaper than Canada. You would save approximately 44.5% on living expenses by choosing Brunei over Canada. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

44.5%

Brunei is 44.5% cheaper than Canada

Restaurants

39.3%

Brunei is 39.3% cheaper than Canada in this category

Markets

50.1%

Brunei is 50.1% cheaper than Canada in this category

Other Expenses

19.8%

Brunei is 19.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Transportation

19.4%

Brunei is 19.4% more expensive than Canada in this category

Household Utilities

64.8%

Brunei is 64.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Mobile and Internet

5.7%

Brunei is 5.7% more expensive than Canada in this category

Sports And Leisure

21.9%

Brunei is 21.9% cheaper than Canada in this category

Childcare

15.0%

Brunei is 15.0% cheaper than Canada in this category

Clothing And Shoes

16.4%

Brunei is 16.4% more expensive than Canada in this category

Rent Per Month

46.9%

Brunei is 46.9% cheaper than Canada in this category

Property Prices

45.8%

Brunei is 45.8% cheaper than Canada in this category

Salaries And Financing

21.0%

Brunei is 21.0% cheaper than Canada in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Brunei Canada Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.22 $ 18.20 $ 71.3%
Brunei is 71.3% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.11 $ 72.81 $ 54.5%
Brunei is 54.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.23 $ 10.92 $ 42.9%
Brunei is 42.9% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.09 $ 3.77 $ 8.5%
Brunei is 8.5% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 2.10 $ 46.7%
Brunei is 46.7% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.75 $ 1.70 $ 55.9%
Brunei is 55.9% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.98 $ 1.81 $ 45.9%
Brunei is 45.9% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.19 $ 3.47 $ 36.9%
Brunei is 36.9% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 10.61 $ 4.55 $ 133.2%
Brunei is 133.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 16.95 $ 11.71 $ 44.7%
Brunei is 44.7% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.02 $ 6.07 $ 66.7%
Brunei is 66.7% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.33 $ 2.24 $ 4.0%
Brunei is 4.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 2.70 $ 27.4%
Brunei is 27.4% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 3.66 $ 43.7%
Brunei is 43.7% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 3.51 $ 30.8%
Brunei is 30.8% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.59 $ 11.48 $ 35.8%
Brunei is 35.8% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.25 $ 12.22 $ 40.7%
Brunei is 40.7% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 18.54 $ 14.97 $ 23.8%
Brunei is 23.8% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.92 $ 4.20 $ 6.7%
Brunei is 6.7% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 1.44 $ 127.1%
Brunei is 127.1% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.70 $ 3.85 $ 3.9%
Brunei is 3.9% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.77 $ 4.14 $ 8.9%
Brunei is 8.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.67 $ 17.2%
Brunei is 17.2% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.47 $ 2.66 $ 7.1%
Brunei is 7.1% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 4.69 $ 2.55 $ 83.9%
Brunei is 83.9% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 76.38 $ 100.0%
Brunei is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.68 $ 14.56 $ 19.8%
Brunei is 19.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 2.55 $ 69.4%
Brunei is 69.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.68 $ 3.42 $ 36.8%
Brunei is 36.8% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.73 $ 1.59 $ 71.7%
Brunei is 71.7% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.69 $ 28.35 $ 58.8%
Brunei is 58.8% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.39 $ 1.17 $ 66.7%
Brunei is 66.7% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,383.36 $ 24,739.68 $ 5.5%
Brunei is 5.5% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,582.62 $ 20,433.99 $ 49.7%
Brunei is 49.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.10 $ 150.84 $ 64.8%
Brunei is 64.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.08 $ 45.41 $ 51.4%
Brunei is 51.4% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 91.46 $ 61.96 $ 47.6%
Brunei is 47.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.41 $ 42.65 $ 4.1%
Brunei is 4.1% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.94 $ 17.42 $ 65.9%
Brunei is 65.9% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.45 $ 11.36 $ 52.0%
Brunei is 52.0% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 172.90 $ 802.92 $ 78.5%
Brunei is 78.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,646.53 $ 11,932.95 $ 10.8%
Brunei is 10.8% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 83.11 $ 55.66 $ 49.3%
Brunei is 49.3% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.45 $ 41.19 $ 58.9%
Brunei is 58.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.22 $ 88.39 $ 13.4%
Brunei is 13.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.29 $ 107.04 $ 14.7%
Brunei is 14.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 766.17 $ 1,339.05 $ 42.8%
Brunei is 42.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 519.42 $ 1,186.00 $ 56.2%
Brunei is 56.2% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,313.37 $ 2,143.71 $ 38.7%
Brunei is 38.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 868.13 $ 1,856.86 $ 53.2%
Brunei is 53.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,232.68 $ 6,761.35 $ 52.2%
Brunei is 52.2% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,998.78 $ 4,732.37 $ 36.6%
Brunei is 36.6% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,264.90 $ 2,865.96 $ 21.0%
Brunei is 21.0% 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 Canada. 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 Canada 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 Canada

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.

Canada

  • 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 Canada

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