Cost of Living: Brunei vs Japan

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Brunei is 6.7% more expensive than Japan. The biggest difference is in Other Expenses, where costs are 178.1% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Japan, you would spend about $107 in Brunei for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Other Expenses 178.1%

Brunei is 178.1% more expensive

Mobile and Internet 80.5%

Brunei is 80.5% more expensive

Clothing And Shoes 46.1%

Brunei is 46.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 6.7%

Brunei is 6.7% more expensive than Japan

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +178.1%
  • Mobile and Internet +80.5%
  • Clothing And Shoes +46.1%

Is Brunei cheaper than Japan?

No, Japan is cheaper than Brunei

Overall, living costs in Japan are 6.7% lower than in Brunei.

Where Japan is cheaper:

  • Other Expenses 178.1% cheaper
  • Mobile and Internet 80.5% cheaper
  • Clothing And Shoes 46.1% cheaper

Where Japan is more expensive:

  • Household Utilities 70.3% more expensive
  • Markets 42.8% more expensive
  • Property Prices 37.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Brunei: 5.22 $ Japan: 7.01 $
25.5% cheaper in Brunei

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Brunei: 766.17 $ Japan: 624.64 $
22.7% more expensive in Brunei

Monthly public transport pass

Brunei: 0.00 $ Japan: 58.97 $
100.0% cheaper in Brunei

1 liter of milk

Brunei: 2.33 $ Japan: 1.56 $
49.4% more expensive in Brunei

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Japan is indeed cheaper than Brunei. You would spend approximately 6.7% on living expenses by choosing Japan over Brunei. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

6.7%

Brunei is 6.7% more expensive than Japan

Restaurants

6.9%

Brunei is 6.9% more expensive than Japan in this category

Markets

42.8%

Brunei is 42.8% cheaper than Japan in this category

Other Expenses

178.1%

Brunei is 178.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Transportation

30.4%

Brunei is 30.4% more expensive than Japan in this category

Household Utilities

70.3%

Brunei is 70.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Mobile and Internet

80.5%

Brunei is 80.5% more expensive than Japan in this category

Sports And Leisure

37.3%

Brunei is 37.3% cheaper than Japan in this category

Childcare

22.0%

Brunei is 22.0% cheaper than Japan in this category

Clothing And Shoes

46.1%

Brunei is 46.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Rent Per Month

7.0%

Brunei is 7.0% more expensive than Japan in this category

Property Prices

37.7%

Brunei is 37.7% cheaper than Japan in this category

Salaries And Financing

4.1%

Brunei is 4.1% more expensive than Japan in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Brunei Japan Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.22 $ 7.01 $ 25.5%
Brunei is 25.5% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.11 $ 35.03 $ 5.5%
Brunei is 5.5% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.23 $ 5.61 $ 11.1%
Brunei is 11.1% more expensive
Regular Cappuccino 4.09 $ 3.36 $ 21.7%
Brunei is 21.7% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 1.12 $ 0.0%
Brunei is 0.0% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.75 $ 0.82 $ 8.5%
Brunei is 8.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.98 $ 0.94 $ 4.3%
Brunei is 4.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 2.19 $ 2.32 $ 5.6%
Brunei is 5.6% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 10.61 $ 8.42 $ 26.0%
Brunei is 26.0% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 16.95 $ 11.20 $ 51.3%
Brunei is 51.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.02 $ 2.04 $ 1.0%
Brunei is 1.0% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.33 $ 1.56 $ 49.4%
Brunei is 49.4% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 1.59 $ 23.3%
Brunei is 23.3% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 4.51 $ 54.3%
Brunei is 54.3% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 2.24 $ 8.5%
Brunei is 8.5% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.59 $ 12.14 $ 28.4%
Brunei is 28.4% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.25 $ 6.92 $ 4.8%
Brunei is 4.8% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 18.54 $ 17.18 $ 7.9%
Brunei is 7.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.92 $ 5.37 $ 27.0%
Brunei is 27.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 2.62 $ 24.8%
Brunei is 24.8% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.70 $ 4.78 $ 22.6%
Brunei is 22.6% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.77 $ 4.84 $ 22.1%
Brunei is 22.1% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.85 $ 22.5%
Brunei is 22.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.47 $ 2.65 $ 6.8%
Brunei is 6.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 4.69 $ 1.39 $ 237.4%
Brunei is 237.4% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 58.97 $ 100.0%
Brunei is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.68 $ 4.20 $ 178.1%
Brunei is 178.1% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 1.54 $ 49.4%
Brunei is 49.4% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.68 $ 4.20 $ 11.4%
Brunei is 11.4% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.73 $ 3.15 $ 13.3%
Brunei is 13.3% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.69 $ 23.82 $ 50.9%
Brunei is 50.9% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.39 $ 1.22 $ 68.0%
Brunei is 68.0% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,383.36 $ 23,415.29 $ 0.1%
Brunei is 0.1% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,582.62 $ 17,953.06 $ 70.3%
Brunei is 70.3% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.10 $ 178.92 $ 70.3%
Brunei is 70.3% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.08 $ 27.25 $ 19.0%
Brunei is 19.0% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 91.46 $ 35.66 $ 156.5%
Brunei is 156.5% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.41 $ 60.05 $ 26.0%
Brunei is 26.0% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.94 $ 15.69 $ 62.1%
Brunei is 62.1% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.45 $ 13.31 $ 59.1%
Brunei is 59.1% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 172.90 $ 348.57 $ 50.4%
Brunei is 50.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,646.53 $ 13,519.03 $ 21.2%
Brunei is 21.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 83.11 $ 49.02 $ 69.5%
Brunei is 69.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.45 $ 32.77 $ 99.7%
Brunei is 99.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.22 $ 63.16 $ 58.7%
Brunei is 58.7% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.29 $ 87.75 $ 4.0%
Brunei is 4.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 766.17 $ 624.64 $ 22.7%
Brunei is 22.7% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 519.42 $ 424.63 $ 22.3%
Brunei is 22.3% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,313.37 $ 1,366.33 $ 3.9%
Brunei is 3.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 868.13 $ 825.90 $ 5.1%
Brunei is 5.1% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,232.68 $ 6,447.80 $ 49.9%
Brunei is 49.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,998.78 $ 3,555.73 $ 15.7%
Brunei is 15.7% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,264.90 $ 2,177.14 $ 4.0%
Brunei is 4.0% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.96 1.82 117.6%
Brunei is 117.6% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Japan. 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 Japan 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 Japan

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.

Japan

  • 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 Japan

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