Cost of Living: Brunei vs Singapore

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

Data updated: September 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Brunei is 74.5% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Mobile and Internet, where costs are 101.0% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $26 in Brunei for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 83.5%

Brunei is 83.5% cheaper

Transportation 79.9%

Brunei is 79.9% cheaper

Rent Per Month 77.4%

Brunei is 77.4% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 74.5%

Brunei is 74.5% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +101.0%

Is Brunei cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Brunei is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Brunei are 74.5% lower than in Singapore.

Where Brunei is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 83.5% cheaper
  • Transportation 79.9% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 77.4% cheaper

Where Brunei is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 101.0% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Brunei: 5.22 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
52.1% cheaper in Brunei

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Brunei: 766.17 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
75.6% cheaper in Brunei

Monthly public transport pass

Brunei: 0.00 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
100.0% cheaper in Brunei

1 liter of milk

Brunei: 2.33 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
22.6% cheaper in Brunei

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Brunei is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 74.5% on living expenses by choosing Brunei over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

74.5%

Brunei is 74.5% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

32.1%

Brunei is 32.1% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

56.9%

Brunei is 56.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

10.5%

Brunei is 10.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

79.9%

Brunei is 79.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

66.4%

Brunei is 66.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

101.0%

Brunei is 101.0% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

60.0%

Brunei is 60.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

65.2%

Brunei is 65.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

4.3%

Brunei is 4.3% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

77.4%

Brunei is 77.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

83.5%

Brunei is 83.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

45.4%

Brunei is 45.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Brunei Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.22 $ 10.90 $ 52.1%
Brunei is 52.1% 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 $ 7.79 $ 20.0%
Brunei is 20.0% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.09 $ 4.88 $ 16.2%
Brunei is 16.2% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 1.68 $ 33.3%
Brunei is 33.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.75 $ 1.22 $ 38.5%
Brunei is 38.5% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.98 $ 1.52 $ 35.5%
Brunei is 35.5% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 2.19 $ 2.00 $ 9.5%
Brunei is 9.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 10.61 $ 2.49 $ 326.1%
Brunei is 326.1% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 16.95 $ 10.00 $ 69.5%
Brunei is 69.5% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 2.02 $ 2.21 $ 8.6%
Brunei is 8.6% cheaper
Milk (1L) 2.33 $ 3.01 $ 22.6%
Brunei is 22.6% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 2.35 $ 16.6%
Brunei is 16.6% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 2.92 $ 29.5%
Brunei is 29.5% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 3.35 $ 27.5%
Brunei is 27.5% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.59 $ 19.37 $ 19.5%
Brunei is 19.5% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.25 $ 11.15 $ 35.0%
Brunei is 35.0% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 18.54 $ 15.21 $ 21.9%
Brunei is 21.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.92 $ 4.57 $ 14.2%
Brunei is 14.2% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 2.97 $ 10.1%
Brunei is 10.1% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.70 $ 4.51 $ 18.0%
Brunei is 18.0% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.77 $ 2.71 $ 39.1%
Brunei is 39.1% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.39 $ 7.5%
Brunei is 7.5% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.47 $ 2.20 $ 12.3%
Brunei is 12.3% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 4.69 $ 1.86 $ 152.2%
Brunei is 152.2% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 93.46 $ 100.0%
Brunei is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.68 $ 13.05 $ 10.5%
Brunei is 10.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 1.56 $ 50.0%
Brunei is 50.0% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.68 $ 3.58 $ 30.7%
Brunei is 30.7% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.73 $ 0.78 $ 250.0%
Brunei is 250.0% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.69 $ 16.28 $ 28.2%
Brunei is 28.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.39 $ 2.22 $ 82.4%
Brunei is 82.4% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,383.36 $ 140,192.38 $ 83.3%
Brunei is 83.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,582.62 $ 128,887.54 $ 76.3%
Brunei is 76.3% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.10 $ 158.22 $ 66.4%
Brunei is 66.4% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.08 $ 18.54 $ 19.1%
Brunei is 19.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 91.46 $ 37.95 $ 141.0%
Brunei is 141.0% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.41 $ 115.77 $ 61.6%
Brunei is 61.6% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.94 $ 12.22 $ 51.4%
Brunei is 51.4% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.45 $ 11.68 $ 53.3%
Brunei is 53.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 172.90 $ 1,272.43 $ 86.4%
Brunei is 86.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,646.53 $ 29,780.50 $ 64.2%
Brunei is 64.2% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 83.11 $ 80.91 $ 2.7%
Brunei is 2.7% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.45 $ 42.93 $ 52.5%
Brunei is 52.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.22 $ 105.33 $ 4.9%
Brunei is 4.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.29 $ 126.28 $ 27.7%
Brunei is 27.7% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 766.17 $ 3,140.74 $ 75.6%
Brunei is 75.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 519.42 $ 2,267.71 $ 77.1%
Brunei is 77.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,313.37 $ 6,205.41 $ 78.8%
Brunei is 78.8% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 868.13 $ 3,723.55 $ 76.7%
Brunei is 76.7% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,232.68 $ 22,697.92 $ 85.8%
Brunei is 85.8% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,998.78 $ 15,076.91 $ 80.1%
Brunei is 80.1% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,264.90 $ 4,151.48 $ 45.4%
Brunei is 45.4% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.96 3.17 24.9%
Brunei is 24.9% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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

Cultural Cost Differences

Brunei

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • 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 Singapore

Related comparisons