Cost of Living: Brunei vs United States

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Brunei and United States.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Brunei is 58.1% cheaper than United States. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 74.5% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in United States, you would spend about $42 in Brunei for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 74.5%

Brunei is 74.5% cheaper

Rent Per Month 59.1%

Brunei is 59.1% cheaper

Childcare 54.7%

Brunei is 54.7% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 58.1%

Brunei is 58.1% cheaper than United States

Most Expensive Categories

  • Other Expenses +16.8%
  • Clothing And Shoes +14.0%
  • Property Prices +4.7%

Is Brunei cheaper than United States?

Yes, Brunei is cheaper than United States

Overall, living costs in Brunei are 58.1% lower than in United States.

Where Brunei is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 74.5% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 59.1% cheaper
  • Childcare 54.7% cheaper

Where Brunei is more expensive:

  • Other Expenses 16.8% more expensive
  • Clothing And Shoes 14.0% more expensive
  • Property Prices 4.7% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Brunei: 5.22 $ United States: 20.00 $
73.9% cheaper in Brunei

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Brunei: 766.17 $ United States: 1,746.65 $
56.1% cheaper in Brunei

Monthly public transport pass

Brunei: 0.00 $ United States: 65.00 $
100.0% cheaper in Brunei

1 liter of milk

Brunei: 2.33 $ United States: 1.06 $
119.8% more expensive in Brunei

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Brunei is indeed cheaper than United States. You would save approximately 58.1% on living expenses by choosing Brunei over United States. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

58.1%

Brunei is 58.1% cheaper than United States

Restaurants

49.5%

Brunei is 49.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Markets

46.7%

Brunei is 46.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Other Expenses

16.8%

Brunei is 16.8% more expensive than United States in this category

Transportation

3.6%

Brunei is 3.6% cheaper than United States in this category

Household Utilities

74.5%

Brunei is 74.5% cheaper than United States in this category

Mobile and Internet

12.0%

Brunei is 12.0% cheaper than United States in this category

Sports And Leisure

32.4%

Brunei is 32.4% cheaper than United States in this category

Childcare

54.7%

Brunei is 54.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Clothing And Shoes

14.0%

Brunei is 14.0% more expensive than United States in this category

Rent Per Month

59.1%

Brunei is 59.1% cheaper than United States in this category

Property Prices

4.7%

Brunei is 4.7% more expensive than United States in this category

Salaries And Financing

47.7%

Brunei is 47.7% cheaper than United States in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Brunei United States Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 5.22 $ 20.00 $ 73.9%
Brunei is 73.9% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 33.11 $ 75.00 $ 55.9%
Brunei is 55.9% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 6.23 $ 11.50 $ 45.8%
Brunei is 45.8% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.09 $ 5.24 $ 21.9%
Brunei is 21.9% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 1.12 $ 2.56 $ 56.3%
Brunei is 56.3% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.75 $ 2.09 $ 64.1%
Brunei is 64.1% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.98 $ 2.23 $ 56.1%
Brunei is 56.1% cheaper
Imported Beer (330ml) 10.61 $ 4.38 $ 142.2%
Brunei is 142.2% more expensive
Milk (1L) 2.33 $ 1.06 $ 119.8%
Brunei is 119.8% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.96 $ 3.63 $ 46.0%
Brunei is 46.0% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 2.06 $ 4.61 $ 55.3%
Brunei is 55.3% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.43 $ 4.29 $ 43.4%
Brunei is 43.4% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 15.59 $ 12.93 $ 20.6%
Brunei is 20.6% more expensive
Chicken Breast (1kg) 7.25 $ 12.20 $ 40.6%
Brunei is 40.6% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 18.54 $ 10.78 $ 72.0%
Brunei is 72.0% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 3.92 $ 5.28 $ 25.8%
Brunei is 25.8% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 3.27 $ 1.68 $ 94.6%
Brunei is 94.6% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.70 $ 4.50 $ 17.8%
Brunei is 17.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 3.77 $ 4.91 $ 23.2%
Brunei is 23.2% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.21 $ 2.94 $ 24.8%
Brunei is 24.8% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.47 $ 3.08 $ 19.8%
Brunei is 19.8% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 4.69 $ 2.20 $ 113.2%
Brunei is 113.2% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 0.00 $ 65.00 $ 100.0%
Brunei is 100.0% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 11.68 $ 10.00 $ 16.8%
Brunei is 16.8% more expensive
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.78 $ 2.50 $ 68.8%
Brunei is 68.8% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 4.68 $ 3.75 $ 24.8%
Brunei is 24.8% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.73 $ 1.74 $ 56.9%
Brunei is 56.9% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 11.69 $ 30.00 $ 61.0%
Brunei is 61.0% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 0.39 $ 0.93 $ 58.1%
Brunei is 58.1% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,383.36 $ 30,000.00 $ 22.1%
Brunei is 22.1% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,582.62 $ 25,982.09 $ 17.7%
Brunei is 17.7% more expensive
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 53.10 $ 208.61 $ 74.5%
Brunei is 74.5% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 22.08 $ 57.38 $ 61.5%
Brunei is 61.5% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 91.46 $ 71.66 $ 27.6%
Brunei is 27.6% more expensive
Gym Membership 44.41 $ 46.22 $ 3.9%
Brunei is 3.9% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.94 $ 21.94 $ 72.9%
Brunei is 72.9% cheaper
Movie Ticket 5.45 $ 14.44 $ 62.3%
Brunei is 62.3% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 172.90 $ 1,372.78 $ 87.4%
Brunei is 87.4% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 10,646.53 $ 22,512.19 $ 52.7%
Brunei is 52.7% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 83.11 $ 52.18 $ 59.3%
Brunei is 59.3% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 65.45 $ 42.56 $ 53.8%
Brunei is 53.8% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 100.22 $ 89.93 $ 11.4%
Brunei is 11.4% more expensive
1 Pair of Business Shoes 91.29 $ 113.60 $ 19.6%
Brunei is 19.6% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 766.17 $ 1,746.65 $ 56.1%
Brunei is 56.1% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 519.42 $ 1,440.62 $ 63.9%
Brunei is 63.9% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,313.37 $ 2,896.11 $ 54.7%
Brunei is 54.7% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 868.13 $ 2,403.74 $ 63.9%
Brunei is 63.9% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 3,232.68 $ 3,233.83 $ 0.0%
Brunei is 0.0% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 2,998.78 $ 2,715.21 $ 10.4%
Brunei is 10.4% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,264.90 $ 4,329.01 $ 47.7%
Brunei is 47.7% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.96 6.51 39.2%
Brunei is 39.2% cheaper

Cost of Living Calculator

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

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.

United States

  • 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 United States

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