Cost of living in Brunei compared to China
Currency:
| Food | + 29% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Brunei is 29% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | B$6.00 (31元) | 46元 | - 32% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | B$7 (37元) | 40元 | - 6% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | B$3.00 (16元) | 16元 | - 1% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | B$4.20 (22元) | 18元 | + 22% | |
| 12 eggs, large | B$2.00 (10元) | 19元 | - 44% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | B$2.38 (12元) | 11元 | + 15% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | B$13 (70元) | 63元 | + 11% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | B$4.00 (21元) | 15元 | + 36% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | B$3.00 (16元) | 6元 | + 148% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | B$3.00 (16元) | 7元 | + 115% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | B$70 (367元) | 118元 | + 212% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | B$2.38 (12元) | 8元 | + 48% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | B$2.44 (13元) | 16元 | - 22% | |
| Housing | - 12% | |||
| Housing in Brunei is 12% cheaper than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | B$1,708 (8,963元) | 15,059元 | - 40% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | B$1,356 (7,115元) | 9,006元 | - 21% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | B$79 (416元) | 421元 | - 1% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | B$1,200 (6,298元) | 7,547元 | - 17% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | B$896 (4,704元) | 4,347元 | + 8% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | B$40 (208元) | 262元 | - 21% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | B$45 (236元) | 115元 | + 105% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | B$933 (4,896元) | 1,143元 | + 328% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | B$352 (1,847元) | 589元 | + 214% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | B$8 (43元) | 39元 | + 12% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | B$10 (52元) | 51元 | + 3% | |
| Clothes | + 22% | |||
| Clothes in Brunei is 22% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | B$96 (504元) | 529元 | - 5% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | B$80 (420元) | 248元 | + 69% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | B$85 (445元) | 626元 | - 29% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | B$86 (452元) | 828元 | - 45% | |
| Transportation | + 19% | |||
| Transportation in Brunei is 19% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | B$38,743 (203,350元) | 161,247元 | + 26% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | B$0.53 (2.78元) | 9元 | - 68% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | B$60 (315元) | 204元 | + 55% | |
| Personal Care | + 5% | |||
| Personal Care in Brunei is 5% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | B$5.70 (30元) | 39元 | - 23% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | B$20 (105元) | 27元 | + 291% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | B$42 (221元) | 391元 | - 44% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | B$4.00 (21元) | 53元 | - 60% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | B$5.00 (26元) | 33元 | - 21% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | B$7 (36元) | 34元 | + 4% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | B$3.80 (20元) | 13元 | + 51% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | B$3.26 (17元) | 15元 | + 16% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | B$23 (120元) | 74元 | + 61% | |
| Entertainment | + 94% | |||
| Entertainment in Brunei is 94% more expensive than in China | ||||
| Brunei | China | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | B$32 (168元) | 265元 | - 37% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | B$21 (112元) | 110元 | + 2% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | B$60 (315元) | 1,294元 | - 76% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | B$77 (403元) | 348元 | + 16% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | B$100 (525元) | 79元 | + 565% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | B$5.36 (28元) | 29元 | - 4% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | - | 18元 | - | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | B$1,169 (6,136元) | 3,321元 | + 85% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | B$0.80 (4.20元) | 0.20元 | + 1999% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | B$80 (420元) | 410元 | + 2% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | B$15 (79元) | 24元 | + 226% | |
| TOTAL | + 19% | |||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 1,337 prices entered by 136 different people.
These prices were last updated on May 31, 2023.
Exchange rate:
5.249
CNY
/
BND
Cost of living in Brunei is 19% more expensive than in China
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