The currency of Brunei is the Brunei Dollar (BND) and the cost of living in the country is relatively low compared with other nations. It is ranked at 215 out of 282 countries which were examined, which makes it a very attractive destination for expats.

The cost of tobacco and alcohol is high compared with many other nations, but the country is working to discourage the use of both of these. Clothing and shoes are also expensive as these are mostly imported into the country.

The telecommunications network is much cheaper than that of most other countries. The overall costs of line rentals and making calls ranks the country 200 out of 282. This also applies to using the internet and mobile phones.

The cost of education is another area that is very reasonably priced. Whether your children are attending kindergarten or college the fees are considerably lower than in countries such as the United States and the UK.

Buying furniture and appliances is comparable with most other nations. This includes electrical items which range from light bulbs to DVD players. This is surprising as most of these items have to be imported which would normally add to the price of the item. The cost of buying groceries and cleaning products for the home are also on a par with most other countries with Brunei coming around halfway down the list of nations. Utility bills are reasonably priced as is the cost of running a home with Brunei in the bottom half of the list of the most expensive nations to live in. When purchasing miscellaneous items such as linen and extras for the home, the country is even further down the list.

The cost of healthcare is very reasonable. The services that are charged for are reasonably priced and this includes prescriptions and medical insurance. Brunei ranks at 206 out of 282 in this category.

The cost of an evening out is very reasonable, as is buying DVDs or books. The country is once again in the bottom half of the list. Restaurants offer reasonably priced meals and a family can enjoy a meal out for around half the price of a similar evening in the UK.

There is a good range of reasonable priced goods in Brunei but as with all expat communities there is always something you miss from home. It is possible to have items imported but this can work out to be expensive.