Brunei: cost of living

Are food prices rising in Brunei?

Prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages in Brunei were 1.7% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the consumer price index from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS). Meat rose 5.4%, mainly fresh chicken and beef, coffee, tea and cocoa 8.8%, and rice and cereals 1.1%.

Food prices rose 0.5% between July and August 2026. Non-food prices, which have a larger weight in the index, rose 0.3% over the year, including clothing and footwear (2.4%) and restaurants and hotels (0.7%). Overall consumer prices were up 0.5%.

Official sources: DEPS: Consumer Price Index, August 2026 (PDF)

Does Brunei have income tax?

The taxes Brunei collects are listed in the Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2025, using Treasury Department data: in 2025/26 the largest was company income tax, BND231.8 million, out of BND400.6 million in taxes and duties. The table has no line for personal income tax.

Other items include import and excise duties (BND111.1 million), home assessment fees, land tax and stamp duty. Taxes are a small part of government revenue; oil and gas revenue was BND1,823.3 million in the same year. The year runs from April to March and 2025/26 figures are provisional.

Official sources: DEPS: Brunei Darussalam Statistical Yearbook 2025 (PDF)

What is Brunei's inflation rate?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Brunei was -0.3%, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -0.7% (2016) to 3.7% (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2%, and Brunei placed 22nd highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 158th of 165.

How much do households in Brunei spend per person?

The World Bank puts household consumption per person in Brunei at $9,809 in 2025. The peak was $10,064 in 2024 and the low $5,034 in 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: $3,794; Brunei is 4th highest of 12. Of 124 countries with 2025 data, 37th highest.