Bandar Seri Begawan vs Phuket: cost of living for digital nomads
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei and Phuket, Thailand, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Bandar Seri Begawan is about 3% cheaper than Phuket for a month of nomad living ($1,410 vs $1,450).
- Bandar Seri Begawan scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Phuket: 180 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Both have a tropical climate.
Bandar Seri Begawan wins 4 of the measured lines; Phuket wins 2.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Bandar Seri Begawan or Phuket?
Bandar Seri Begawan is cheaper: about $1,410/month against $1,450/month in Phuket, roughly 3% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Bandar Seri Begawan or Phuket?
Bandar Seri Begawan scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 7/10 for Phuket.
Which has faster internet, Bandar Seri Begawan or Phuket?
Phuket has faster typical internet: 180 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Bandar Seri Begawan.
| Line | Bandar Seri Begawan | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,410 | $1,450 |
| Rent | $600 | $600 |
| Food | $380 | $380 |
| Transport | $50 | $70 |
| Coworking | $90 | $120 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 90 | 180 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| City size | mid | mid |
| Setting | coast | island |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Bandar Seri Begawan September 11, 2026, Phuket September 10, 2026.