Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Brunei

Kuwait
Based on our comparison, Hawalli wins 5 out of 8 categories.Bandar Seri Begawan wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bandar Seri Begawan and Hawalli, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Hawalli
$998/mo
Best Internet
Hawalli
85 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Hawalli
7.2/10
Our Recommendation: Hawalli is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bandar Seri Begawan and Hawalli for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Hawalli is the more budget-friendly option at $998/month versus Bandar Seri Begawan's $1,257/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Hawalli provides faster connectivity at 85 Mbps compared to Bandar Seri Begawan's 80 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 7.2/10, Bandar Seri Begawan provides a more secure environment than Hawalli (6/10).
Overall: Hawalli's NomadIQ score of 7.2/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Hawalli is 21% cheaper than Bandar Seri Begawan.
Bandar Seri Begawan has a higher safety score (7.2/10) compared to Hawalli (6/10).
7.2/10
Bandar Seri Begawan
6/10
Hawalli
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Hawalli offers faster internet at 85 Mbps vs 80 Mbps.
80 Mbps
Bandar Seri Begawan
85 Mbps
Hawalli
Based on our analysis, Hawalli edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bandar Seri Begawan: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Hawalli: Best for budget-conscious expats
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.