Cost of Living in Nigeria

If you've ever considered moving to Nigeria, one of the first questions that likely crossed your mind is, "What is the cost of living in Nigeria?" After all, it's essential to have a clear picture of your potential expenses before making such a life-changing decision. At this page, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of the cost of living in Nigeria and whether the reported $1639 per month figure aligns with the average monthly salary of $160.83.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Nigeria
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

1.6 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

22.88 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

5.72 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

0.92 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.14 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.16 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.37 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.25 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.88 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.18 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.46 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.81 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

4.17 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

4.46 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

4.54 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.17 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.62 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.25 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.88 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.1 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.47 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.0 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.5 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

4.58 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.82 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.28 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

1.14 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.46 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

20.59 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.14 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.26 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

4.58 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.38 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

18306.54 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

27336.59 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

22.09 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

0.04 $

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

48.06 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

30.76 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

7.19 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

6.18 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

89.72 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

2000.5 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

17.12 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

27.12 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

58.9 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

65.04 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

883.67 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

503.43 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2798.76 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1271.8 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

950.73 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

449.54 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

160.83 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

17.71 %

Nigeria

How Safe Is Nigeria for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Nigeria

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Nigeria is currently a very dangerous destination for potential tourists. Governments in several countries have even issued warnings against traveling to this country, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings, and other types of violent crime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

As for transport, it is not safe, and you should always opt for taxis and hired drivers to get around Nigeria. However, buses, although dangerous because of possible roadblocks and the possibility of passengers being attacked are reliable and can take you to any part of the country you wish to go. Still, be very careful when getting around Nigeria.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Crime levels are high in Nigeria and this goes for both petty and violent crime. Expect petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, camera snatching, and other forms of theft, especially on the streets of Lagos.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Nigeria gets severely hit by heavy tropical rains each year from May to September, which usually leads to flash floods. Floods are the most devastating natural disaster in Nigeria and they have also devastated the Niger Delta.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

There have been some pretty scary reports concerning violent crime in Nigeria towards foreigners particularly. U.S. Department of State reporting more than 140 foreign nationals have been kidnapped, and six of them killed, since 2009. This is why it is essential that you avoid walking around Nigeria altogether, be it during the day or night. Opt for driving.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Nigeria. Avoid northern and northeast Nigeria at all costs as those are the parts of the country where most of the terrorism takes place. However, there have been numerous attacks elsewhere, too. Threats are mostly coming from the terrorist group Boko Haram.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Of course, scams too are common in Nigeria, so double check your change, never pay anything upfront, and negotiate everything in advance. Be very careful around ATMs and be wary of anyone trying to distract you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Nigeria is not a safe destination for women. Do not go alone anywhere, and keep in mind that it is best not to move around Nigeria at all, except if you're in a car with windows rolled up.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do need a passport in order to enter Nigeria. You will need a valid passport and keep in mind that it is usually impossible to acquire a visa upon arrival so make sure you apply for one well in advance. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

currency_exchange

Currency

The Nigerian naira is the official currency in Nigeria. ATMs are becoming more and more available throughout the country.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Nigeria has a tropical climate, due to it being located in the tropics, and it is characterized by a rainy and a dry season as in most countries in the tropics. Nigeria's rainy season lasts from May to September during which period it receives extreme amounts of rain.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the main airport in Nigeria, serving the entire country. It is located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Nigeria, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Comparison of the Cost Of Living in Nigeria with other countries

Cost of living in countries