Cost of Living in Lagos, Nigeria

Are you considering a move to Lagos, Nigeria, and wondering about the cost of living? Lagos is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Lagos and help you understand whether $1351 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $158.26.

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

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

2.53 $

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

28.5 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

4.43 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

0.63 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.2 $

Cappuccino (regular)

2.13 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

0.26 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

0.17 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

2.26 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

1.1 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

1.58 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

1.43 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

2.96 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

3.62 $

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

4.12 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.45 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.67 $

Oranges (1 lb)

1.58 $

Tomato (1 lb)

1.87 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.07 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.08 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.01 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.32 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

4.43 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

0.61 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

0.86 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

1.01 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

0.57 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

25.33 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

1.27 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

1.27 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

3.67 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

0.23 $

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

15199.49 $

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

22618.29 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

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

23.53 $

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

--

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

30.16 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

24.22 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

7.92 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

5.38 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

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

85.7 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

1829.57 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

12.86 $

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

18.3 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

45.78 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

38.54 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

651.69 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

401.17 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1575.56 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

992.97 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

738.69 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

198.12 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

158.26 $

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

20.0 %

Cost of Living in Lagos, Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Lagos?

The monthly expenses for living in Lagos come to a total of approximately $1351. This includes an average monthly rent of around $651 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $38 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $390 per month.

How affordable is living in Lagos?

Living in Lagos appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $158.26. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Lagos, you would likely need an income exceeding $158.26.

What is the average salary in Lagos?

In Lagos, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $158.26, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Lagos?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Lagos is approximately $651. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $401.17 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Lagos?

The expense for groceries in Lagos can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $290 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Nigeria?

The cost of living in Nigeria can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Nigeria.

Lagos, Nigeria

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

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Lagos was a very dangerous destination for potential tourists, but now it's much safer with the state spending a lot of money on police, security, etc. Still, governments in several countries have issued warnings against traveling to the entire country of Nigeria, for reasons such as terrorism, kidnappings and other types of violent crime.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

As for transport, it is not safe, and you should always opt for taxis and hired drivers to get around Lagos. 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 city you wish to go.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Crime levels are high on the streets of Lagos and this applies more to petty crime than the violent crime. Expect petty crimes like pickpocketing, bag snatching, camera snatching, and other forms of theft.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Lagos gets severely hit by heavy tropical rains and thunderstorms regularly, and this usually leads to flash floods. Floods are the most devastating natural disaster in Lagos.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

It is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, mostly because tourists usually opt for driving. It is wise to stay safe and be alert, especially after dark. Stick to crowded streets at all times.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there have been some pretty scary reports concerning violent crime in Nigeria towards foreigners, terrorism is not a major issue in Lagos, unlike other parts of Nigeria.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Of course, scams too are common in Lagos, 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

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

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

Most countries do need a visa to enter Lagos, 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, contact your nearest Nigerian embassy for further information.

currency_exchange

Currency

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

cloudy_snowing

Weather

Lagos 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. Lagos's rainy season lasts from May to September during which period it receives extreme amounts of rain which sometimes leads to extreme floods.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the main airport in Lagos, serving the entire country of Nigeria. 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 Lagos, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Lagos, Nigeria

What about weather in Lagos, Nigeria ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 90°F 91°F 91°F 90°F 88°F 85°F 82°F 82°F 83°F 85°F 88°F 89°F
Temp 82°F 84°F 84°F 84°F 82°F 80°F 78°F 78°F 79°F 80°F 82°F 82°F
Low 76°F 78°F 79°F 78°F 77°F 76°F 75°F 75°F 75°F 75°F 77°F 76°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 32°C 32°C 32°C 32°C 31°C 29°C 27°C 27°C 28°C 29°C 31°C 31°C
Temp 27°C 28°C 28°C 28°C 27°C 26°C 25°C 25°C 26°C 26°C 27°C 27°C
Low 24°C 25°C 26°C 25°C 25°C 24°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 23°C 25°C 24°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Nigeria with Lagos

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries