Cost of Living in Nigeria

Updated: February 01, 2025

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 %

Dining Out

The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 1.6 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 22.88 USD.

Groceries

Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 2.88 USD, a loaf of bread 1.18 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 1.81 USD.

Transportation

Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 0.46 USD and a monthly pass around 20.59 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.

Utilities

For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 22.09 USD.

Sports and Recreation

For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 30.76 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 7.19 USD.

Childcare and Education

Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 89.72 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 2000.5 USD.

Clothing and Footwear

Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 17.12 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 58.9 USD.

Apartment Rentals

Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 883.67 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 503.43 USD.

Real Estate for Purchase

If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 950.73 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 449.54 USD.

Average Salary and Mortgage Rates

The average monthly net salary here is about 160.83 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 17.71% annually.

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.

Cost of Living in Nigeria

Nigeria

Restaurants

Markets

Transportation

Utilities (Monthly)

Sports And Leisure

Childcare

Clothing And Shoes

Rent Per Month

Buy Apartment Price

Salaries And Financing