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Cost of Living in Lagos

Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria · Population 16,637,000 · National capital

▲ +25% vs Nigeria average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₦724,579 ($467)
Couple, monthly₦1,300,983 ($839)
Family of four, monthly₦1,696,907 ($1,095)

Estimated Prices in Lagos

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₦7,254 ($4.68)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₦29,016 ($18.72)per meal
Cappuccino₦2,176 ($1.40)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₦164,424 ($106)per month
Monthly public transport pass₦26,598 ($17.16)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₦70,122 ($45.24)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₦20,311 ($13.10)per month
Fitness club membership₦20,311 ($13.10)per month
Cinema ticket₦5,320 ($3.43)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₦346,407 ($223)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₦240,979 ($155)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₦722,937 ($466)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Lagos is ₦503,750 ($325) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₦724,579 ($467) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₦941,952 ($608) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₦240,979 ($155)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Lagos

Lagos vs KanoLagos vs IbadanLagos vs AbujaLagos vs AwkaLagos vs Port HarcourtLagos vs Benin City

Nearby Cities

Apapa

4 km away · Lagos

Somolu

9 km away · Lagos

Mushin

10 km away · Lagos

Ikeja

19 km away · Lagos

Agege

20 km away · Lagos

Ikorodu

26 km away · Lagos

Iju

38 km away · Ogun

Shagamu

51 km away · Ogun

Other Major Cities in Nigeria

Kano

Kano · pop. 4,348,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Ibadan

Oyo · pop. 3,861,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Abuja

Federal Capital Territory · pop. 3,770,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Awka

Anambra · pop. 2,171,900

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Port Harcourt

Rivers · pop. 1,865,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Benin City

Edo · pop. 1,780,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Nneyi-Umuleri

Anambra · pop. 1,500,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Onitsha

Anambra · pop. 1,483,000

₦628,574 ($406) / mo

Living in Lagos

Lagos is the capital and one of the key cities in Nigeria. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₦724,579 ($467), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₦240,979 ($155) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₦1,696,907 ($1,095) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₦1,300,983 ($839) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Lagos is ₦503,750 ($325). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₦941,952 ($608) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₦724,579 ($467) per month in Lagos including rent outside the city centre. That is 25% more than the national average for Nigeria.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Lagos?
A net salary of around ₦941,952 ($608) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Lagos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Lagos is ₦503,750 ($325).
How much is rent in Lagos?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₦346,407 ($223) per month in the city centre and ₦240,979 ($155) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₦722,937 ($466).
Is Lagos cheaper than Nigeria on average?
No — Lagos is estimated to be about 25% more expensive than the Nigeria average, mainly due to housing demand as the national capital.
What is the cost of groceries in Lagos?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₦164,424 ($106) in Lagos. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₦7,254 ($5) and a cappuccino runs around ₦2,176 ($1).
How do transport costs in Lagos compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Lagos is estimated at ₦26,598 ($17). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Lagos are estimates based on Nigeria national averages adjusted for city size (population 16,637,000) and capital-city premium. Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.