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Cost of Living in Nigeria

161 cities covered · Currency: NGN (₦) · Capital: Lagos

Single person, monthly₦581,036 ($375)
Couple, monthly₦1,040,398 ($671)
Family of four, monthly₦1,354,309 ($874)
Average net salary₦410,750 ($265)

Average Prices in Nigeria

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₦5,915 ($3.82)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₦23,659 ($15.26)per meal
Cappuccino₦1,774 ($1.14)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₦134,069 ($86.50)per month
Monthly public transport pass₦21,688 ($13.99)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₦57,176 ($36.89)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₦16,561 ($10.68)per month
Fitness club membership₦16,561 ($10.68)per month
Cinema ticket₦4,338 ($2.80)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₦268,405 ($173)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₦186,716 ($120)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₦560,149 ($361)per month

Major Cities in Nigeria

Lagos

Lagos · pop. 16,637,000

Kano

Kano · pop. 4,348,000

Ibadan

Oyo · pop. 3,861,000

Abuja

Federal Capital Territory · pop. 3,770,000

Awka

Anambra · pop. 2,171,900

Port Harcourt

Rivers · pop. 1,865,000

Benin City

Edo · pop. 1,780,000

Nneyi-Umuleri

Anambra · pop. 1,500,000

Onitsha

Anambra · pop. 1,483,000

Maiduguri

Borno · pop. 1,197,497

Aba

Abia · pop. 1,160,000

Ogbomoso

Oyo · pop. 1,032,000

Enugu

Enugu · pop. 1,029,400

Owerri

Imo · pop. 908,109

Abeokuta

Ogun · pop. 888,924

Afikpo

Ebonyi · pop. 881,611

Ikeja

Lagos · pop. 861,300

Akure

Ondo · pop. 847,903

Ilorin

Kwara · pop. 847,582

Jos

Plateau · pop. 821,618

Zaria

Kaduna · pop. 766,007

Kaduna

Kaduna · pop. 760,084

Osogbo

Osun · pop. 731,000

Bauchi

Bauchi · pop. 693,700

Cheapest Cities in Nigeria

KumoChobaOkutaObiarukuKokoNew BussaZungeruTeginaJebbaOmupoFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Nigeria

Lagos vs Kano

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nigeria

Lagos vs Ibadan

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nigeria

Kano vs Abuja

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nigeria

Ibadan vs Abuja

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Nigeria

Cost of Living by City Size in Nigeria

Living costs in Nigeria vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of ₦581,036 ($375) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Nigeria?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Nigeria is ₦581,036 ($375), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly ₦1,354,309 ($874) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Nigeria?
Kumo ranks among the most affordable cities in Nigeria with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Nigeria?
The estimated average net salary in Nigeria is ₦410,750 ($265) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Nigeria derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.