The cost of living in Nigeria for a single person is roughly $400 to $1,200 a month, depending mostly on the city and the type of housing. Lagos and Abuja sit at the top of that range, while smaller cities such as Ibadan or Enugu cost less.
Nigerian prices move quickly because of inflation and exchange-rate changes. The figures below are estimates built from crowd-sourced price data (Numbeo, last updated March 2025), so treat them as a guide and check current naira prices before you plan. Conversions to naira change often, so confirm the day’s exchange rate.
What Is the Cost of Living in Nigeria Per Month?
| Item (USD, estimate) | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat, city centre (monthly equivalent) | about $880 (range $360-$2,170) |
| 1-bedroom flat, outside centre (monthly equivalent) | about $550 (range $190-$1,520) |
| Basic utilities, 915 sq ft flat | about $33 |
| Internet, 60 Mbps+ unlimited | about $31 |
| Monthly public transport pass | about $34 |
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | about $2 |
Rent is the largest cost. Outside Lagos and Abuja, rents are often well below the averages above, which are driven by those two cities.
How Much Is Rent in Nigeria?
Rent in Nigeria is usually quoted per year, not per month. Many landlords ask for one to two years upfront, plus agency and legal fees. Ask for the total move-in cost in writing before you commit.
- Lagos Island and Lekki: the most expensive area, with modern flats priced in the upper part of the range.
- Abuja central districts: similarly high, especially in gated estates.
- Lagos Mainland suburbs: cheaper, but commutes are long.
- Ibadan, Enugu and Kano: usually the lowest rents of the major cities.
How Much Does Food Cost in Nigeria?
Cooking at home with local staples such as rice, beans, yam, garri and vegetables is the cheapest way to eat. Open-air markets are usually cheaper than supermarkets. A meal at a local restaurant (a “bukka”) can cost only a few dollars, while mid-range restaurants cost noticeably more.
Food prices have risen sharply in recent years, so check current market prices rather than relying on older figures.
What Do Electricity, Transport and Internet Cost?
- Electricity: grid power is unreliable in many areas, so many households also pay for generator fuel or solar. Your backup power can cost as much as the grid bill.
- Transport: shared buses and tricycles are cheap per ride, while ride-hailing costs more and varies with fuel prices and traffic.
- Internet and mobile data: home broadband or satellite plans cost around the Numbeo figure above, while mobile data bundles are cheaper.
- Healthcare: public clinics cost less than private ones. Health maintenance organisation (HMO) plans are sold by private insurers, so compare quotes.
How Can You Save Money Living in Nigeria?
- Choose a neighbourhood with reliable power and a short commute.
- Buy staples in bulk at local markets.
- Negotiate rent and ask whether estate or service charges are included.
- Budget for generator fuel or a solar inverter.
- Keep some savings in a stable currency if you earn in naira, since prices can change quickly.
Comparing countries? See our guides on the cost of living in Ghana, in Kenya and in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Nigeria for a month?
Roughly $400 to $1,200 for a single person, depending on city and housing. Rent is the biggest factor, and Lagos and Abuja cost the most.
Is Nigeria cheap to live in?
Food, transport and services can be cheap compared with Western countries, but rent in Lagos and Abuja, backup power and imported goods can be expensive.
How much is rent in Nigeria?
Numbeo data suggests about $880 a month equivalent for a city-centre one-bedroom and about $550 outside the centre. Rent is usually paid yearly, and prices vary widely by city.
Do you pay rent upfront in Nigeria?
Often yes. Many landlords ask for one to two years of rent upfront plus agency and legal fees, so confirm the total in writing.
