Understanding the cost of living in Nigeria is essential for anyone planning to live, work, or study in the country. Whether you are moving to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, or another city, knowing how much you need monthly for rent, food, transportation, and other expenses will help you budget better and make informed financial decisions.
This article provides a full monthly breakdown of the cost of living in Nigeria in 2025, focusing on the three major expense categories: rent, food, and transport. We will discuss how much Nigerians typically spend, what factors influence these costs, and practical tips on managing expenses effectively.
Whether you are a student, a professional, or a family, this detailed guide will help you understand the financial landscape of living in Nigeria today.
Why Understanding Cost of Living in Nigeria Matters
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Financial Planning: Knowing costs helps plan your monthly budget and avoid financial stress.
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Relocation Decisions: Helps you decide which city or neighborhood fits your budget.
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Salary Negotiation: Understanding expenses helps negotiate fair wages.
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Savings Goals: Manage expenses to increase savings or investments.
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Quality of Life: Budgeting well ensures a comfortable lifestyle.
Summary Table: Average Monthly Cost of Living in Nigeria (2025)
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (₦) | Cost Range (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom flat) | ₦150,000 | ₦80,000 – ₦300,000 | Varies by city and location |
| Food (Groceries) | ₦40,000 | ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 | For one person |
| Transportation | ₦20,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦35,000 | Includes public and private transit |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | ₦25,000 | ₦15,000 – ₦40,000 | Varies by usage and provider |
| Miscellaneous (Clothing, Entertainment) | ₦15,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 | Optional but common expenses |
1. Rent in Nigeria: What to Expect in 2025
Overview
Rent is often the largest monthly expense in Nigeria. The cost depends heavily on the city, neighborhood, type of accommodation, and facilities available.
Rent Costs by City
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Lagos: The commercial capital with the highest rent. A 1-bedroom flat can cost between ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 monthly in areas like Victoria Island or Lekki. More affordable options (₦80,000 to ₦120,000) exist in suburbs such as Ikorodu or Agege.
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Abuja: Nigeria’s capital city has moderately high rent. Central locations like Wuse or Maitama see rents from ₦120,000 to ₦250,000.
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Port Harcourt: As an oil hub, rent here ranges from ₦100,000 to ₦220,000 depending on neighborhood.
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Other Cities: Cities like Ibadan, Enugu, and Kano offer more affordable rent, sometimes as low as ₦50,000 for decent flats.
Types of Accommodation
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Single Room (Self-contained): ₦40,000 – ₦100,000, common among students and low-income earners.
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1-Bedroom Flat: ₦80,000 – ₦300,000 depending on location and facilities.
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2-Bedroom Flat and Above: ₦120,000 – ₦600,000, suitable for families or roommates.
Factors Influencing Rent
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Location (city center vs. outskirts)
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Security and neighborhood safety
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Facilities (electricity backup, parking, water supply)
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Furnished vs. unfurnished
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Lease duration and landlord’s policies
2. Food Expenses in Nigeria: Monthly Grocery and Eating Costs
Overview
Food costs cover groceries, dining out, and basic household supplies. Food prices can fluctuate due to inflation, seasonal availability, and local market conditions.
Monthly Grocery Cost
For a single person, monthly groceries usually cost between ₦30,000 to ₦60,000. This includes staple foods like rice, beans, yam, vegetables, meat, fish, and cooking oil.
Common Food Items and Prices (Approximate)
| Food Item | Average Price (₦) per Unit |
|---|---|
| Rice (50kg bag) | ₦25,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Beans (50kg bag) | ₦30,000 – ₦35,000 |
| Yam (1 tuber) | ₦300 – ₦700 |
| Tomatoes (1 basket) | ₦2,000 – ₦4,000 |
| Vegetables (per kg) | ₦200 – ₦400 |
| Meat (per kg) | ₦1,500 – ₦3,000 |
| Fish (per kg) | ₦1,200 – ₦3,500 |
| Cooking Oil (1 liter) | ₦1,000 – ₦1,800 |
Eating Out
Eating at local restaurants or street food vendors may cost ₦300 to ₦1,500 per meal. Dining at upscale restaurants ranges from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 per meal.
Tips for Managing Food Costs
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Buy in bulk during sales or from wholesale markets.
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Prefer local produce when possible.
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Cook at home to reduce eating out expenses.
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Use budgeting apps to track grocery spending.
3. Transport Costs in Nigeria: Navigating the City on a Budget
Overview
Transportation is essential for commuting to work, school, or markets. Costs vary depending on city infrastructure and available transport modes.
Common Modes of Transport
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Buses and Mini Buses (Danfo, Molue): Cheapest option with fares from ₦100 to ₦300 per trip.
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Motorcycle Taxis (Okada): ₦200 to ₦500 depending on distance.
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Tricycles (Keke Napep): ₦150 to ₦400.
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Ride-Hailing Services (Uber, Bolt): ₦500 to ₦2,000 per trip depending on distance and traffic.
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Personal Cars: Costs include fuel (₦200 – ₦300 per liter), maintenance, and parking fees.
Average Monthly Transport Cost
Most Nigerians spend between ₦10,000 to ₦35,000 monthly on transport depending on commuting distance and mode.
Factors Affecting Transport Cost
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City size and traffic congestion
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Distance between home and workplace/school
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Choice of public vs. private transport
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Fuel price fluctuations
Cost-Saving Tips
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Use shared transport options.
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Plan trips to avoid rush hours.
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Carpool with colleagues or friends.
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Consider living closer to work or school.
4. Utilities and Other Essential Monthly Expenses
Electricity
Electricity bills vary widely depending on consumption and generator use. Many Nigerians rely on generators due to inconsistent power supply, which increases monthly costs.
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Electricity bill: ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 per month.
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Generator fuel and maintenance: ₦10,000 to ₦25,000 monthly.
Water
Most residential areas pay for water, with costs ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 per month depending on consumption and source.
Internet and Phone
Internet data costs average ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 monthly for home broadband or mobile data plans.
Summary of Utilities Monthly Costs
| Utility | Average Cost (₦) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 | Additional generator costs |
| Water | ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 | Depends on source |
| Internet | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 | Mobile or broadband |
| Phone (calls/data) | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 | Depends on usage |
5. Miscellaneous Monthly Expenses
These include clothing, entertainment, healthcare, and personal care.
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Clothing and accessories: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 monthly (averaged over the year)
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Entertainment (movies, events): ₦3,000 – ₦10,000
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Healthcare (medicine, clinic visits): ₦2,000 – ₦8,000
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Personal care (toiletries, haircuts): ₦2,000 – ₦5,000
How Inflation Affects the Cost of Living in Nigeria
Inflation in Nigeria influences prices for rent, food, and transportation. Increases in fuel prices lead to higher transport costs, while currency depreciation raises import costs affecting rent and food.
Staying informed about inflation trends helps Nigerians adjust their budgets accordingly.
FAQs: Cost of Living in Nigeria 2025
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What is the average monthly cost of living for a single person in Nigeria?
About ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 depending on city and lifestyle. -
Is Lagos the most expensive city to live in Nigeria?
Yes, Lagos generally has the highest living costs. -
How much does rent cost on average in Nigeria?
Ranges from ₦80,000 for modest flats to ₦300,000+ in prime areas. -
Are transportation costs high in Nigerian cities?
Costs vary, but many use affordable public transport. -
How much should I budget for food monthly?
Around ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 for groceries per person. -
Do utilities cost a lot in Nigeria?
Electricity and generator fuel can be expensive due to power instability. -
Is eating out affordable in Nigeria?
Street food is cheap, but restaurants vary widely. -
What is the cheapest city to live in Nigeria?
Cities like Ibadan and Enugu generally have lower costs. -
How can I reduce my monthly expenses?
Cook at home, use public transport, and live in affordable neighborhoods. -
Does the cost of living in Nigeria increase yearly?
Yes, inflation and economic factors cause gradual increases.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Nigeria in 2025 varies significantly based on location, lifestyle, and individual needs. Rent, food, and transport remain the most substantial monthly expenses for most Nigerians. Understanding these costs enables better budgeting, smarter financial decisions, and improved quality of life.
Whether you are moving to a new city or managing your current expenses, regularly reviewing your budget and adjusting for inflation will help you maintain financial stability.