Looking for the top 10 cities with the highest cost of living in Nigeria in 2025? You’re not alone. Whether you're relocating, job hunting, or planning a business move, understanding the most expensive cities in Nigeria helps you budget wisely.
In this detailed and updated guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the highest cost of living in Nigeria, including rent, transportation, food prices, lifestyle expenses, and what truly makes each city expensive. This list is based on current market trends, local economic conditions, and inflation in 2025.
What Determines Cost of Living in Nigerian Cities?
The cost of living in Nigeria varies widely by city and is affected by several key factors:
House Rent and accommodation availability
Food prices in markets and supermarkets
Transportation costs (public and private)
Utilities like electricity, water, and internet
Lifestyle expenses (entertainment, fashion, schooling, healthcare)
Inflation and regional economic activities
The cities listed below have been ranked based on average household expenses, rent cost, consumer prices, and cost of goods and services.
1. Lagos – The Most Expensive City in Nigeria (2025)
Lagos continues to top the chart as the city with the highest cost of living in Nigeria. As the economic capital of West Africa, Lagos is home to multinational companies, expensive neighborhoods, private schools, luxury malls, and high traffic congestion.
Why Lagos is Expensive:
Rent in areas like Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Banana Island is extremely high.
Food and groceries are more expensive than in most Nigerian cities.
Transport fares keep rising due to fuel costs and traffic delays.
Lifestyle choices such as entertainment, schools, and internet services are premium-priced.
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦400,000 |
| Feeding | ₦80,000 |
| Transport | ₦50,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦40,000 |
| Total | ₦570,000 |
2. Abuja – Nigeria’s Political Capital with High-Class Living
Abuja is the seat of power and one of the most developed cities in Nigeria. It is clean, organized, and home to Nigeria's elite, expatriates, and civil servants. But living in Abuja comes at a high price.
Why Abuja is Expensive:
Rent in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and Gwarimpa is costly.
Dining and groceries are higher due to logistics and exclusivity.
Private schools and health care are priced for upper-middle class.
Transportation is cheaper than Lagos, but utilities and internet remain pricey.
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦300,000 |
| Feeding | ₦70,000 |
| Transport | ₦30,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦35,000 |
| Total | ₦435,000 |
3. Port Harcourt – Oil City with a Pricey Lifestyle
Known as the oil capital of Nigeria, Port Harcourt is a major business hub in the Niger Delta region. With many oil companies and expatriates, the cost of living is high.
Why Port Harcourt is Expensive:
High demand for quality housing by oil workers inflates rent.
Supermarkets and imported food items are costlier than local markets.
Private security and utility costs are higher due to regional insecurity.
Entertainment and nightlife are heavily commercialized.
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦250,000 |
| Feeding | ₦65,000 |
| Transport | ₦25,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦30,000 |
| Total | ₦370,000 |
4. Warri – High Cost Due to Oil and Private Sector Jobs
Warri, also in the Niger Delta, shares similarities with Port Harcourt. Although smaller, Warri’s cost of living remains high due to oil money, business presence, and expensive lifestyle habits.
What Makes Warri Costly:
Oil workers drive up demand for premium rentals.
Availability of luxury shopping and nightclubs
High prices of goods, especially in expatriate zones
Private security and gated estates add extra costs
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦220,000 |
| Feeding | ₦60,000 |
| Transport | ₦25,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦25,000 |
| Total | ₦330,000 |
5. Owerri – The Eastern Entertainment Capital
Owerri may surprise some, but the city has seen a rise in living costs due to its growing entertainment sector and real estate boom. It's a hotspot for events, tourism, and urban migration in the Southeast.
What Makes Owerri Expensive:
Rent prices have doubled in the last few years
Hotels, restaurants, and lounges drive up daily costs
Food and alcohol are priced higher in central areas
Popular among returnees and diaspora investors
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦200,000 |
| Feeding | ₦55,000 |
| Transport | ₦20,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦20,000 |
| Total | ₦295,000 |
6. Uyo – A Fast-Growing Urban Hub in the South-South
Uyo is rapidly developing and attracting professionals, government workers, and tech startups. The city is known for its neat roads, smart buildings, and lifestyle upgrade.
What Drives Uyo's Cost of Living:
Rent in high-brow areas like Shelter Afrique is increasing
Groceries and services reflect urban class demands
Good road network but rising cost of private transport
Affordable lifestyle is shifting towards premium pricing
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦180,000 |
| Feeding | ₦50,000 |
| Transport | ₦20,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦20,000 |
| Total | ₦270,000 |
7. Enugu – The Coal City with a Growing Middle Class
Enugu remains a center for government administration and academic institutions. Its cost of living is moderate but rising, especially in neighborhoods like Independence Layout and New Haven.
Why Enugu is Expensive:
High-quality schools and hospitals attract middle-class families
Rental costs have surged in developed zones
Restaurants and supermarkets cater to upper-income earners
Increasing migration from other eastern cities
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦170,000 |
| Feeding | ₦45,000 |
| Transport | ₦20,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦20,000 |
| Total | ₦255,000 |
8. Benin City – Edo’s Capital with Mixed Living Costs
Benin City is a historical and cultural hub in southern Nigeria. The cost of living depends largely on location—GRA and new estates are costly, but inner city areas remain affordable.
What Adds to the Cost in Benin:
Luxury developments and diaspora real estate projects
Schooling, healthcare, and transport in high-income zones
Gradual shift to digital services and online businesses
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦150,000 |
| Feeding | ₦45,000 |
| Transport | ₦20,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦18,000 |
| Total | ₦233,000 |
9. Asaba – Delta’s Capital with Quietly Rising Expenses
Asaba has become a favorite among returnees, film producers, and civil servants. While still relatively calm, its cost of living has quietly crept up.
Why Asaba is Costlier Now:
Popular with Nollywood filmmakers and high-income earners
New estates and hotels raise rent prices
Food and leisure services now target richer clientele
Fuel scarcity and logistics increase transport expenses
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦140,000 |
| Feeding | ₦40,000 |
| Transport | ₦18,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦18,000 |
| Total | ₦216,000 |
10. Calabar – Beautiful but Pricey for Visitors and Expats
Calabar remains a beautiful city with clean streets, good food, and tourism-friendly environments. The cost of living is higher for outsiders and expatriates due to limited rental supply and import-heavy food options.
What Makes Calabar Expensive:
Rental costs in tourist areas like Marian and State Housing
Imported food and items increase market costs
Private school and healthcare fees are on the rise
Tourism influences pricing on hospitality services
Estimated Monthly Cost (Single Person):
| Category | Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom) | ₦130,000 |
| Feeding | ₦38,000 |
| Transport | ₦15,000 |
| Utilities & Internet | ₦18,000 |
| Total | ₦201,000 |
Summary Table – Top 10 Cities with Highest Cost of Living in Nigeria (2025)
| Rank | City | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lagos | ₦570,000 |
| 2 | Abuja | ₦435,000 |
| 3 | Port Harcourt | ₦370,000 |
| 4 | Warri | ₦330,000 |
| 5 | Owerri | ₦295,000 |
| 6 | Uyo | ₦270,000 |
| 7 | Enugu | ₦255,000 |
| 8 | Benin City | ₦233,000 |
| 9 | Asaba | ₦216,000 |
| 10 | Calabar | ₦201,000 |
Final Thoughts: Top 10 Cities with Highest Cost of Living in Nigeria (2025)
From Lagos to Calabar, the highest cost of living in Nigeria reflects a mix of economic activity, migration, infrastructure, and lifestyle expectations. While Lagos and Abuja lead with sky-high rents and tech-driven living, places like Owerri, Uyo, and Warri are fast catching up.
If you're moving to one of these cities in 2025, budget wisely, explore shared accommodation, and consider proximity to your workplace or business. Your cost of living depends not only on the city but also on your lifestyle choices.