- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Lagos Guide (PDF)
Expats moving to Nigeria are often shocked when they find out how high the country's cost of living is. The most expensive city in Nigeria is Lagos, and Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living Survey ranks the city 55th out of 227 cities, which makes its cost of living comparable to Luxembourg and Sydney.
Fortunately, foreigners working in the city often insist on and are afforded an employment contract that finances accommodation, health insurance, a driver and car, and education. If these points aren’t covered, then an appropriately inflated salary should be negotiated.
Cost of accommodation in Lagos
Accommodation in Lagos has not kept up with the city’s rapid development. Demand is high and accommodation can be hard to come by and eye-wateringly expensive. There are only a handful of suburbs in Lagos that offer expats a reasonable quality of life in terms of accommodation, amenities and convenience. Most expats living in Lagos reside on Victoria Island, and in Ikoyi, Apapa and Ikeja.
The majority of rental contracts are only available on a two-year lease. It's also not uncommon for the landlord to require the total amount to be paid upfront, rather than in monthly instalments. Luckily, housing is usually provided as part of most expat workers’ relocation packages.
Expats who have only been allocated an accommodation allowance should make sure the amount promised is enough to secure appropriate housing in Lagos.
Cost of transport in Lagos
Transport in Lagos is relatively affordable. The most common forms of public transport in Lagos include taxis, buses and motorbike taxis. Sadly, despite improvements over the years, most forms of public transport are still quite unsafe or unreliable due to poorly maintained vehicles and reckless drivers.
Most expats would rather opt to have their own car, often with a personal driver. This is usually also offered as part of their relocation package.
Cost of schooling in Lagos
With public schooling not being up to the standards most foreigners are used to, expat children usually attend international schools in Lagos.
Expats should be fully aware that education at international schools is pricey. Expats moving to Lagos with children should stipulate subsidies and allowances for education when negotiating their employment contract.
Cost of shopping in Lagos
As is the case in most developing countries, the cost of Western food and clothes is much more expensive in Lagos than one may be used to. Western groceries and clothing brands are often overpriced.
Expats will find that shopping locally is much cheaper than shopping in one of the modern malls that have emerged in recent years. Reasonable prices for local produce can be found at the markets in Lagos. Buying material to have clothes made by a local tailor will also make buying clothing more budget-friendly.
Cost of living in Lagos chart
Prices may vary across Nigeria, depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Lagos in January 2023.
Accommodation (monthly rent) |
|
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
NGN 2,300,000 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
NGN 1,100,000 |
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
NGN 700,000 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
NGN 340,000 |
Food and drink |
|
Dozen eggs |
NGN 1,200 |
Milk (1 litre) |
NGN 1,200 |
Rice (1kg) |
NGN 1,260 |
Loaf of white bread |
NGN 620 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) |
NGN 4,400 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) |
NGN 520 |
Eating out |
|
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant |
NGN 20,000 |
Big Mac meal |
NGN 7,800 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) |
NGN 182 |
Cappuccino |
NGN 1,530 |
Bottle of beer (local) |
NGN 840 |
Utilities/household |
|
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile) |
NGN 18 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) |
NGN 12,000 |
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) |
NGN 41,000 |
Transportation |
|
Taxi rate/km |
NGN 1,000 |
City-centre public transport fare |
NGN 400 |
Gasoline (per litre) |
NGN 168 |
Further reading
►See Banking, Money and Taxes in Nigeria for all you need to know about managing your finances in this African country
Expat Interviews
"Life in Lagos is expensive. If a company isn't helping with your relocation and paying for your housing etc, it would be hard to relocate here." Read more in this interview with Keli.
Are you an expat living in Lagos?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Lagos. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
If you’re thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.