Cost of Living in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria · Africa
$800
Monthly Cost
avg/person
30
Cost Index
NYC=100
25
Rent Index
NYC=100
42
Quality of Life
Below Average
25
Safety Index
Poor
14.8M
Population
NGN
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $3 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $14 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $5 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $1.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $3 |
| Cappuccino | $2.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $0.7 |
| Water (0.33L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $0.7 |
| Rice (1kg) | $0.9 |
| Eggs (12) | $1.8 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $4 |
| Beef (1kg) | $6 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $0.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $0.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | $0.7 |
| Onion (1kg) | $0.6 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.4 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $0.3 |
| Monthly Pass | $15 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.4 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $35000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $28000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $80 |
| Mobile Plan | $8 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $30 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $500/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $280/mo |
| 3BR Center | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $650/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $2,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $1,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $450 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 22% |
View Cost of Living in Nigeria
Cost of Living in Lagos — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Lagos, Nigeria is approximately $800 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Lagos has a cost index of 30, making it around 70% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Lagos costs around $280/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $500/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $1,200/month. The rent index is 25 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Lagos scores 42/100 on the quality of life index and 25/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 42/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Lagos is approximately $450/month. With a purchasing power index of 35/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is NGN, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Lagos
The average monthly salary in Lagos is approximately $450. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $800, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 35/100.
Healthcare Costs in Lagos
Healthcare quality in Lagos is rated 42/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Lagos
Lagos has a quality of life score of 42/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Lagos
Students living in Lagos should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Lagos
Expats moving to Lagos often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Lagos, Nigeria is approximately $800 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 30 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Lagos
Living in Lagos offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 30 and a quality of life score of 42/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $450 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Lagos provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Nigeria and around the world.
Key Facts About Lagos
- Average Monthly Cost: $800
- Cost Index: 30
- Rent Index: 25
- Average Salary: $450
- Quality of Life: 42/100
- Safety Score: 25/100
- Country: Nigeria
- Currency: NGN
Is Lagos Expensive?
Lagos has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Lagos compare to other cities?
Lagos is located in Africa with a population of approximately 14.8M. At a cost index of 30 (NYC = 100), it is one of the most affordable cities in the world, ideal for budget-conscious expats, remote workers, and retirees. Use the free comparison tool to see how Lagos stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lagos?
The average cost of living in Lagos, Nigeria is approximately $800 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 30 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Lagos?
Rent in Lagos varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 25 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Lagos alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Lagos expensive to live in?
Lagos has a cost index of 30 compared to New York City (100). At 30, Lagos is considered very affordable and one of the cheaper cities globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $800.
What is the quality of life in Lagos?
Lagos has a quality of life index of 42/100 and a safety index of 25/100. The city is located in Africa and offers a below average quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Lagos compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Lagos with any city worldwide. Lagos's cost index is 30 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Lagos?
Many residents live comfortably in Lagos with a monthly budget of around $800 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Lagos good for expats?
Lagos is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Lagos?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $800 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Lagos.
Is Lagos cheaper than New York?
Yes, Lagos has a cost index of 30 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Lagos?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Lagos.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Lagos
Cheapest Ways to Live in Lagos
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Lagos typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $280/month compared to $500/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Lagos, Nigeria.
Is Lagos Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 35/100 and a quality of life score of 42/100, Lagos is a budget-friendly option, though residents should weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully. Combined with a cost index of 30 relative to New York City, Lagos remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Nigeria has to offer against other destinations in Africa.
Lagos Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Lagos", "Lagos monthly expenses 2026", and "is Lagos affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $800, a safety score of 25/100, and healthcare rated 42/100, Lagos offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Nigeria.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026