The Real Cost of Living in Nigeria (2025 Edition)
If you’ve been wondering about the cost of living in Nigeria, right?
Honestly, same. As a 27-year-old Nigerian trying to figure life out, I’ve had days where I literally paused and asked, “How are we even surviving in this country?”
You see posts online about how ₦10,000 is no longer “money,” and you laugh… but deep down, you feel it. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, entrepreneur, or 9–5 warrior, this country will humble you financially.
That’s why I wrote this post — not to scare you, but to give you the real gist about what it truly costs to live in Nigeria today. From food and rent to transport and “data wahala,” I’ll break it all down — plus how I personally manage to stay afloat (barely ).
1. How Much Do You Need Month
Let’s not sugarcoat it — you need at least ₦150,000–₦250,000 monthly to live somewhat comfortably in most Nigerian cities (and no, that’s not luxury).
That’s assuming:
- You’re not living in your parent’s house
- You cook more than you eat out
- You don’t have kids (or too many dependents)
- You budget like your life depends on it
But hey — the cost of living in Nigeria depends on your city, lifestyle, and income source. If you’re earning in dollars or tech-ing your way through, things might be a little easier.
2. Rent in Nigeria: The Ultimate Pocket Drainer
Rent in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted.
If you’ve ever tried renting a space in Lagos or Abuja, you already know: it’s vibes and invoices. Landlords don’t want monthly rent. They want 1 or 2 years upfront — no mercy, no payment plan, just vibes and “bring your cheque book.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a working-class warrior, this part of the cost of living in Nigeria hits hard.
Here’s a quick rent breakdown (2025 estimate):
| City | Self-Contain | Mini Flat | 2-Bedroom Flat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos | ₦300K–₦800K | ₦600K–₦1.3M | ₦1.2M–₦2.5M |
| Abuja | ₦400K–₦900K | ₦700K–₦1.5M | ₦1.5M–₦3M+ |
| Ibadan | ₦150K–₦350K | ₦300K–₦600K | ₦700K–₦1.2M |
And just when you think you’ve managed it — agent fees and agreement fees show up like uninvited guests.
If you’re just starting out, house-sharing, outskirts living, or face-me-I-face-you setups might help you survive while saving. Because truly, rent is the heavyweight champion in the cost of living in Nigeria.
Now, don’t forget:
Landlords love to collect 1–2 years in advance.
3. Food Prices: Where Did My Money Go?
You ever walk into the market with ₦10,000, and come out with two nylon bags and a broken heart? Yeah, same.
The cost of living in Nigeria hits hard when it comes to food. Everything is expensive — rice, eggs, tomatoes, even the once-humble bread. A crate of eggs now goes for ₦3,500 or more. A small basket of tomatoes? ₦4,000 to ₦6,000 depending on your location. Rice? Let’s not even go there — ₦1,200 per mudu is the new normal.
If you’re not smart with how you shop, you’ll end up spending your entire salary in just one week. Many of us now buy in bulk with friends, go to local markets instead of supermarkets, or cook more at home to save money.
The worst part? Prices change weekly. So your budget today might flop next week.
Here’s the hack: plan your meals, buy in bulk when possible, and avoid impulse snacks — they’re silent budget killers.
Because in 2025, feeding yourself in Nigeria feels like running a business. And trust me, nobody wants to be broke and hungry.
4. Transportation Costs: Keke vs Uber Life
Let’s talk movement — because in Nigeria, getting from point A to B feels like a budgeting exam.
If you’re living on a tight budget, keke, danfo, or bus is your go-to.
A short ride might cost you ₦200–₦500, but multiply that by two every day and boom — your monthly transport budget can hit ₦15,000–₦25,000 easily.
Now if you’re feeling fancy (or just tired of heat and noise), there’s Uber, Bolt, InDriver. But be warned — one ride can cost you ₦3,000 or more, especially with surge pricing. Do that too often, and your account balance will start ghosting you.
Most of us mix both worlds: public transport on weekdays, then maybe Uber when we’re dressed nice or heading to church, dates, or interviews. It’s all about balance.
Pro tip? Learn your area. Sometimes the cheapest route isn’t the fastest, but it saves you money in the long run. And always ask for price before entering — Nigeria no get fixed price chart .
At the end of the day, transportation is part of the real cost of living in Nigeria — so budget wisely and keep your ride smart.
5. Electricity and Data: The Hidden Expensesk
Electricity in Nigeria is a rollercoaster. Even when you pay for power, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. Most areas survive on prepaid meters, and units vanish like magic. ₦5,000 can barely last two weeks in some areas, especially if you’re using fans, freezers, or charging constantly.
And then there’s fuel. If you have a generator (aka “I better pass my neighbor”), you’re probably spending ₦1,500–₦3,000 every few days. Add it up monthly, and it becomes a serious bill.
Now let’s talk data — because we all live online. Streaming, uploading, TikTok, YouTube, blogging, Zoom calls? Data goes fast. ₦5,000–₦10,000 a month is average if you’re active online. MTN, Glo, Airtel — none of them are truly “cheap.” You just pick the one that hurts less.
Together, electricity and data quietly add to the cost of living in Nigeria, especially for content creators, remote workers, and students.
Tip: Use Wi-Fi where possible, schedule downloads at night (if your plan allows), and turn off unused gadgets. Every naira counts.
6. Cost of Living in Nigeria: City Breakdown.
Let’s break it down — because where you live in Nigeria can seriously change your survival game.
Lagos? It’s giving “soft life or suffer” depending on your location and lifestyle. Abuja? Clean roads, sharp buildings — and sharp prices too. Ibadan? Way more affordable but still catching up with the urban rush.
The cost of living in Nigeria isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some cities burn through your budget faster than a TikTok video loads with MTN 5G, while others let you breathe (a little).
| City | Description |
|---|---|
| Lagos | The hustle capital. High rent, expensive transportation (especially on the Island), and food prices that feel like you’re shopping in dollars. |
| Abuja | Clean and organized, but very pricey. Great for government workers and big earners, not so great for your account balance. |
| Ibadan | Lowkey and budget-friendly. Rents are manageable, food is cheaper, and it’s perfect if you’re building slow and steady. |
| Port Harcourt | Oil city vibes with mid-to-high cost. Rent and feeding can stretch you, but salaries are often higher too. |
| Benin, Enugu, Kaduna | These cities offer a balance. Not too cheap, not too costly — ideal for students, startups, or side-hustlers. |
So before you pack your bags, know this: your city determines your spending stress. And the key to surviving? Budget like your life depends on it — because in Naija, it kinda does.
7. Real-Life Example: My Monthly Budget (Unfiltered)
Let’s get real for a sec. Ever opened your banking app and whispered, “But I just got paid…”?
Same.
I’m 27, living in Nigeria, and trying to survive without losing my mind — or my last ₦500. So if you’re wondering what the cost of living in Nigeria looks like for a regular young adult? Here’s my actual monthly budget (no filters, no sugarcoating):
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | ₦50,000 |
| Food (market + snacks) | ₦35,000 |
| Transportation (keke + occasional Bolt) | ₦20,000 |
| Electricity + Gas | ₦10,000 |
| Internet + Data | ₦7,000 |
| Personal care & Misc. | ₦8,000 |
| Total | ₦130,000 |
And that’s me cutting corners. No designer clothes, no weekend getaways, no buying “just small shawarma.”
The truth? The cost of living in Nigeria forces you to choose between comfort and survival. But budgeting smart — and knowing where your money actually goes — is the first step to staying afloat.
How to Survive the Cost of Living in Nigeria
Let’s be honest — surviving the cost of living in Nigeria feels like being in a real-life game of “How broke can I be before payday?” But trust me, there are ways to stretch that money and still breathe.
Here’s what’s working for me
1. Buldget Like a Boss
I used to think budgeting was for “adults with real jobs.” But now? It’s my survival tool in this madness called the cost of living in Nigeria.
Let’s be real — prices change like weather. One minute a pack of spaghetti is ₦600, the next it’s ₦950. If you’re not tracking your spending, money disappears faster than mobile data.
What I do now? I write down everything I spend — even if it’s ₦100 for pure water. I use a basic app (try “Money Manager” or even Google Sheets), and I set limits for things like food, transport, and “soft life” money.
The goal isn’t to feel broke — it’s to take control. Once you start seeing your money clearly, you’ll stop wondering, “Where did it go?”
Whether you earn ₦20k or ₦200k, budgeting gives you power. It’s your first line of defense against the unpredictable cost of living in Nigeria.
2. Buy in Bulk (When You Can)
One thing I’ve learned the hard way? Buying small-small every day is a silent money thief. You’ll think you’re saving, but by the end of the week — your wallet is on life support.
With the current cost of living in Nigeria, buying in bulk has become one of the smartest survival moves. If you can afford to save up and shop in big portions — do it. I’m talking bags of rice, paint buckets of garri, cartons of noodles, and even family-size packs of tissue.
Markets like Mile 12, Bodija, or your local wholesalers can cut your monthly spending almost in half — no joke. The trick is to team up with family or friends. You buy in bulk together, then split the goods.
Yes, it feels like a mini business deal — but your pocket will thank you.
If you’re serious about beating the unpredictable cost of living in Nigeria, start planning your bulk-buy trips. Even small savings add up fast.
3. Use Public Transport (Smartly)
Look, I love the comfort of Uber and Bolt just as much as the next person. Air-conditioning, no bus conductor yelling “Ojuelegba!” in my ear — it’s the dream. But with the current cost of living in Nigeria, that dream can drain your wallet real quick.
Public transport is your budget’s best friend if you use it wisely. Keke, danfo, and BRT might not be fancy, but they’ll get you from point A to B for one-tenth of the price.
Here’s my hack: Use Uber or Bolt only when you absolutely must — like late nights or unfamiliar places. The rest of the time? Go local. I even download route apps to know the best stops and avoid stress.
Smart transport choices = money left for food and data (very important ). In this Nigeria, every naira counts — especially with how unpredictable the cost of living in Nigeria can be.
4. Cut Back on Subscriptions
Let’s be honest — how many streaming platforms do you actually use? I had Netflix, Showmax, Apple Music, and Spotify all running at once… and I was still watching YouTube.
With the rising cost of living in Nigeria, those “small” ₦1,200 or ₦2,900 deductions add up fast. It’s like money leaking silently from your account while you sleep.
Now, I choose one — max two — based on what I use most. The rest? Canceled (for now). And guess what? I barely miss them. You can even use the free versions or rotate monthly depending on what you’re watching or listening to.
Also, check your bank alerts. You might be paying for things you forgot you subscribed to (been there!).
In this economy, it’s not about denying yourself joy — it’s about being smart with your coins. You’re not broke, you’re just prioritizing wisely in a world where the cost of living in Nigeria is no joke.
5. Learn a Side Hustle
Let me say it straight: one stream of income in Nigeria is not enough. With the current cost of living in Nigeria, your main job can barely cover transport and food, let alone rent or data.
That’s why learning a side hustle isn’t just trendy — it’s survival. And no, you don’t need a laptop or big setup to start. You can learn graphic design, social media management, voiceovers, or even mini importation — right from your phone.
Me? I started blogging and basic Canva designs. I didn’t know everything at first, but YouTube and free courses helped me level up. And when small money started coming in? I knew I could breathe again.
Pick one skill. Practice consistently. Offer your service online (Instagram, WhatsApp, Upwork, or Fiverr). Side hustles may not make you rich overnight, but they’ll keep your account from crying every month — especially with this crazy cost of living in Nigeria.
Got questions or tips? Drop them in the comments. Let’s survive this thing together
