Cost of Living in Lagos

Lagos has, in recent years, become quite expensive to live in. Now, expats moving to Lagos may find that the cost of living has drastically decreased, as Lagos now ranks at the bottom, 225th out of 226 cities, in Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living Survey – a significant drop of 178 positions from the previous year.

High inflation rates, which peaked at 32 percent in early 2024, have eroded local purchasing power, but for expats earning foreign currency, this has decreased the overall cost of living. Given the country's fluctuating economy, 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, 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 excessive in price. Only a handful of suburbs in Lagos 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. Despite improvements over the years, most public transport modes remain unsafe or unreliable due to poorly maintained vehicles and reckless drivers.

Most expats would instead opt to have their own car, often with a personal driver. This is usually also offered as part of their relocation package. If not, expats will need to account for the driver's salary, petrol and car maintenance fees.

Cost of groceries in Lagos

As is the case in most developing countries, the cost of Western food and clothes is much pricier in Lagos than one may be used to. Western grocery 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 materials to have clothes made by a local tailor will also make buying clothing more budget-friendly.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Lagos

Entertainment and dining out in Lagos can cater for various tastes and budgets. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife with myriad restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. However, expats might find the cost of a night out comparable to one in many North American or Western European cities. High-end restaurants and venues often charge premium prices for their services, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan allure and the affluence of its patrons.

On the other hand, there are many local eateries and street food vendors offering delicious Nigerian cuisine at much more affordable prices. Similarly, local events, markets, and outdoor activities provide cost-effective entertainment options. The diversity in entertainment and dining out reflects the broader socio-economic spectrum of Lagos, and expats can find options that suit their budgetary constraints while also exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings.

Cost of education 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 but excellent and the curricula on offer are often globally recognised. Expats moving to Lagos with children should stipulate subsidies and allowances for education when negotiating their employment contract.

Cost of healthcare in Lagos

Healthcare in Lagos presents a mixed picture. On one hand, public healthcare facilities in Lagos are more affordable but may lack the equipment and the standard of care that expats expect.

On the other hand, there are several private healthcare facilities that offer high-quality medical services, but at a cost that can be considerably higher than what expats might be accustomed to. These facilities often have medical staff trained abroad and have the equipment to provide a wide range of medical services. The high cost of operation for these facilities often translates to high medical bills for patients.

Many expats opt for private healthcare insurance plans that can cover medical treatments at private facilities. Expats should have a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover potential medical costs and to ensure access to the best available healthcare services in the city. Some expat employment contracts include health insurance coverage, which can significantly alleviate the healthcare cost burden.

Cost of living in Lagos chart

Prices may vary across Nigeria, depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Lagos in June 2024.