Cost of Living in Nigeria
for Expats 2026

Lagos dominates Nigeria's expat rental market, with Victoria Island and Lekki commanding premium prices: a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in these prime neighborhoods ranges $800–$1,500 monthly for modern accommodation, while spacious 3-bedroom villas in gated estates reach $2,000–$3,000. Abuja, the capital, offers more affordable options at $500–$1,000 for comparable 1-bedroom units and $1,200–$1,500 for villas, though security and infrastructure quality vary. Most expat housing concentrates in gated developments with 24/7 security, generator backup (essential given power instability), water storage tanks, and backup internet—critical amenities driving premium prices. Unfurnished apartments run 20–30% lower but require significant upfront investment in furnishings and utilities setup.

Nigeria's dual-market food economy offers stark contrasts: a filling meal from a local suya vendor, street food, or neighborhood restaurant costs $1–$3, while Western-style restaurants and imported goods at Shoprite or Jara supermarkets cost 2–3 times as much. Fresh produce at traditional markets (Lekki, Balogun, Iyana Ipaja) is remarkably cheap—tomatoes, peppers, onions, leafy greens under $0.50/kg—but expats often prefer the convenience and food safety standards of supermarket chains, increasing monthly food budgets to $300–$400. Dining out occasionally at casual Nigerian restaurants (pepper soups, jollof rice, pounded yam) costs $3–$7 per meal; Western chain restaurants command $15–$30 and above, pushing serious foodies toward cooking at home.

Lagos traffic is legendary, and transport costs reflect both distance and congestion: Uber and Bolt rideshares average $2–$5 for short hops (under 5km) and $8–$15 for longer journeys across the island. Traditional danfo minibuses cost $0.10–$0.30 per ride but demand spatial tolerance and cultural comfort. Personal car ownership—petrol at $1.50/liter, insurance $300–$600 annually, and maintenance—appeals mainly to long-term residents with stable budgets. Power outages and traffic mean many expats rely on ride-sharing and delivery services rather than owning vehicles. Abuja's organized road grid keeps transport more predictable and cheaper than Lagos; a comparable Uber ride averages 30% less.

Nigeria's private healthcare sector—used almost exclusively by expats—provides good care at lower costs than Western countries. Private hospitals like Lagoon Hospital, Reddington, or Gleneagles cost $30–$80 for a GP consultation, $200–$500 for specialist visits, and $1,000–$3,000 for routine diagnostic imaging. Prescription drugs are inexpensive; a month of common antibiotics or hypertension medication runs $5–$15. However, medical evacuation insurance for serious emergencies is non-negotiable: evacuation to South Africa or London can cost $50,000–$200,000 and should be covered by a comprehensive expat policy ($100–$300 monthly premiums). Many employers include health insurance; individual policies are available through Axa Mansard, NSIA, and similar providers.