If you're planning to move to Nigeria in 2026, here's what things cost
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, City Centre) | €250 | Largest expense |
| Rent (3BR, City Centre) | €450 | For families |
| Groceries | €85 | One person, home cooking |
| Public Transport | €35 | Monthly pass |
| Utilities (85m2) | €65 | Electricity, water, heating |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €4 | Inexpensive restaurant |
| Total (Single Person) | €467 | Comfortable lifestyle |
Income vs Expenses
| Income Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Salary (Gross) | €124/month |
| Minimum Wage | €275/month |
| Salary After Rent (1BR) | €-126/month |
With an average salary of €124 and rent of €250, approximately 202% of income goes to housing.
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Cost Indices (vs New York City = 100)
| Index | Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 27.7 | Significantly cheaper NYC |
| Rent | 22.8 | Much cheaper NYC |
| Groceries | 31.4 | Cheaper NYC |
| Restaurant Prices | 21.0 | Cheaper NYC |
| Local Purchasing Power | 8.3 | Lower than NYC |
Money-Saving Tips
- Shop at local markets: Fresh produce is typically 20-40% cheaper than supermarkets
- Cook at home: Eating in saves 60-70% compared to dining out
- Use public transport: Monthly passes are much cheaper than car ownership
- Live outside the centre: Suburbs offer 20-40% lower rent with reasonable commutes
- Compare utilities: Switch providers for electricity and internet to get better deals
- Student discounts: Available for under-26s on transport, museums, and cultural events
Salary by Sector
| Sector | Entry Level | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| It | €3,000 | €6,000 | €12,000 |
| Retail | €2,500 | €4,000 | €5,500 |
| Finance | €10,000 | €14,000 | €19,500 |
| Education | €4,000 | €6,000 | €8,500 |
| Healthcare | €2,000 | €4,000 | €8,000 |
| Engineering | €8,500 | €12,000 | €17,000 |
| Hospitality | €3,000 | €4,000 | €6,000 |
| Construction | €5,000 | €7,500 | €10,500 |
Figures are annual gross salaries in EUR.
Additional Practical Information
The following information is compiled from expat community sources and recent reports to complement the official data above.
Additional Data Points
Recent reports and expat sources provide these additional figures for Nigeria:
- In urban centres, the haphazard concentration of population has caused the spread of slums and shantytowns, comprised of makeshift homes randomly built from pretty much any available materials. These impoverished residential areas are mostly home to Low income Nigerians - half the country's population lives on less than $1 a day.
- Accommodation in a modern, safe housing unit in Nigeria can be incredibly High. Typical monthly rents for a quality, furnished two-bedroom apartment can reach NGN 850,000, and as much as NGN 1,500,000 for a furnished two-bedroom villa.
Additional data sourced from expat community reports. All information should be verified with official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hidden costs of living in Nigeria?
Beyond the basics, budget for: health insurance (if not employer-provided), visa fees and renewals, tax adviser fees, initial deposits (rent + utilities), furnishing costs if renting unfurnished, and language courses. These can add €500-2,000 to your first months.
Is Nigeria expensive compared to other countries?
With a cost of living index of 27.7/100 (where NYC = 100), Nigeria is significantly cheaper than NYC. Use our assessment tool to compare with your current location.
Can I live comfortably on a remote worker salary in Nigeria?
With a monthly budget of approximately €467, a remote salary of €2,000-3,000/month would provide a very comfortable lifestyle. Research specific cities for the most accurate picture.
How does inflation affect costs in Nigeria?
Prices in Nigeria are subject to inflation like anywhere else. The data shown reflects 2026 estimates. Food and energy costs can be particularly volatile. Budget a 5-10% buffer above estimated costs to account for price increases during your stay.
How much does dining out cost in Nigeria?
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately €4. The restaurant price index is 21.0/100 compared to New York City. Budget €120 per month if you eat out regularly.
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