MigrantoCost of living in Nigeria
Average monthly spending, by standard of living and against other countries
Monthly cost
NGN 103,000
what a typical person spends
Spending by standard of living
NGN 44,900richest 20%
NGN 256,000
Nigeria runs on a weak naira and a vast informal economy, which is what keeps day-to-day costs low once you count them in a foreign currency. Homegrown food, markets, and labour stay inexpensive; imported goods and big-city living, Lagos above all, climb fast. The stretch from getting by to living comfortably is noticeable without being a gulf.
Living-cost calculator
What it costs to live in Nigeria
Tell us what you earn and spend today — we'll estimate what the same lifestyle would cost in Nigeria and how much you could have left each month
- What your lifestyle costs
- How much could be left each month
- How it compares with today
Cost of living in Nigeria
NGN 44,900/mo
vs NGN 1,090,000 in your country
Take-home
NGN 71,800
vs NGN 1,630,000 in your country
Potential savings
NGN 26,900
more than in your country
Standard of living
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How living costs in Nigeria compare
By world standards Nigeria is firmly among the affordable, and inside Africa it sits roughly mid-table. Much of that comes down to a currency that has shed its value and a huge home market turning out its own cheap food and services — the low prices reflect what the naira is worth abroad more than any real abundance.
Data source: household consumption 2024 (World Bank, regional estimate), International Comparison Program 2021 (World Bank), adjusted to 2026 using IMF GDP-per-capita growth
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Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of living in Nigeria?
A typical person in Nigeria spends about NGN 103,000 a month — around NGN 1,240,000 a year — on housing, groceries, transport and other everyday costs. It's a nationwide average across different regions, cities and types of housing.
What is the cost of living in Nigeria in US dollars?
The cost of living in Nigeria is about $76 a month, or roughly $912 a year per person.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Nigeria?
It all depends on your standard of living. A modest budget runs about NGN 44,900 a month per person, a typical one around NGN 103,000, and a comfortable life around NGN 144,000. In big cities and for a family, costs are usually higher.
Is the average salary in Nigeria enough to live on?
Usually not quite. Average spending is about NGN 103,000 a month, while the average take-home pay in Nigeria is about NGN 84,300. For more on incomes, see salaries in Nigeria.
Is Nigeria an expensive country to live in?
No. Nigeria is more expensive than 13% of countries worldwide and ranks 29th of 53 in Africa by cost of living.
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Living in Nigeria
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