Cost of living in Lagos (2026)

Nigeria's commercial capital and by far its most expensive city. Rents are quoted as one or two years paid in advance, which is the single biggest cash-flow shock for anyone relocating.

185 Overall cost index national median = 100

235 Rent index 1-bed: ₦1,410,000/yr

₦413,500 Monthly all-in single adult, 1-bed

Band A Electricity band Eko Electricity Distribution Co. / Ikeja Electric

What things cost in Lagos

Monthly cost for a single adult (rent annualised)
Item	Monthly	Annual
Rent, 1-bedroom flat	₦117,500	₦1,410,000
Rent, 2-bedroom flat	₦195,833	₦2,350,000
Groceries, single adult	₦157,000	₦1,884,000
Transport / commute	₦86,000	₦1,032,000
Data / internet	₦16,000	₦192,000
Utilities, gas, levies	₦37,000	₦444,000
Total (1-bed)	₦413,500	₦4,962,000

Excludes school fees, healthcare, generator fuel and savings — which for many households are larger than the items above.

What salary you need in Lagos

Treating rent as no more than 25% of gross income, a one-bedroom flat at ₦1,410,000 a year implies gross income of about ₦5,640,000 a year, or ₦470,000 a month. To cover the full ₦413,500 monthly cost with any margin, plan on roughly ₦827,000 a month gross.

Check a specific rent →

Salaries in Lagos

Profession	Low	Median	High
Bank Branch / Unit Manager	₦925,000	₦2,220,000	₦4,625,000
Project Manager	₦555,000	₦1,295,000	₦3,330,000
Medical Doctor	₦555,000	₦1,200,000	₦2,775,000
Marketing Manager	₦460,000	₦1,110,000	₦2,775,000
Software Developer	₦460,000	₦1,020,000	₦3,330,000
Data Analyst	₦370,000	₦830,000	₦2,220,000
UI/UX Designer	₦335,000	₦775,000	₦2,035,000
University Lecturer	₦370,000	₦775,000	₦1,850,000
Pharmacist	₦370,000	₦740,000	₦1,665,000
Civil Engineer	₦335,000	₦740,000	₦1,665,000
Mechanical Engineer	₦295,000	₦650,000	₦1,480,000
Electrical Engineer	₦295,000	₦650,000	₦1,570,000

Rent varies enormously: a 1-bed in Ikorodu and a 1-bed in Lekki Phase 1 can differ by 8x. Always compare within a neighbourhood, not the city average.

Compare Lagos with another city

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Lagos?

A single adult renting a one-bedroom flat needs roughly ₦413,500 a month in Lagos for rent, food, transport, data and utilities. That is 185 on an index where the Nigerian urban median is 100.

What is the average rent in Lagos?

A one-bedroom flat runs about ₦1,410,000 a year and a two-bedroom about ₦2,350,000. Rent varies enormously: a 1-bed in Ikorodu and a 1-bed in Lekki Phase 1 can differ by 8x. Always compare within a neighbourhood, not the city average.

Is Lagos expensive compared with other Nigerian cities?

Lagos sits at 185 on the overall cost index. For reference, Lagos is the most expensive city tracked at 185 and Maiduguri the least at 74.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Lagos?

Treating rent as no more than 25% of gross income, a one-bedroom flat at ₦1,410,000 a year implies a gross income of about ₦5,640,000 a year, or ₦470,000 a month.

Which electricity tariff band is Lagos on?

Most feeders in Lagos are served by Eko Electricity Distribution Co. / Ikeja Electric and typically fall in Band A. Your band is set by your feeder, not your city, so check the rate on your own vending receipt.

Calculators

Rent affordability What rent you can afford, and the lump sum the advance really costs you. City salary compare What salary you need to move cities without going backwards. Electricity bill What your units should cost on your NERC band, with VAT. Commute cost What getting to work really costs you each month.