Abuja
Lagos

Abuja vs Lagos — Cost of Living Comparison

Abuja
Nigeria
VS
Lagos
Nigeria
Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Lagos

Abuja

$800

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,500,000

Safety

40/100

Quality

42/100

Cost
27
Safety
40
Life
42

Lagos

$750

avg. monthly cost

Population

15,946,000

Safety

35/100

Quality

38/100

Cost
25
Safety
35
Life
38

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Lagos

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Abuja

$800

estimated per month

Lagos

$750

estimated per month

Difference

-6.2%

Monthly savings

$50

Yearly savings

$600

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$70,313

-$4,687/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemAbujaLagosDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$600.00$550.00
-8.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$300.00$250.00
-16.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,400.00$1,200.00
-14.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$500.00
-16.7%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$2.50$3.00
+20.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$2.00$2.20
+10.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$0.80$0.90
+12.5%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.40$1.50
+7.1%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.70$1.80
+5.9%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$4.00$4.50
+12.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.10$1.20
+9.1%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$18.00$20.00
+11.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.25$0.30
+20.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.80$1.00
+25.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.35$0.40
+14.3%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$0.50$0.50
0.0%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$65.00$60.00
-7.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$10.00$10.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$18.00$15.00
-16.7%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$22.00$20.00
-9.1%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$6.00$5.00
-16.7%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$30.00
-14.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$5.00$5.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.80$2.50
-10.7%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$2.00$2.00
0.0%
ItemAbujaLagosDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$38.00$35.00
-7.9%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$25.00$25.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$62.00$60.00
-3.2%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Abuja vs Lagos

Is Abuja or Lagos more expensive?
Abuja is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 27 compared with 25 for Lagos.
How much cheaper is Lagos than Abuja?
Living in Lagos is around 7% cheaper than Abuja, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Abuja and Lagos?
Abuja scores 27 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Lagos scores 25 — where New York City equals 100.