Expats moving to Nigeria are often shocked when they find out how expensive life here can be – the cost of living in Lagos is particularly high. The capital was ranked 47th out of 227 cities in Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey.

Fortunately, foreigners working in the city often insist on and are afforded an employment contract that finances accommodation, health insurance, a driver and car, and education. If these points aren’t covered, then an appropriately inflated salary should be negotiated.

Cost of accommodation in Lagos

Accommodation in Lagos has not kept up with the city’s rapid development. Demand is high and accommodation can be hard to come by and eye-wateringly expensive. There are only a handful of suburbs in Lagos that offer expats a reasonable quality of life in terms of accommodation, amenities and convenience. Most expats living in Lagos reside on Victoria Island, and in Ikoyi, Apapa and Ikeja.

The majority of rental contracts are only available on a two-year lease. It's also not uncommon for the landlord to require the total amount to be paid upfront, rather than in monthly instalments. Luckily, housing is usually provided as part of most expat workers’ relocation packages.

Expats who have only been allocated an accommodation allowance should make sure the amount promised is enough to secure appropriate housing in Lagos.

Cost of transport in Lagos

Transport in Lagos is relatively affordable. The most common forms of public transport in Lagos include taxis, buses and motorbike taxis. Sadly, despite improvements over the years, most forms of public transport are still quite unsafe or unreliable due to poorly maintained vehicles and reckless drivers.

Most expats would rather opt to have their own car, often with a personal driver. This is usually also offered as part of their relocation package.

Cost of schooling in Lagos

With public schooling not being up to the standards most foreigners are used to, expat children usually attend international schools in Lagos.

Expats should be fully aware that education at international schools is pricey. Expats moving to Lagos with children should stipulate subsidies and allowances for education when negotiating their employment contract.

Cost of shopping in Lagos

As is the case in most developing countries, the cost of Western food and clothes is much more expensive in Lagos than one may be used to. Western groceries and clothing brands are often overpriced.

Expats will find that shopping locally is much cheaper than shopping in one of the modern malls that have emerged in recent years. Reasonable prices for local produce can be found at the markets in Lagos. Buying material to have clothes made by a local tailor will also make buying clothing more budget-friendly.

Cost of living in Lagos chart

Prices may vary across Nigeria, depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Lagos in January 2023.