Cost Of Living In Lagos State: Nigeria’S Most Expensive City

Lagos State, often dubbed the economic powerhouse of Nigeria and sometimes referred to as "Eko," is the most populous state in the country. Lagos is not only Nigeria’s financial and commercial center but also one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. With its bustling streets, skyscrapers, ports, and entertainment scene, Lagos represents both opportunity and challenge. The state’s reputation as the economic capital, however, comes with a high cost of living. In this blog post, we will explore the cost of living in Lagos State, analyzing housing, transportation, food, healthcare, education, utilities, and more.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is by far the largest expense for most Lagos residents, and the costs can vary significantly depending on the location. Lagos is divided into two main parts: the Island and the Mainland. Generally, the Island areas (such as Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki) are more expensive than the Mainland.

• Island Areas: The upscale neighborhoods of Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and parts of Lekki are home to the elite, expatriates, and high-income earners. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas can range from ₦1.5 million to ₦4 million per year. A three-bedroom apartment or duplex in a prime location such as Ikoyi could cost anywhere from ₦4 million to ₦10 million annually. Additionally, tenants are often required to pay for one or two years upfront, adding to the initial financial burden.

• Mainland Areas: The Mainland, which includes areas like Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, and Maryland, is more affordable but still relatively expensive. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from ₦500,000 to ₦1.5 million per year, depending on the neighborhood. For a three-bedroom flat, the rent could be anywhere between ₦1.5 million to ₦3 million annually. Areas further out from the city center, such as Alimosho or Ajah, offer cheaper housing options, with rents for smaller apartments starting at ₦300,000 to ₦700,000 per year.

• Low-Income Housing: For lower-income earners, there are less formal housing arrangements, such as renting a single room in a shared apartment or living in informal settlements. Renting a single room on the Mainland can cost as low as ₦100,000 to ₦250,000 per year, although the living conditions are often substandard with unreliable access to utilities.

• Buying Property: Purchasing property in Lagos is costly, especially on the Island. A plot of land in Ikoyi or Victoria Island can cost between ₦200 million to ₦500 million, while land in suburban areas like Ajah or Ikorodu ranges from ₦5 million to ₦50 million, depending on proximity to urban centers and access to infrastructure.

2. Transportation

Transportation in Lagos can be both affordable and a source of frustration due to traffic congestion. The sheer size of the city, combined with a rapidly growing population, makes commuting a daily challenge.

• Public Transportation: Lagos has several modes of public transport, including buses, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), minibuses (danfo), tricycles (keke napep), and motorcycles (okadas). For short distances within a neighborhood, taking a motorcycle or tricycle typically costs between ₦100 and ₦300. A trip on the BRT bus from the Mainland to the Island costs around ₦100 to ₦300, depending on the distance.

• Ride-Hailing Services: Services like Uber, Bolt, and InDriver are popular in Lagos, especially for those who want more comfort and convenience. However, these services are significantly more expensive than public transport. A typical ride from the Mainland to the Island can cost anywhere between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 depending on traffic and distance.

• Traffic: One of the most significant costs of living in Lagos is time, as the city is infamous for its traffic jams, known locally as "go-slow." Commuters can spend hours in traffic daily, which not only increases transportation costs but also impacts productivity. Many residents invest in alternative transportation modes, such as motorcycles or shared rides, to navigate the traffic more efficiently.

• Private Vehicles: Owning a car in Lagos comes with significant costs. Fuel prices fluctuate, and the cost per liter is usually around ₦200 to ₦350 depending on market conditions. Vehicle maintenance is also expensive, especially considering the wear and tear from bad roads and traffic. Monthly fuel expenses can range from ₦20,000 to ₦60,000, depending on the car's fuel efficiency and daily commuting distance.

3. Food and Groceries

The cost of food in Lagos can vary dramatically depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to shop. Lagos offers a wide range of food options, from local markets to upscale grocery stores.

• Local Markets: Most Lagosians purchase their groceries from local markets such as Balogun Market, Mile 12 Market, or Oyingbo Market, where food is relatively cheap. A 50kg bag of rice costs between ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, while a similar bag of beans is priced at around ₦40,000 to ₦60,000. Locally sourced vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers are also affordable, with a basket of tomatoes costing about ₦500 to ₦2,000 depending on the season.

• Supermarkets: For those who prefer shopping at supermarkets such as Shoprite, Spar, or Ebeano, food items are more expensive. Imported goods, in particular, come with a high markup. A loaf of bread in a supermarket can cost ₦500 to ₦800, while a liter of milk could go for ₦1,500 to ₦2,500. People living in high-end areas like Victoria Island or Lekki may find themselves spending more on food because of the high cost of imported goods and packaged foods.

• Eating Out: Lagos is a hub for culinary diversity, with dining options ranging from local street food to high-end international restaurants. A simple meal at a local restaurant (buka) can cost as little as ₦500 to ₦1,000, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant could cost ₦2,000 to ₦5,000. Dining in an upscale restaurant can set you back ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 per person for a full meal.

4. Healthcare

Lagos offers a mix of public and private healthcare services, with private hospitals generally providing better facilities and shorter wait times.

• Public Healthcare: Public hospitals are affordable but often overcrowded and under-resourced. Consultation fees in public hospitals are typically between ₦500 and ₦2,000, but patients may have to wait for long periods to see a doctor. Medicines are also relatively cheap in public health facilities.

• Private Healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics offer more efficient services but are significantly more expensive. A basic consultation at a private hospital could cost anywhere from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, depending on the facility. For specialized treatments or surgeries, the costs can run into hundreds of thousands or even millions of naira.

• Health Insurance: Many Lagosians, especially those working in the corporate sector, rely on health insurance plans provided by their employers to offset medical expenses. However, those without health insurance must pay out of pocket for all medical costs, which can be a burden in the case of emergencies or chronic illnesses.

5. Education

Education in Lagos is available at both public and private levels, with costs varying significantly between the two.

• Public Schools: Public primary and secondary schools are largely subsidized by the government, with low or no tuition fees. However, these schools often struggle with overcrowded classrooms, poor infrastructure, and inadequate teaching staff, particularly in less affluent areas.

• Private Schools: Many middle- and upper-income families opt for private schools due to the better quality of education and facilities. Private primary schools can cost anywhere between ₦50,000 and ₦500,000 per term, while secondary schools charge fees ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦1.5 million per term depending on the school’s prestige.

• Tertiary Education: Lagos is home to reputable universities such as the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), and several private institutions. Tuition fees at public universities like UNILAG are relatively low, ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦60,000 per session for undergraduate programs. In contrast, private universities charge significantly higher fees, with tuition running from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million per academic year.

6. Utilities and Miscellaneous Costs

• Electricity: Electricity in Lagos is notoriously unreliable, with frequent blackouts, especially in less affluent areas. Many residents rely on generators to supplement the erratic power supply. The cost of running a generator can add ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 to monthly expenses depending on the usage. For those connected to the national grid, monthly electricity bills range from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 depending on consumption.

• Water: While some upscale areas have access to municipal water supply, many Lagosians rely on boreholes or water delivery services. A monthly water delivery subscription typically costs between ₦3,000 and ₦10,000 depending on household size and usage.

• Internet and Communication: Lagos offers reliable internet services through various providers, but it comes at a cost. Monthly internet subscriptions range from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 depending on the plan and data usage. Mobile phone communication is also relatively affordable, with airtime and data plans costing around ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per month for an average user.

Conclusion

Lagos State is a dynamic, opportunity-filled city, but living there comes with substantial costs. Housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and education all contribute to a high cost of living that can be challenging for many residents. However, Lagos also offers a wide range of opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and entertainment, which is why millions of people continue to flock to this mega-city. For anyone considering moving to or living in Lagos, budgeting wisely and finding ways to navigate the city’s unique challenges is essential for balancing the high cost of living with the opportunities it offers.