Understanding the Cost of Living in Lagos
Lagos has two main areas: the Island and the Mainland. The Island is more expensive, while the Mainland is more affordable. Your monthly cost depends on where you live, your lifestyle, and how you spend money.
Major Living Expenses for a Single Person in Lagos
1. Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is the biggest expense in Lagos.
Rent on the Island
- 1-bedroom apartment: ₦1,500,000 – ₦3,500,000 per year
- Mini-flat: ₦1,200,000 – ₦2,500,000 per year
Rent on the Mainland
- 1-bedroom apartment: ₦400,000 – ₦900,000 per year
- Mini-flat: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 per year
Extra Housing Costs
- Agency fee
- Agreement fee
- Service charge (for estates)
- Light and water bill
These extra payments can add ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 depending on location.
2. Feeding and Groceries
Food costs depend on if you cook at home or eat out.
Cooking at Home
- Monthly groceries: ₦40,000 – ₦70,000
Eating Out
- Local restaurant meals: ₦1,000 – ₦2,500 per plate
- Fast food meals: ₦3,000 – ₦6,000 per plate
- Budget for mixed eating: ₦60,000 – ₦120,000 monthly
3. Transportation Costs
Movement in Lagos can be stressful and expensive.
Using Public Transport
- BRT or buses: ₦200 – ₦800 per trip
- Average monthly spending: ₦20,000 – ₦45,000
Using Rides (Bolt, Uber, InDriver)
- Short distance: ₦1,500 – ₦4,000
- Long distance: ₦5,000 – ₦9,000
- Monthly budget for average user: ₦60,000 – ₦150,000
If You Own a Car
- Fuel: ₦50,000 – ₦120,000
- Maintenance: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 monthly average
4. Utility Bills
Electricity
- Prepaid meter: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000 monthly depending on usage.
Water
- Many houses use boreholes, so cost ranges from free to ₦3,000 monthly.
Internet
- 4G/5G monthly plans: ₦8,000 – ₦20,000
Gas
- Cooking gas refill: ₦6,000 – ₦12,000
5. Healthcare and Personal Care
Healthcare
- HMO for one person: ₦8,000 – ₦25,000 monthly
- Occasional hospital visits: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 per visit
Personal Care
- Toiletries: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Hair grooming/barbing: ₦2,000 – ₦6,000
6. Entertainment and Social Life
Basic Entertainment Budget
- Occasional outing, movies, clubs or restaurants: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
Gym Membership
- Monthly fee: ₦10,000 – ₦35,000
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Estimated Total Monthly Cost for a Single Person in Lagos
Here is a simple estimate:
If You Live on the Mainland
- Rent (monthly equivalent): ₦35,000 – ₦80,000
- Feeding: ₦40,000 – ₦100,000
- Transport: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000
- Bills & Internet: ₦25,000 – ₦50,000
- Personal care: ₦7,000 – ₦15,000
- Entertainment: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: ₦150,000 – ₦355,000
If You Live on the Island
- Rent (monthly equivalent): ₦100,000 – ₦250,000
- Feeding: ₦60,000 – ₦120,000
- Transport: ₦40,000 – ₦150,000
- Bills & Internet: ₦30,000 – ₦60,000
- Personal care: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000
- Entertainment: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000
Total Estimated Monthly Cost: ₦270,000 – ₦670,000
Conclusion
Living in Lagos as a single person can be affordable if you stay on the Mainland and manage your expenses. But life on the Island is more expensive due to higher rent, transportation, and lifestyle costs. Planning your spending and choosing the right area will help you enjoy Lagos without stress.
FAQs
1. Is Lagos expensive for a single person?
Yes, Lagos can be expensive, especially on the Island. But the Mainland is more affordable for most people.
2. What is the cheapest place to live in Lagos?
Areas like Ikorodu, Egbeda, Abule-Egba, and Ipaja are some of the cheapest for single people.
3. How much does a single person need monthly in Lagos?
A single person needs around ₦150,000 – ₦350,000 on the Mainland and ₦270,000 – ₦670,000 on the Island.
4. Is food expensive in Lagos?
Food prices are moderate. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out every day.
5. Do I need a car to live in Lagos?
No, you don’t need a car. Public transport and ride-hailing apps are available, but having a car makes movement easier.
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