Cost of Living in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt (2026 Comparison)
Whether you are relocating for work, starting a business, or just curious about how your city compares, understanding the real cost of living matters. We break down actual expenses in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt for 2026.
Rent: The Biggest Expense
Rent is the single largest cost for most Nigerians, and it varies dramatically by city and area.
Lagos
| Area | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lekki Phase 1 | N1.5M-2.5M/yr | N3M-5M/yr | N5M-8M/yr |
| Victoria Island | N2M-4M/yr | N4M-7M/yr | N7M-12M/yr |
| Ikeja/Maryland | N700K-1.2M/yr | N1.2M-2M/yr | N2M-3.5M/yr |
| Yaba/Surulere | N500K-1M/yr | N1M-1.8M/yr | N1.5M-3M/yr |
| Ikorodu | N200K-500K/yr | N400K-800K/yr | N600K-1.2M/yr |
Abuja
| Area | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maitama | N2M-4M/yr | N4M-7M/yr | N7M-12M/yr |
| Wuse 2 | N1.2M-2.5M/yr | N2.5M-4.5M/yr | N4M-7M/yr |
| Jabi/Utako | N800K-1.5M/yr | N1.5M-2.5M/yr | N2.5M-4M/yr |
| Kubwa | N250K-500K/yr | N500K-800K/yr | N700K-1.2M/yr |
| Lugbe | N200K-400K/yr | N400K-700K/yr | N600K-1M/yr |
Port Harcourt
| Area | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRA Phase 2 | N1M-2M/yr | N2M-3.5M/yr | N3.5M-6M/yr |
| Trans Amadi | N600K-1M/yr | N1M-1.8M/yr | N1.5M-3M/yr |
| Rukpokwu | N300K-600K/yr | N500K-900K/yr | N800K-1.2M/yr |
| Choba | N200K-350K/yr | N300K-600K/yr | N500K-900K/yr |
Key takeaway: Abuja's prime areas are the most expensive. Lagos has the widest range. Port Harcourt is generally cheaper for equivalent quality.
Food and Groceries
Monthly grocery costs for a single person eating mostly home-cooked meals:
| Item | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (50kg bag) | N70,000-85,000 | N65,000-80,000 | N60,000-75,000 |
| Cooking oil (5L) | N10,000-14,000 | N10,000-13,000 | N9,000-12,000 |
| Tomatoes (basket) | N8,000-15,000 | N6,000-12,000 | N5,000-10,000 |
| Chicken (whole) | N6,000-10,000 | N5,500-9,000 | N5,000-8,000 |
| Bread (loaf) | N1,500-2,500 | N1,200-2,000 | N1,000-1,800 |
| Eggs (crate of 30) | N3,500-5,000 | N3,000-4,500 | N2,800-4,000 |
Monthly food budget estimate:
- Cooking at home: N50,000-80,000
- Mix of home and eating out: N80,000-150,000
- Eating out mostly: N150,000-300,000+
Lagos is consistently the most expensive for food, partly due to transportation costs and island premiums.
Transportation
Daily Commute Costs
| Mode | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRT/Bus | N200-700 | N200-500 | N200-400 |
| Danfo/Keke | N100-500 | N100-300 | N100-300 |
| Bolt/Uber (5km) | N1,000-2,500 | N800-1,800 | N600-1,500 |
| Fuel (per liter) | N700-900 | N700-850 | N650-800 |
Monthly transport budget:
- Public transport: N15,000-30,000
- Ride-hailing: N40,000-100,000
- Own car (fuel + maintenance): N60,000-150,000
Lagos traffic significantly increases transport time and cost. A 15km commute in Lagos can take 2 hours; the same distance in Abuja takes 25 minutes.
Utilities
Electricity
Monthly electricity cost depends on your tariff band and consumption:
| Usage Level | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light use | N5,000-10,000 | N4,000-8,000 | N3,000-7,000 |
| Medium use | N15,000-30,000 | N12,000-25,000 | N10,000-20,000 |
| Heavy use (AC) | N30,000-60,000 | N25,000-50,000 | N20,000-40,000 |
Most Nigerians supplement with generators or solar. Add N10,000-30,000/month for fuel if you run a generator regularly.
Internet
| Plan | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile data (8GB) | N3,000 |
| Home fiber (basic) | N10,000-15,000/month |
| Home fiber (fast) | N20,000-40,000/month |
| Starlink | N38,000/month + hardware |
Water
Most homes in these cities rely on boreholes or water vendors. Budget N3,000-10,000/month depending on household size.
Total Monthly Budget Estimates
Single Person (Comfortable, Not Luxury)
| Category | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, decent area) | N80,000 | N85,000 | N50,000 |
| Food | N70,000 | N60,000 | N55,000 |
| Transport | N30,000 | N20,000 | N15,000 |
| Electricity | N15,000 | N12,000 | N10,000 |
| Internet + Phone | N8,000 | N8,000 | N8,000 |
| Miscellaneous | N30,000 | N25,000 | N20,000 |
| **Total** | **N233,000** | **N210,000** | **N158,000** |
Family of Four (Comfortable)
| Category | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (3BR, decent area) | N200,000 | N220,000 | N100,000 |
| Food | N150,000 | N130,000 | N110,000 |
| Transport | N50,000 | N35,000 | N25,000 |
| School fees (2 kids) | N150,000 | N120,000 | N80,000 |
| Electricity | N25,000 | N20,000 | N15,000 |
| Other utilities | N20,000 | N18,000 | N15,000 |
| **Total** | **N595,000** | **N543,000** | **N345,000** |
City Comparison Summary
| Factor | Lagos | Abuja | Port Harcourt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Opportunities | Best | Good (government) | Limited (oil sector) |
| Rent | High | Highest (prime) | Moderate |
| Food Cost | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Traffic | Worst | Light | Moderate |
| Nightlife | Best | Growing | Limited |
| Safety | Varies by area | Generally safe | Improving |
| Infrastructure | Mixed | Best | Developing |
Our Take
Port Harcourt offers the best value for money if you have a remote job or oil sector employment. Abuja has the best infrastructure and quality of life but is expensive in prime areas. Lagos is where the money and opportunities are, but you will pay a premium for everything and spend hours in traffic. For young professionals, Lagos Mainland (Yaba, Gbagada) offers the best balance of affordability and proximity to tech jobs.