According to a report released by the World Population Review, Nigeria has 5 cities with a population of 1 million or more. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria with an estimated population of 21 million and Africa’s most populous urban area.
This megacity is a major financial center in Africa and the economic hub of Nigeria.
Lagos houses one of the largest and busiest seaports in the African continent, making it a land filled with unlimited opportunities that attract expatriates, new residents, and other interests.
While living in Lagos has its pomp and flair because of its rich culture and financial opportunities, the challenges can also be enormous.
In this article, we will discuss the quality of life in Lagos, including, work-life balance, security, entertainment, and more.
Also, we will look at the cost of living in Lagos from housing and transportation to healthcare and others. In addition, we will give you important tips and tricks for living in Lagos.
Overview of Lagos: The Heartbeat of Nigeria
The megacity is considered the economic powerhouse of Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. It was formerly the capital of Nigeria before it was replaced with Abuja in 1991. However, the city’s economic surge has continued to this day.
Lagos is home to myriads of Nigerian history including education, recreation, arts and crafts, and more. For example, the University of Lagos is one of the oldest universities in Nigeria and the Murtala Mohammed Airport named after the former president of Nigeria, is one of the busiest African airports. Also, the Lagos National Stadium has hosted various international sports events such as the 1980 African Cup of Lagos.
All these and more have made the city a place where the wealthy, middle-class, and the poor converge. Like other metropolitan cities, the cost of living in Lagos is high and regarded as one of the most expensive states to live in.
Cost of Living in Lagos
Now, let’s discuss the cost of living in Lagos under the following headings:
- Housing and Accommodation
- Transportation
- Food and Groceries
- Healthcare
- Education
- Utilities and Internet
Housing and Accommodation
Housing and accommodation in Lagos tops our list on the cost of living in Lagos. This is a factor that greatly influences the cost of living in the city.
Lagos provides varying accommodation choices of different standards, types, and budgets, including rented apartments, hotels, and serviced apartments.
Moreover, Lagos’s landscape is divided into the Island, the Mainland, and the Slums where the Island provides luxurious housing and accommodations. The cost of living on the Island is more expensive compared to the Mainland and the Slums.
This landscape separates the wealthy from the middle class and the poor.
In Lagos, a 1 bedroom apartment could be as high as 1.5 million naira per annum and as low as 400,000 Naira depending on the location within the city.
Hotels and serviced apartments are not left out as the cheapest hotels in Lagos charge an average of 50,000 Naira per night.
Here is a table comparing prices between rental apartments on the Island and the Mainland in Lagos (Prices from jiji.ng and Propertypro):
| Housing Type | Location (Island) | Prices (per annum) | Location (Mainland) | Prices (per annum) |
| Standard Furnished 2 Bedroom | Iyana Ipaja | 1.5 million Naira | Ejigbo | 600,000 Naira |
| Standard Furnished 2 Bedroom | Lekki Phase 2 | 3 million Naira | Ebute-Metta | 1.8 million Naira |
| Standard Furnished 2 Bedroom | Ikeja GRA | 5 million Naira | Mushin | 1.5 million Naira |
| Standard Furnished 2 Bedroom | Victoria Island | 15 million Naira | Agege | 1 million Naira |
| Standard Furnished 2 Bedroom | Ikoyi Banana Island | 24 million Naira | Amuwo Odofin | 1.3 million Naira |
Generally, housing and accommodation are expensive in Lagos and are worth considering before visiting or moving to the city.
Transportation
Moving from one place to another is another important determinant of the cost of living in Lagos.
Lagos presents different transportation options, including;
1. Commercial buses
The commercial buses in Lagos, popularly called danfo, are yellow and are the most common transportation option. It is also one of the most affordable transport options in the city as the average fare is around 200 to 300 Naira.
2. Yellow cabs or taxis
Taxis in Lagos are also painted yellow. This transportation option like the buses is affordable. Taxis pick up passengers from garages, roadsides, designated motor parks, bus stops, and others like buses.
3. Motorcycles
Another very affordable transport option is the motorcycle, also known as okada. Although motorcycles have been banned from the highways, they are very active in communities and neighborhoods. With just 200 Naira, you can enjoy transit on a motorcycle in Lagos.
4. Three-wheeled motorized rickshaws
Like the motorcycles, the three-wheeled motorized rickshaws also known as Keke, are useful for neighborhood shuttles and are affordable as well.
5. The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
This is the Government-owned transport system. Hundreds of buses transport people on dedicated lanes in the metropolitan area. The fare is regulated by the State Government. Also, the buses provide free Wi-Fi and the seats have USB phone-charging ports.
However, this service is not active in the Lekki-Ikoyi and Victoria Island perimeter where most expats live.
6. Ride-Hailing Service
Ride-hailing services are also popular in the Lagos transport terrain. Prices differ according to the service provider. The most popular ones include Bolt, Uber, and inDriver. But, there are homegrown ones such as RidaNigeria and Shuttlers.
However, if you desire maximum comfort during transit, you can get your private vehicle with a driver or drive yourself.
Food and Groceries
Food and groceries have great impacts on the living expenses in Lagos. Lagos is home to both local dishes and international cuisines.
There are various places to source food and groceries including,
- Shopping malls such as ShopRite and Ikeja Mall.
- Local markets such as Mile12, Oyingbo market, and Ile-epo market.
There are also eat-out options for you as the city has many high-profile and local restaurants where you can both order or walk in to eat.
The option you choose will have a direct effect on your living cost in Lagos.
Healthcare
In a recent ranking of healthcare systems across Africa conducted by Numbeo, Lagos’s healthcare system was ranked 8th best in Africa.
The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is one of the oldest hospitals in Nigeria and boasts of international standards.
However, there are many private hospitals all around the state for healthcare purposes. Recently, telemedicine has also taken root in the state bringing healthcare to your doorstep.
The state government and many employers provide healthcare insurance for employees and their families, reducing expenses on healthcare. Wherever you choose to receive healthcare, private or public hospitals will impact your cost of living in Lagos.
Education
Lagos has a public education system regulated by the Government as well as private schools. From nursery to tertiary levels, there are both public and private schools or institutions.
The state also has international schools that are perfect for expats with children who desire to continue their home curriculum.
Private schools provide a more comprehensive curriculum with modern technology and facilities for the best educational experience. However, they are more expensive than the public schools.
For example, the approximate tuition at Lekki British International School, a high school in Lekki, Lagos is 4.6 million naira per annum for day students and 6.8 million naira per annum for boarders.
Utilities and Internet
Utilities and the Internet are important for day-to-day living, hence they affect our cost of living. Utilities include electricity, water supply, garbage, cooling, and heating especially for residents on the Island. For residents in some parts of the mainland and slums, the major utility is electricity.
In Lagos, the average monthly cost of electricity in a studio apartment is 25,000 Naira.
Internet cost varies according to the subscription plan you are on. Conservatively, you can spend up to 26,000 naira for Internet and data subscriptions.
Overall, Lagos offers various cost options for housing and accommodation, healthcare, food, and more. Your choice would determine your cost of living in the city.
Quality of Life in Lagos
Lagos is ranked the second-worst city to live in among 172 cities worldwide by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). This ranking took into consideration factors such as security, infrastructure, living conditions, and access to basic amenities.
Let’s look in detail at the quality of life in Lagos using the following factors:
- Work-Life Balance
- Safety and Security
- Entertainment and Recreation
- Social Life and Expat Community
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the flexible working arrangements that provide a balance between work responsibilities and personal responsibilities.
In Lagos, the average work hours like in other cities is 40 hours per week. However, some workplaces add Saturdays as part of the work which has negative effects on work-life balance.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a change in working patterns as more employers have shifted to hybrid or remote work settings. This has increased the quality of life for employees who would originally spend hours in the office and more hours in traffic.
The salary structure in Lagos offices is also better than some states in Nigeria as the median salary is between 200,000 Naira to 250,000 Naira.
Safety and Security
The Safe Cities Index 2021 by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Lagos State as the 56th safest city in the world.
Given the mixed population in Lagos, crime is inevitable. Considering the recent increase in crime rates in Nigeria, Lagos is not left out – from kidnappings, and muggings to armed robberies, and more. However, apart from the Police Force, the State Government has also established a security agency called the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency to assist the Police Department in maintaining the security of lives and properties in the neighborhoods.
Furthermore, most houses in urban areas have armed guards and security cameras to ensure safety. Personal safety such as not walking late at night, and bolting doors and windows properly are also important for living in Lagos.
Entertainment and Recreation
If you’re looking for a place to spend your next holiday, Lagos is the place for you. The city is the center of the Nigerian film-making industry called Nollywood, hence it is a hub of various local and international events.
Lagos boasts of entertainment such as festivals, galas, comedy shows, and more. The city has a vibrant nightlife as there are nightclubs, cinemas, and others.
Due to the water body surrounding the city, there are lots of recreational places to have fun. Some of the popular ones you can visit on a budget between 1,000 Naira to 5,000 Naira include:
- Lekki Conservation Center
- Elegushi Beach
- National Museum
- Terra Kulture
- Lekki Leisure Lake
- Tarkwa Bay Beach
- Nike Art Gallery.
Social Life and Expat Community
Nigerian culture is embedded in all facets of her people’s life and Lagosians are ever-ready to welcome foreigners.
With the hospitable culture comes the love of partying, dancing, and having a good time. These factors produce the vibey lifestyle and environment that keep expats and locals entertained.
The expat life in Lagos is such that they live in gated communities, especially on the Island, and have private cars with personal drivers mostly Nigerians, moving them around.
Expats living in Lagos can conduct their business without language barrier issues as English is widely spoken across the State.
Also, the expat community may experience culture shock due to the hustle and bustle that characterize Lagos living, the greeting culture, and even the food. Issues like electricity outage can also come as a shock to expats living in Lagos.
Plus, the weather in Lagos Nigeria is a warm tropical climate, perfect for lazing on the beach.
Ultimately, the quality of life in Lagos Nigeria is a mix of both excitement and gloom. You must be careful to not get on the wrong side.
Tips for Living in Lagos
For newcomers moving to the city, here are some useful tips for comfortable living in Lagos.
1. Find an Apartment or Accommodation
The first few months of moving to a new place can be difficult especially if you don’t have a place to stay. Therefore, before you move, book an accommodation ahead using booking websites such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Wego, and more.
If you are staying for a long time and need a rented apartment, you can check listings on Nigeria Property Centre and PropertyPro. We advise renting apartments on the Island or the Mainland.
Once you find what you want, speak with the realtor and prepare to pay a year’s rent, realtor’s fee, and legal fees.
2. Navigating the City
For an expat, navigating the city using a private vehicle with a local driver is advised. A local driver can serve as your tour guide as you move around the city of Lagos.
However, If getting a private vehicle is not convenient, then the ride-hailing service is a good option for moving around Lagos until you are comfortable.
3. Visit Places in Lagos
To integrate into the city life with ease, go out and see new places. Go to the beach, the National Museum, an art gallery, and even a local market. This will greatly help your living in Lagos as you will enjoy experiencing the rich culture of the city.
4. Sourcing for Food and Groceries
Visit the shopping malls close to you for your food and groceries as they have fixed price tags. Also, you can eat out at restaurants or from local food vendors.
You can also get groceries from online stores which will be delivered within 72 hours. Popular online stores include Jumia and Konga.
5. Build a Social Circle
Don’t be a lone ranger, make friends, especially with your colleagues at work. These people would help you to ease into Lagos city life and provide guidance when you need it.
Moving to Lagos Soon?
Lagos Nigeria is a bustling city with incredible opportunities and frustrating challenges. However, with the detailed cost of living in Lagos and the quality of life in Lagos which we have discussed in this article, we believe you have the necessary information to live and enjoy the city.
If you’re moving to Lagos soon, be sure to book your flight with flightpadi, your trusted flight service.