Cost of living in Nigeria for digital nomads: Lagos vs Abuja vs smaller cities

Tunde Aladeloba

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I’ve lived in different parts of Nigeria, and one thing is clear: the cost of living can shape your whole experience. Lagos is exciting, but it can drain your pocket and your patience. Abuja is calmer and there's less chaos, but you’ll pay for that comfort. Then there are smaller cities where life is slower, cheaper, and honestly less stressful. Each place offers a distinct daily experience.

If you’re thinking of working remotely from Nigeria, these differences matter. This article breaks down what it really costs to live in Lagos, Abuja, and smaller cities, including rent, food, transport, and internet, so you can choose the place that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

Also read: Detty December Nigeria: here’s how to spend smart and not go broke

Why nomads should compare costs across Nigerian cities

Comparing costs as a digital nomad in Nigeria matters because every city hits your budget differently. Understanding these differences helps you avoid surprises and plan your lifestyle better.

Cost differs by city

Lagos, Abuja, and smaller cities differ in expenses: Lagos is the most costly, especially for rent and transport; Abuja costs more for comfort and status; smaller cities let your money go further. As a digital nomad, directly comparing these city costs lets you choose where your money best matches your lifestyle and work needs.

Daily life feels different

The cost of living isn’t just money; it’s stress, time, and movement. Lagos traffic steals hours, Abuja gives calm routines, and smaller cities reduce daily pressure. Comparing these environments helps you choose a city that supports your mental health, work pace, and lifestyle so your productivity isn’t swallowed by chaos or boredom.

Opportunities aren’t evenly spread

Where you stay affects the kind of opportunities you’ll meet. Lagos gives you the most networking, events and clients, Abuja has strong professional circles, and smaller cities offer quieter but growing communities. Comparing these helps you decide whether you want fast-paced connections, stable corporate vibes or a space where you can build slowly without pressure.

Also read: Travelling this December? Smart ways Nigerians can save on flights, hotels and FX

Living costs for digital nomads in Lagos and Abuja

Let’s take a closer look at what it really costs to live in Lagos and Abuja, from rent and food to transport and workspaces.

Lagos

Living in Lagos comes at a cost, and as a digital nomad, it’s important to know where your money goes. From rent to food, transport, utilities, and workspaces, here’s what you can expect:

Housing: Rent is the biggest expense in Lagos. On the Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, a one-bedroom apartment can cost ₦1,800,000–₦3,000,000 per year, while the Mainland areas like Yaba or Surulere are cheaper, around ₦1,200,000–₦2,000,000. If you want security, comfort, and reliable power, expect service charges and agency fees on top.
Food: Food costs vary depending on where you shop. Local markets are affordable, you can spend ₦40,000–₦60,000 monthly on groceries. Supermarkets charge more, while eating out on the Island can cost ₦8,000–₦15,000 per meal at a mid-range restaurant. Lagos has everything from roadside meals to trendy brunch spots, but it can add up quickly.
Transport: Getting around Lagos can be expensive and time-consuming. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt cost ₦2,000–₦5,000 for short trips, sometimes more during peak traffic. Public transport is cheaper (from ₦500–₦1,000 per trip), but less comfortable. Living near your workspace can save both time and money.
Utilities: Power supply fluctuates, so most apartments need a generator or an inverter. Expect to spend ₦10,000–₦30,000 monthly on fuel and backup power. The internet is decent, with home WiFi averaging ₦15,000–₦25,000 per month. Combined with service charges in estates, utilities can take a noticeable chunk of your budget.
Workstations: Co-working spaces in Lagos are plentiful, but prices aren’t cheap. Monthly plans range from ₦60,000–₦150,000, offering reliable power, internet, and networking. Cafés are an alternative, but you’ll often need to buy food or drinks while you work. Lagos gives variety and opportunity, but convenience comes at a price.

Also read: Grey vs. local banks: Where to exchange currency in Nigeria for the best rates

Abuja

Abuja feels calmer than Lagos, with cleaner streets, less traffic, and a more organised vibe. Comfort comes at a price, though, and your wallet will notice the difference.

Housing: Finding a flat in Wuse, Gwarinpa, or Maitama gives you security and steady power, with one-bedroom apartments usually around ₦1,000,000–₦2,000,000 per year. Estates with extra facilities cost a bit more, but the quiet streets make it worth it.
Feeding: Food is easier to plan here. Local markets keep groceries affordable at about ₦50,000–₦70,000 per month, while supermarkets and mid-range restaurants cost ₦3,000–₦5,000 per meal. The slower pace means fewer impulsive food runs, so your budget stretches further without much effort.
Transport: Short Uber or Bolt trips cost ₦1,500–₦3,500, while public buses or keke rides are ₦200–₦500. Distances are bigger than Lagos, but at least traffic won’t steal hours from your day. Living close to work or co-working spaces makes life even easier.
Utilities are generally more reliable than Lagos. Internet/WiFi runs around ₦15,000–₦25,000 per month, while electricity plus generator or fuel costs about ₦10,000–₦20,000. You might still need extra data for backup, but overall, your bills are predictable, which makes budgeting simpler.
Workstations: Co-working spaces exist but are fewer, with monthly plans between ₦50,000–₦120,000, offering quiet, professional environments. Cafés are calm too, where buying a small drink or meal lets you settle in for hours. Abuja’s slower, professional vibe makes it easy to focus on work without the constant chaos of Lagos.

We’ll also check out some smaller cities across Nigeria’s six zones. Places like Osogbo, Ilorin, Aba, Enugu, Jos and Zaria are cheaper, slower-paced, and show how you can live comfortably without spending as much as in Lagos or Abuja.

Housing: Housing in smaller cities like Osogbo, Ilorin and Zaria is where you immediately feel the difference. Rent is far cheaper, agents are less dramatic, and you can get a clean, spacious flat for ₦250,000–₦450,000 per year, a fraction of Lagos or Abuja prices. Even cities with growing popularity, like Enugu or Jos, still offer good value, with decent apartments going for ₦300,000–₦600,000. You’ll also find that landlords are more flexible, neighbourhoods are calmer, and you’re not fighting ten other people for one apartment.
Food: Feeding is simply easier here. In places like Aba and Osogbo, local markets are affordable and fresh produce is everywhere, a full week’s groceries can sit around ₦10,000–₦18,000. Supermarket prices stay reasonable because you’re not paying for branding and city hype. Eating out in Ilorin or Enugu won’t shock your wallet either; you can get a solid meal for ₦1,500–₦3,000, and even nicer spots still stay around ₦4,000–₦6,000. You can comfortably eat well without constantly calculating what each plate will do to your monthly budget.
Transport: Transport in Jos, Osogbo and Zaria is straightforward and light on the pocket. Distances are short, traffic is almost non-existent, and you can get around using keke or bikes for little money. Ride-hailing is available in some cities like Enugu and Ilorin, and the fares are usually a fraction of Lagos prices. Moving around doesn’t drain your energy or your account, and that alone makes life feel easier.
Utilities: Utilities vary by city. Enugu and Ilorin generally have more stable power, while places like Aba and Jos can be unpredictable. Still, even if you spend on fuel or inverter support, your overall costs remain far below what you would face in Lagos. Internet options are limited, so many digital nomads juggle multiple SIMs. The good news is: even with backups, your monthly utilities spend stays very manageable.

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Overview of Lagos, Abuja and other cities in Nigeria

Affordability: The most affordable options are in smaller cities like Osogbo, Ilorin, Aba, Enugu, Jos, and Zaria, where rent, food, and transport cost much less than Lagos or Abuja.
Opportunities: The city with the most opportunities is Lagos, offering endless networking, creative projects, and business connections for ambitious digital nomads.
Best for Nomads: For overall ease of life and lower stress, Abuja is ideal, providing a calmer, organised environment with stable utilities and comfortable urban living.

Managing living cost in Nigerian cities

Lagos, Abuja, and smaller cities like Ilorin or Jos all have something to offer digital nomads, from the busy city life to quieter, more affordable places to settle. Wherever you choose to live and work, managing your money shouldn’t be a headache. Grey helps you send, receive, and manage funds across Nigeria and abroad, saving you on fees and bad exchange rates.