In recent years, the cost of living in Nigerian cities has steadily increased. Certain Nigerian cities are becoming increasingly expensive to live in due to a combination of factors including high rates of inflation, currency devaluation, and rising housing, food, and transportation expenses.

Nigeria is becoming an increasingly urbanized country, and many of its cities are finding it difficult to provide the housing and infrastructure needed to accommodate their expanding populations. This puts additional burden on already scarce resources and raises costs even further. It is critical for anyone considering relocating to or within Nigeria to know where the country currently has the highest cost of living.

The top ten  cities with the highest cost of living in Nigeria 2024 are listed below:

LAGOS

As Nigeria’s largest city and its economic heartbeat, it comes as no surprise that Lagos tops the list as being the most expensive place to live in the country.

Rent prices in areas like Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi rival those of major global cities, while everyday costs like food, transportation and utilities continue to increase.

It is no surprise that Lagos ranks as the richest state in Nigeria.

The estimated cost of renting a 2 bedroom apartment in Lagos is ₦500,000 to ₦1 million

While the monthly food (basic provisions for one person) is up to a hundred thousand naira.

The rising population further strains infrastructure and makes congestion and housing deficits common issues facing residents.

ABUJA

Nigeria’s capital and second largest city has also become very expensive due to inbound migration of people and businesses.

Living expenses in the capital city have increased significantly as more people and businesses relocate there.

Prime areas like Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse have astronomical rental prices. Even more peripheral areas still require big budgets to afford accommodation. Renting a two bedroom apartment in Abuja will cost you nothing less than 500 thousand naira.

Food, retail, utilities, school fees and more cost a premium here.

PORT HARCOURT

The center of Nigeria’s oil industry, Port Harcourt has a very high cost of living primarily driven by expensive housing.

Areas like Old GRA, New GRA, and parts of Port Harcourt Township demand extremely high rents. The rent for 2 bedroom apartment is between ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 on a monthly basis.

Even though income levels for oil industry professionals are also usually higher here, day-to-day expenses still consume a sizeable portion of paychecks.

Port Harcourt is located in Rivers state, one of the top oil producing states in Nigeria.

WARRI

Another hub of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Warri sees very high prices especially for housing.

Areas such as Effurun-Sapele Road, Airport Road, Igbudu, Edjeba, Osubi and Okere have housing that is in very high demand and short supply, which continues to push rental rates upwards.

Other costs like food and utilities also strain Warri residents’ budgets.

BENIN CITY

In vibrant Edo State, Benin City is an important educational, cultural and business center in the region.

Rising influxes of students and young graduates have created housing shortages across the city. Even remote areas far from amenities now demand expensive rents.

Food, transportation and utility costs also continue rising, making it very costly to live comfortably in Benin City.

OWERRI

As the capital of Imo State, Owerri has seen an upswing as an entertainment, manufacturing, and industrial hub.

Significant population growth and low housing stock have spiked rents in areas like Egbu, Akwakuma, Uratta Road, Wetheral Road and Government Reserved Areas.

Other basics like food, gas and utilities also come at a premium price here.

Owerri is also one of the richest cities in south-eastern Nigeria.

ABEOKUTA

Abeokuta serves as the capital of Ogun State and as an important industrial center.

Congestion issues, housing demands and rising food costs have all contributed to a very high cost of living. New developments in areas like Laderin Estate, Obantoko, Ibara GRA, and Adatan strain local infrastructure but still attract higher rental rates.

Cultural facilities like Olumo Rock also draw tourists and transplants, increasing demand.

UYO

Uyo has an extremely high cost of living, driven by influxes of oil industry firms plus its role as the Akwa Ibom State capital. Housing deficits near important areas have driven costs sky-high.

Other basics like food, utilities, gas and services come at premium prices that take up large portions of incomes.

Its location as an important regional hub continues attracting new residents and driving demand.

CALABAR

As the capital city of Cross River State, Calabar has high living costs driven by housing shortages, especially in areas like State Housing, Diamond Hill, Ikot Ansa and Muritala Mohammed Highway.

Other expenses like food, transportation, utilities, health care and taxes also continue rising with demand.

Attractions like Tinapa Business Resort also continue driving significant tourism traffic into Calabar.

ENUGU

Rounding out the top 10 most expensive Nigerian cities is Enugu.

As capital of Enugu State, an important coal industry center, and notable educational hub, it has seen living costs rise tremendously in areas like the Government Reserved Areas and Independence Layout.

Housing, food costs, school fees, and transportation expenses all continue squeezing household budgets for average residents.

Infrastructure deficiencies also drive prices as demand rises.

The common thread making these 10 Nigerian cities most expensive to live in are housing shortages against rapid population growth. When demand exceeds supply for decent housing, rental and purchase prices skyrocket out of reach of average residents, consuming larger percentages of incomes. Combined with rising basics like food, gas and utilities plus strains on infrastructure, these cities have a remarkably high cost of living that looks to persist into the future.

For Nigerians and foreigners looking to relocate within the country, this list highlights where significant budgets are needed to maintain standards of living. When assessing jobs or housing, extra attention should be paid to the affordability in these cities identified as having the highest current cost of living nationwide. Understanding the expenses required for a comfortable lifestyle is an important first step to thriving in Nigeria’s fast-growing urban centers.