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Benin, Nigeria
Capital City

Follows Nigeria Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$700
Retiree Score
67.0
Safety Index
45.0
Healthcare
8 facilities

With a population of 1,780,000, Benin City is Nigeria's fourth-largest urban center, but its reality is far from the splendor of its storied past. The former capital of the powerful Edo Kingdom has seen its once-impressive architecture crumble, while its people struggle with persistent flooding and inadequate waste management. The tropical climate is consistently hot and humid, providing little relief from the bureaucratic headaches that plague daily life. Ultimately, Benin City's rich cultural heritage belies the challenges facing those who choose to call it home.

Can I afford Benin?

$

Benin

You could save

2,300/mo

Savings Rate77%

Monthly Costs

Rent $250
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$450

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
77/100
Retiree Score
(i)
67/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Nigeria Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
45
Safety
8
Healthcare
100
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $3
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$2
Meal (Mid-range) $59
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $114
Mobile Plan (mo) $17
Gym (mo) *$17
Cinema Ticket $6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $250
1BR Outside (mo) *$501
3BR Center (mo) $550
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,094

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
GRA, Ekenwan
Best For
historians, volunteers

Expat Life Notes

Benin City is rich in tradition and bronze art, but has a very limited modern expat infrastructure.

Pros

  • ✓ Deep cultural heritage
  • ✓ Friendly locals
  • ✓ Low cost of living

Cons

  • ✗ Security awareness needed
  • ✗ Poor road drainage
  • ✗ Inconsistent utilities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
22°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1741 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Benin

Click any question to expand the answer.

Benin has a population of approximately 1,780,000 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $625 per month in Benin, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $250/month.

The nearest airport to Benin is ABB, approximately 116km away.

Benin is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 45.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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