Rewire Abroad Logo

Lagos, Nigeria
Capital City

Follows Nigeria Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$1,100
Retiree Score
88.0
Safety Index
28.2
Healthcare
100 facilities

Lagos is a massive, teeming metropolis of over 73,000 people, a chaotic commercial hub that offers little refuge from the heat, pollution, and bureaucratic headaches. The city generates around 30-35% of Nigeria's GDP, with a thriving entertainment industry and emerging tech scene, but also suffers from severe infrastructure deficits - only 40% of waste is collected and tap water is often unusable. Safety is a relative bright spot, with far fewer homicides than the national average, though petty crime remains a persistent annoyance. For the financially savvy, entrepreneurial, and resilient, Lagos can be a land of opportunity, but for the faint of heart, it's a relentless assault on the senses.

Can I afford Lagos?

$

Lagos

You could save

1,900/mo

Savings Rate63%

Monthly Costs

Rent $600
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$500

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
63/100
Retiree Score
(i)
88/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Nigeria Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
28
Safety
100
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
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) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $59
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $114
Mobile Plan (mo) $17
Gym (mo) *$32
Cinema Ticket $6

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $360
1BR Outside (mo) *$301
3BR Center (mo) $780
3BR Outside (mo) *$656

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1
Best For
entrepreneurs, corporate executives

Expat Life Notes

A high-energy megalopolis with massive economic opportunities. Most expats live in Ikoyi or VI for safety and better infrastructure.

Pros

  • ✓ Vibrant nightlife and music
  • ✓ Huge business potential
  • ✓ International food scene

Cons

  • ✗ Significant security concerns
  • ✗ Severe traffic and flooding
  • ✗ High cost of expat-standard living

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1370 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Jos, NigeriaAttractiveness Score: 80.8Ibadan, NigeriaAttractiveness Score: 80.4Sakété, BeninLiving in Sakété, Benin means rural West Africa at its most basic—cheap but with water access issues and zero expat infrastructure. Best for off-grid FIRE typesSarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaLiving in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers low costs and Balkan culture, but winters are harsh and infrastructure lags. Best for nomads and retirees on t

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Lagos

Click any question to expand the answer.

Lagos has a population of approximately 73,766 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,500 per month in Lagos, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $600/month.

The nearest airport to Lagos is LOS, approximately 16km away.

Lagos is considered a higher-crime area that requires caution, with a safety index of 28.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Share This Guide