Cost of Living Comparison Between Lagos and MakurdiCost of Living Comparison Between Lagos and Makurdi
Monthly Cost of Living
😐A single person spends $1,123 per month in Lagos vs $30.79 in Makurdi, rent included.
😐A couple spends around $1,882 per month in Lagos vs $45.00 in Makurdi, rent included.
😐A family of three spends $2,641 per month in Lagos vs $60.0 in Makurdi, rent included.
😐Lagos costs about 3549% more than Makurdi, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both Lagos and Makurdi are more affordable than the global median – Lagos16% lower, Makurdi98% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.61₦3,551
$0.70₦954
272.86%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$49.01₦66.7K
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Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$5.28₦7,193
$3.29₦4,482
60.49%
Cappuccino
$2.17₦2,955
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36₦492
$0.17₦235
111.76%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22₦300
$0.13₦173
69.23%
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$0.79₦1,078
$0.63₦856
25.40%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39₦1,897
$1.10₦1,503
26.36%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Milk(1 liter)
$2.34₦3,183
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-
White Bread(500g)
$1.25₦1,698
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-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$2.23₦3,037
-
-
Eggs
$1.68₦2,287
-
-
Local Cheese(1kg)
$6.15₦8,375
-
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Chicken Fillets(1kg)
$4.29₦5,844
-
-
Beef Round Steak(1kg)
$5.25₦7,154
-
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Apples(1kg)
$3.48₦4,742
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.06₦2,801
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$2.21₦3,011
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$2.28₦3,105
-
-
Potato(1kg)
$2.40₦3,271
-
-
Onion(1kg)
$2.02₦2,753
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$2.02₦2,746
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.39₦529
-
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Cigarettes 20 Pack(Marlboro, Camel)
$1.27₦1,727
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$2.49₦3,397
-
-
Local Beer(0.5 liter bottle)
$0.63₦856
-
-
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.88₦1,196
-
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🚌 Getting Around
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.69₦934
-
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass(Regular Price)
$36.96₦50.3K
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$1.25₦1,702
-
-
Taxi(Normal Tariff)(1km)
$2.24₦3,048
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$4.68₦6,368
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$0.79₦1,070
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.2K₦27.5M
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Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.7K₦28.2M
-
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🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$41.11₦56.0K
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$10.16₦13.8K
-
-
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.75₦46.0K
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$30.68₦41.8K
-
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$12.80₦17.4K
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.30₦8,577
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$84.5₦115.1K
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$2,314₦3.2M
-
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👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$19.07₦26.0K
$20.54₦28.0K
-7.16%
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.51₦33.4K
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$65.0₦88.5K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$57.7₦78.5K
-
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🏠 Accommodation & Living
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,087₦1.5M
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$632₦861.1K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,746₦3.7M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,347₦1.8M
-
-
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$3,278₦4.5M
-
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Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,622₦2.2M
-
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💵 Salaries & Financials
Lagos
Makurdi
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$116₦158.0K
-
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
16.33
0
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CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Lagos: June 1, 2026
Last update for Makurdi: June 2, 2026
City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Lagos vs Makurdi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Lagos or Makurdi?
Lagos costs about 3549% more than Makurdi, with the gap driven mainly by Groceries & Markets. That's enough to noticeably affect everyday spending and lifestyle for anyone choosing between the two.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Lagos vs Makurdi?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $1,685 per month in Lagos and $46.19 in Makurdi. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
Can you live on $1,000/month in Lagos or Makurdi?
A $1,000 monthly budget goes further in Makurdi, where all-in costs run around $30.79, than in Lagos at $1,123. In Makurdi it covers expenses comfortably, while in Lagos it requires careful planning or may not stretch far enough.
Which city is better for families?
Families tend to lean toward Makurdi – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.
Should I move to Lagos or Makurdi?
If budget matters most, go with Makurdi. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Lagos makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.