😐Monthly costs for one person with rent: $908 in Port Harcourt versus $31.52 in Makurdi.
😐Estimated couple costs with rent: $1,482 in Port Harcourt versus $47.00 in Makurdi.
😐Monthly costs for a family of three with rent: $2,055 in Port Harcourt versus $61.7 in Makurdi.
🌍Living in Port Harcourt is roughly 2781% more expensive than in Makurdi, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.
📊Both cities sit below the global median: Port Harcourt32% lower, Makurdi98% lower.
Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.79₦3,838
$0.66₦904
322.73%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$35.16₦48.4K
-
-
Fast Food Meal(McDonalds, etc)
$8.12₦11.2K
$3.41₦4,686
138.12%
Cappuccino
$2.01₦2,764
-
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.53₦727
$0.14₦198
278.57%
Water(0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46₦629
$0.13₦176
253.85%
Local Beer(0.5 liter draught)
$1.21₦1,666
$0.60₦821
101.67%
Imported Beer(0.33 liter bottle)
$1.55₦2,126
$1.05₦1,442
47.62%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
White Bread(500g)
$1.48₦2,042
-
-
Rice(white)(1kg)
$2.79₦3,833
-
-
Eggs
$2.19₦3,018
-
-
Apples(1kg)
$1.96₦2,694
-
-
Banana(1kg)
$2.94₦4,047
-
-
Oranges(1kg)
$1.91₦2,627
-
-
Tomato(1kg)
$1.95₦2,679
-
-
Lettuce(1 head)
$1.18₦1,626
-
-
Water(1.5 liter bottle)
$0.53₦735
-
-
Wine(Bottle)
$4.97₦6,840
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
One-way Ticket(Public Transport)
$0.11₦149
-
-
Taxi Start(Normal Tariff)
$0.79₦1,085
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting(Normal Tariff)
$3.63₦4,992
-
-
Gasoline(1 liter)
$0.68₦936
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.76₦17.5K
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$35.78₦49.2K
-
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.57₦9,036
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$58.8₦80.9K
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$1,086₦1.5M
-
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$9.59₦13.2K
$20.27₦27.9K
-52.69%
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$10.22₦14.1K
-
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$71.2₦98.0K
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$67.7₦93.1K
-
-
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$486₦668.4K
-
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$610₦839.3K
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,950₦2.7M
-
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,166₦1.6M
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Port Harcourt
Makurdi
Difference
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$53.4₦73.5K
-
-
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update for Port Harcourt: July 12, 2026
Last update for Makurdi: July 11, 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
Port Harcourt vs Makurdi: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Which city is more expensive, Port Harcourt or Makurdi?
Makurdi wins on cost – living expenses run 2781% lower than in Port Harcourt. Housing and daily spending are where you'll feel the difference most, making Makurdi the obvious pick if budget is a priority.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Port Harcourt and in Makurdi?
You'd need roughly $1,362 in Port Harcourt and $47.28 in Makurdi to live well. The gap comes down to housing and overall price levels. Both cities are liveable on less, but these numbers represent actual comfort.
Can you live on $800/month in Port Harcourt or in Makurdi?
Either city works on $800 a month, though Makurdi gives you more room to save. At this income level, the choice is more about lifestyle than financial pressure.
Which city offers a better quality of life: Port Harcourt or Makurdi?
Both cities offer a good standard of living with different trade-offs. Neither is objectively better – the right pick depends on what matters most: affordability, career, cultural scene, or climate.
Which city is more affordable for expats?
Expats usually find Makurdi gentler on the wallet – expenses run 2781% less than in Port Harcourt. Beyond cost, consider language, visa policies, and how big the international community is in each city.
Port Harcourt vs other spots: cost of living compared