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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Lagos 2024
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Cost of Living in Lagos

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Lagos, understanding the the cost of living in Lagos helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Lagos - Cost of Living in Lagos

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Lagos is €500-€700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average cost is €700-€900 per month. Prices can vary depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Lagos is €150,000-€200,000. Prices can vary depending on the location and size of the apartment.
Transportation Public transportation in Lagos is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs €1.50 and a monthly pass costs €30. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride depends on the distance traveled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Lagos is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.00. Prices can vary depending on the type and quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Lagos is relatively low. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €5-€7, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15-€20. Prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Lagos is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is €50-€60 per month, while the average cost of water is €20-€30 per month. Prices can vary depending on usage.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Lagos varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is €400-€500 per month, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is €500-€600 per month. The average cost of middle school tuition is €600-€700 per month, and the average cost of high school tuition is €700-€800 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Lagos

"The cost of living in Lagos is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Prices for basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are all relatively affordable. Eating out in restaurants is also relatively inexpensive, with a meal for two people costing around €20-30. Utilities such as electricity and water are also relatively inexpensive. Overall, Lagos is a great place to live if you are looking for a place with a low cost of living," said one expat living in Lagos.

Can I live in Lagos on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lagos for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Rossio de São João, Ameijeira, or even the outskirts of the city center. These areas are more affordable compared to the more expensive neighborhoods like Meia Praia or Porto de Mós, which are closer to the beach and have more tourist attractions.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at local markets and cooking at home can save you a lot of money. Eating out can be quite expensive, especially in the touristy areas, so try to limit that to special occasions or when you find a good deal.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Lagos is a small city, so walking or biking is often the best way to get around. If you need to use public transportation, the local bus service is quite affordable, and there's also a train station that connects Lagos to other cities in the Algarve region.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Lagos. The beautiful beaches are a major attraction, and you can also explore the historic city center, visit local museums, or go for hikes in the nearby natural parks. There are also many free events and festivals throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up some of the modern amenities you're used to, like a gym membership or frequent nights out at fancy restaurants. You'll also need to be more conscious of your spending and budget carefully to make sure you can cover all your expenses.Overall, living in Lagos on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of the affordable and free activities the city has to offer, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this beautiful coastal town," commented an expat living in Lagos.

Can I live in Lagos on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Lagos for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Meia Praia, Ameijeira, or Torraltinha. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly and still offer a good quality of life. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Porto de Mós or the city center, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.One of the sacrifices you'll have to make is probably downsizing your living space. You might not be able to afford a large, modern apartment in a prime location, but you can still find a decent, smaller place that meets your needs. You'll also need to be mindful of your utility usage, as electricity and water can be quite expensive in Portugal.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be costly due to high fuel prices and maintenance costs. I'd recommend using public transportation or even getting a bicycle to get around town. This will not only save you money but also help you stay active and healthy.Eating out can also be expensive, especially in touristy areas. To save money, I'd suggest cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets for fresh produce. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but try to stick to more affordable, local restaurants rather than high-end establishments.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Lagos, such as hiking, beach days, or exploring the beautiful coastline, you might have to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings.Overall, living in Lagos on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your spending and prioritizing your needs, you can still enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life in this beautiful coastal town," said one expat living in Lagos.

Can I live in Lagos on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Lagos for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like Porto de Mós and Meia Praia. These areas are known for their luxury villas and high-end properties, so the cost of living there can be quite steep. Instead, consider looking for accommodation in more affordable neighborhoods like Ameijeira, São Sebastião, or even the outskirts of the city center. You can find some great apartments and houses in these areas that are still close to all the amenities you'll need.When it comes to dining out, Lagos has a wide range of options to suit all budgets. You can find plenty of affordable local restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine without breaking the bank. However, you might have to cut back on dining at high-end restaurants or frequenting expensive bars and clubs.Transportation in Lagos is relatively affordable, especially if you use public transport like buses or trains. If you're planning on having a car, you'll need to factor in the cost of fuel, insurance, and maintenance, which can add up over time. To save money, consider using a bicycle or walking for shorter distances.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Lagos. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go hiking in the nearby national parks, or explore the historic city center without spending a fortune. However, you might have to limit your spending on more expensive activities like golfing, boat trips, or attending high-end events.Overall, living in Lagos on a $5,000 a month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your means. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on dining out, and finding cost-effective ways to enjoy your leisure time, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful coastal city," commented an expat living in Lagos.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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