What is the cost of living in Lagos?

Hi Smith, yes the cost of living in Lagos is high, in fact, Mercer's Cost of Living Survey rated it the 18th most expensive city out of 209 cities in 2020 to live in. Accommodation will likely be your largest expense, and contracts are typically on a two-year basis. Landlords often ask for a whole year of rent to be paid in advance, or at least several months. This may vary according to the landlord, and may be negotiable. However, if you already have a job lined up, particularly in a management role, employers typically contribute to accommodation expenses. It is worth discussing this with prospective employers.

Will you move with children? Do you need to consider school fees and related education expenses? Transport is relatively affordable, though you may want to consider the options available, such as hiring a personal driver, if an employing company does not offer this benefit. To help you start planning and give you an idea of numbers, please see our page on Cost of living in Lagos.

I hope this helps!