Nigeria

Cost of living

What a month costs

Figures assume an expat-grade lifestyle in Ikoyi, Victoria Island or Lekki and exclude rent and international school fees. The naira has been highly volatile since the 2023 to 2024 devaluations, so dollar costs swing hard with the exchange rate. Power, security and imported goods push real budgets well above the local average.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Lagos

1. Lekki Conservation CentreNature reserve with one of Africa's longest canopy walkways over the wetlands.
2. Nike Art GalleryVast multi-storey gallery in Lekki packed with Nigerian art, run by textile legend Nike Davies-Okundaye.
3. National Museum LagosOnikan museum with Nok terracottas, Benin bronzes and Nigerian cultural history.
4. Freedom ParkFormer colonial prison on Lagos Island reborn as a green cultural venue for gigs and food.
5. Tarkwa Bay BeachCalm, boat-access beach favoured by surfers, swimmers and weekenders.
6. Elegushi BeachBuzzing private beach in Lekki with music, horses and beach bars.
7. Kalakuta Republic MuseumFela Kuti's old Ikeja home turned shrine to the Afrobeat pioneer's life.
8. Terra KultureVictoria Island arts hub with a theatre, gallery, bookshop and Nigerian restaurant.
9. New Afrika ShrineIkeja music venue run by the Kuti family, still the heartbeat of live Afrobeat.
10. Balogun MarketFrenetic Lagos Island market where you can buy fabric, gadgets and just about anything.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. AbeokutaOgun State capital about two hours north, home to the giant Olumo Rock you can climb for city views.
2. BadagryHistoric coastal town west of Lagos with sobering slave-trade heritage sites and calm beaches.
3. Tarkwa BaySheltered island beach reached by a short boat ride, popular for swimming and a lazy day out.
4. IlashePrivate beach enclave across the lagoon, all weekend beach houses and quiet Atlantic sand.
5. EpeLagoon-side town to the east known for fish markets, mangroves and a slower pace.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe NeoHomegrown coffee chain with reliable espresso and Wi-Fi across Victoria Island and the mainland.
2. Craft GourmetLekki bakery and cafe known for pastries, sandwiches and strong coffee.
3. Art CafeLong-standing Victoria Island spot popular for coffee, cakes and casual meetings.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Nok by AlaraStylish Victoria Island fine dining serving modern Pan-African plates.
2. RSVPPolished VI restaurant and lounge that is a fixture of the Lagos social scene.
3. Yellow ChilliBeloved Nigerian restaurant putting local classics like jollof and egusi centre stage.
4. ShiroUpscale Asian-inspired dining and cocktails, a longtime special-occasion favourite.
5. CactusInstitution on the Bar Beach side of VI, known for its terrace and patisserie.
6. BungalowVictoria Island all-rounder with a broad international menu and buzzy weekend crowd.
7. Terra KultureCasual Nigerian kitchen inside the arts centre, good for a cultural lunch.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Cafe NeoEasy morning coffee, eggs and pastries at multiple branches around town.
2. Craft GourmetFresh bakes and proper breakfast plates in the heart of Lekki.
3. Art CafeRelaxed VI cafe that does a solid morning menu and coffee.
4. CactusFamous for pastries and a leisurely weekend breakfast by the water.
5. Chocolat RoyalFrench-style patisserie chain good for croissants, viennoiserie and coffee.