Aba, a bustling city in Nigeria, is known for its vibrant markets and industrial activities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Aba, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and more.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $4.86 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $9.71.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.74.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Coke/Pepsi, Water) - Domestic beer costs $0.95, imported beer $1.18, Coke/Pepsi $0.36, and water $0.24.

Grocery Prices

  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.89.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.27.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is priced at $1.42 per kg.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost $4.97 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Oranges) - Oranges are priced at $0.36 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes, Onions) - Potatoes cost $1.18 per kg, tomatoes $0.47 per kg, and onions $0.47 per kg.
  • Rice (1kg) - Rice is priced at $3.79 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.47.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $0.59 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.47, with a cost of $0.47 per km and $1.89 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $473.75.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $284.25.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $710.62.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $426.37.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Data not provided.
  • Internet - Data not provided.
Worldwide
Nigeria

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Nigeria are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Nigeria, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Feb, 2025

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2023.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.86
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$9.71
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.74
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.18
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.24
Markets
Avg / Range
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.89
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.27
Local Cheese (1kg)
$1.42
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$8.29
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.07
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.97
Oranges (1kg)
$0.36
Potato (1kg)
$1.18
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.79
Tomato (1kg)
$0.47
Onion (1kg)
$0.47
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.47
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.59
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.47
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.47
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.89
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$473.75
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$284.25
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$710.62
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$426.37
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$11.84
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.92
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$18.95
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$14.21
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$63.02
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$82.91
Aba Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Aba offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low prices in dining and transportation.

Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outside areas, offering options for different budgets.

Grocery prices are generally low, making it economical for daily living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aba presents a cost-effective living environment, especially for those mindful of their budget.

With affordable dining, transportation, and housing options, it is an attractive city for both locals and expatriates looking to manage their expenses efficiently.