Ikeja, the capital of Lagos State in Nigeria, is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living in Ikeja is crucial for both residents and newcomers, as it impacts budgeting and lifestyle choices.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Ikeja, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're planning to move to Ikeja or simply curious about its living expenses, this information will help you make informed decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.46 on average, with a range between $1.31 and $6.79.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $31.33, with prices ranging from $31.33 to $88.77.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $6.99, with a range between $5.33 and $10.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.61 to $2, imported beer $1.03 to $2.66, cappuccino $1 to $3.99, and Coke/Pepsi $0.3 to $0.65.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.52 and $4 per liter, averaging $2.12.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.77 and $2.18, with an average price of $1.47.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.22 to $3.34, averaging $2.06.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.33 to $6.45 per kg, while oranges range from $0.38 to $7.63 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.76 and $3.95 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.39 to $4.36 per head.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs around $0.31.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.39 and $0.82 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.22, with a cost of $1.03 to $3.13 per km and $3.6 to $9.4 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not provided for this category.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not provided for this category.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $28.91 and $65.03, averaging $39.53.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $26.46 to $65.24, with an average cost of $40.12.
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: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.46
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$31.33
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$6.99
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.37
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.21
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.21
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$2.12
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.47
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.06
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.59
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.46
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.60
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.90
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.12
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$1.20
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.82
Apples (1kg)
$3.79
Oranges (1kg)
$2.17
Potato (1kg)
$2.46
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.15
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.85
Tomato (1kg)
$2.74
Banana (1kg)
$2.75
Onion (1kg)
$1.87
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.73
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.31
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$9.40
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.39
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,362.82
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.22
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.20
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.03
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$19,386.79
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$39.53
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$40.12
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$10.18
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.46
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$21.48
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$24.68
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$72.27
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$66.25
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$119.47
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
16.33%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$81.97
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$2,298.32
Ikeja Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Ikeja offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and transportation. However, prices can vary significantly, particularly for imported goods and dining at upscale restaurants.

Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being reasonably priced. Utilities and internet services are also affordable, making Ikeja a cost-effective choice for many residents.

While specific data on housing costs is not provided, the overall affordability in other categories suggests that living in Ikeja can be budget-friendly, especially for those mindful of their spending.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ikeja presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, transportation, and utility costs. While some imported goods and luxury services may be pricier, the overall cost of living remains manageable for most residents.

For those considering a move to Ikeja, understanding these costs can aid in budgeting and financial planning, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant Nigerian city.