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

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Onitsha, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant typically costs around $2.5.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $10.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A fast food meal averages $3.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer costs about $1 per bottle, while a cappuccino is around $1.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is not listed, but other essentials like bread cost $2.5 per loaf.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.5.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $2.1.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples) - Apples cost $3.75 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes) - Tomatoes are priced at $2.75 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.32.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $0.75 per liter.
  • Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A new Volkswagen Golf costs approximately $10,002.4, while a Toyota Corolla is around $20,004.81.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $750.18.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1,875.45.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $37.51.
  • Internet - Internet services cost around $50.01.
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 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in August, 2023.
Markets
Avg / Range
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$2.50
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.10
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.63
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$2.50
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$6.25
Apples (1kg)
$3.75
Rice (white), (1kg)
$1.25
Tomato (1kg)
$2.75
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.25
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.32
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.75
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$10,002.40
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,004.81
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$750.18
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,875.45
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$37.51
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$50.01
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$100.02
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$7.50
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$87.52
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$200.05
Onitsha Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Onitsha offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many global cities, with low transportation and grocery costs.

Housing can be a significant expense, especially for larger apartments in the city centre.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Onitsha provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable groceries and transportation.

While housing costs can be higher in the city centre, overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.

Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy life in this vibrant Nigerian city.