Port Harcourt, a bustling city in Nigeria, is known for its vibrant culture and economic significance. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone planning to move or invest in the area.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, dining, and more, to help you make informed decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.87 on average, with a range between $0.9 and $4.81.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $15.77, with prices ranging from $10.83 to $35.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7.2, with a range between $5.26 and $9.15.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.05 to $1.38, imported beer $1.2 to $1.58, cappuccino $1.5 to $2.63, and Coke/Pepsi $0.36 to $2.

Grocery Prices

  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.2 and $1.74, with an average price of $1.6.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.35 to $3.91, averaging $2.23.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - Water is priced between $0.48 and $0.54 per 1.5-liter bottle, averaging $0.51.
  • Fruits (e.g., Oranges, Bananas) - Oranges cost $1.93 per kg, while bananas average $2.89 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Lettuce, Tomatoes) - Lettuce costs $1.2 per head, and tomatoes are priced at $1.93 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs approximately $0.12.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.43 and $0.82 per liter, averaging $0.66.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.76, with a cost of $3.61 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $262.45 to $722.2, averaging $492.32.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $601.83.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3258.39 to $3610.98, averaging $3434.68.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2172.26 to $2888.78, averaging $2530.52.

Utilities

  • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $10.88 and $19.36, averaging $13.
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 11 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.87
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$15.77
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$7.20
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.08
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.42
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.22
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.06
Markets
Avg / Range
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.60
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.23
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.51
Oranges (1kg)
$1.93
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.20
Rice (white), (1kg)
$3.61
Tomato (1kg)
$1.93
Banana (1kg)
$2.89
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.12
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.66
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.76
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.61
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$492.32
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$601.83
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,434.68
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,530.52
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$13.00
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$35.98
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$6.45
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$9.54
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$10.32
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$72.22
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$67.07
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$77.42
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$58.90
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,101.51
Port Harcourt Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

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

Housing costs can vary significantly, especially between city centre and suburban areas, offering options for different budgets.

Grocery prices are generally low, making it easier to manage daily expenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Port Harcourt presents a cost-effective living environment, particularly for those mindful of their budget.

With affordable dining and transportation, along with varied housing options, it is a viable choice for both residents and expatriates.