🇿🇦 Johannesburg vs 🇳🇬 Lagos
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇿🇦
Johannesburg
South Africa
$1,231–$1,949/mo
R22,382 – R35,436 / month (local)
🇳🇬
Lagos
Nigeria
$1,108–$1,754/mo
₦1,787,097 – ₦2,829,032 / month (local)
Johannesburg is 11% more expensive
Lagos wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Johannesburg (USD) | Lagos (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $923–$1,436 | $831–$1,292 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $487–$769 | $438–$692 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Utilities | $38–$74 | $35–$67 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Groceries | $195–$292 | $175–$263 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $26–$46 | $23–$42 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Public transport (monthly) | $49–$59 | $44–$53 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Internet & Mobile | $15–$26 | $14–$23 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Gym membership | $18–$33 | $16–$30 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Cinema ticket | $7–$9 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Lagos |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,231–$1,949 | $1,108–$1,754 | 🟢 Lagos |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos▲ better
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Environment9.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Johannesburg
Lagos
Who should choose which city?
Choose Johannesburg if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Johannesburg offers vs Lagos
- ✓Business hub
- ✓Mining finance
- ✓English
- ✓Mining
Choose Lagos if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Johannesburg
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Afrobeats
- ✓Entrepreneurship
- ✓FMCG
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Full Johannesburg guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Johannesburg →📊
Full Lagos guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lagos →