🇳🇬 Lagos vs 🇰🇪 Nairobi
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇳🇬
Lagos
Nigeria
$1,108–$1,754/mo
₦1,787,097 – ₦2,829,032 / month (local)
🇰🇪
Nairobi
Kenya
$1,046–$1,656/mo
KSh135,844 – KSh215,065 / month (local)
Lagos is 6% more expensive
Nairobi wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Lagos (USD) | Nairobi (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $831–$1,292 | $785–$1,221 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $438–$692 | $414–$654 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Utilities | $35–$67 | $33–$63 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Groceries | $175–$263 | $166–$248 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $23–$42 | $22–$39 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Public transport (monthly) | $44–$53 | $41–$50 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Internet & Mobile | $14–$23 | $13–$22 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Gym membership | $16–$30 | $15–$28 | 🟢 Nairobi |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $6–$8 | Tie |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,108–$1,754 | $1,046–$1,656 | 🟢 Nairobi |
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
Housing7.8 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Lagos
Nairobi
Safety9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Education8.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Environment9.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Economy7.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Culture8.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Internet8.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Lagos▲ better
Nairobi
Who should choose which city?
Choose Lagos if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lagos offers vs Nairobi
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Afrobeats
- ✓Entrepreneurship
- ✓FMCG
Choose Nairobi if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lagos
- ✓Safari gateway
- ✓Fintech
- ✓English
- ✓NGOs
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Full Lagos guide
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Explore Lagos →📊
Full Nairobi guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Nairobi →