Lagos is Expensive, but have you tried Abuja ?
Let’s face it, Lagos will humble you. The claim that Lagos is a city for the big men and women isn’t far-fetched, but have you tried Abuja ?
From ₦3,000 spaghetti in Lekki to landlords asking for two years rent upfront, living in Lagos feels like a full-time hustle. But if you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or remote worker trying to build a life of freedom, productivity, and enjoy the nightlife, Lagos might still be your best shot.
Now, there is a singular point that people neglect. While Lagos is expensive, Abuja is also expensive, Ogun State is also expensive… Everywhere is expensive.
Having a good idea of your monthly income, and what you have in mind as an expense will determine where in Lagos you can stay.
So before you pack up your MacBook and move to Lagos, here’s what it actually costs to live and work remotely from Lagos in 2025, and how to make it work without burning through your savings or sanity.
9-5 Vs Remote Work – Which is less expensive ?
Here is the thing no one talks about, leaving your 9–5 doesn’t magically make life easier. People seldom say that , but I don’t have to spend on transportation as a remote worker, but you spend more on food, don’t you ?
You still need to manage costs, stay productive, and find the right environment to thrive.
Expenses are everywhere, both a remote worker who just signed an international gig, or a struggling 9-5 worker busting his head in a job he hates daily. Everyone gets hit by economic inflation.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the real cost of living in Lagos as a remote worker and how to stay productive without running out of data or money halfway through the month.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a budget-friendly, work-friendly stay, in a location that connects you to every other part of Lagos, Zimmr is a solution you want to check out.
Why Choose Lagos as a Freelancers or Remote Work
- Relaxation and Fun is Guaranteed
Something about Lagos is how beautifully easy it is to have fun. Working remotely builds a solitude mind. Sometimes people don’t learn how to have fun because they are always glued to their screen. A little bit of fun is needed to keep you insane. Whether you’re on the mainland or the Island, there are places you can go to have the fun you want.
2. Available Infrastructure to support activeness
We can’t ignore the idea that Nigeria can’t be trusted when it comes to Light and data issues. But, it is easier here in Lagos, because we have cafes, co-working space, apartments that you can have access to and this can help you solve the major problems of being a responsible remote worker in Nigeria, where you don’t have to tell your manager that my Laptop went off
“Freelancing in Lagos is like riding a danfo with a MacBook in your bag — chaotic, but full of potential if you know where you’re going.”
— Ayegbusi Temitope, Content Writer
How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in Lagos in 2025?
Let’s talk numbers. Here’s a practical monthly cost breakdown for remote workers or digital nomads staying in Lagos for 1–3 months.
Rent (Short-Term / Flexible Stay)
If you’re staying for a few months, probably you’re a traveller exploring, here is what accommodation will probably look like.
| Budget | Cost (₦) | Rent |
| Budget Stay | ₦10k – 15k daily | Private apartments with 24\7 light , Wifi and in-built workspace in Ikorodu. Check out here. |
| Mid-Range | ₦50,000k to daily | Private rooms in shared homes or outskirts of Ikorodu |
| Premium | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 | Island-based Airbnbs, upscale apartments |
Tip: If you’re targeting affordability + functionality, areas like Ikorodu (especially near Oshodi terminals) offer both. Check out Zimmr here
Food & Daily Living
If you’re staying for a few months, here is what food and daily resources will probably look like.
| Budget | Cost (₦) | Rent |
| Groceries | ₦30,000 – ₦60,000 | Depends on how often you cook vs. eat out |
| Eating Out | ₦20,000 – ₦80,000 | Bukka-style meals to fast-casual restaurants |
| Water, toiletries | ₦10,000 | Essentials for daily living |
Internet & Power
| Item | Cost (₦) | Rent |
| Airtel Mifi | ₦24,000 – ₦30,000 | Capped data (150–200GB) |
| Router (Airtel/MTN) | ₦20,000 – ₦38,000 | More stable, higher limits |
| Starlink | ₦40,000 + | Essentials for daily living |
Read more on data hikes and how freelancers navigate this singular issue.
Goods for the home, by our artisans. Photo credit: Person
Work Essentials That Add to Your Monthly Burn
We can’t ignore that there will be extra expenses, so, it is best to make plans for it. If you don’t plan for it, you’re likely to burn out on your resources and not be able to track where your income went to.
- Coworking Space Access: ₦25,000 – ₦60,000/month
- SIM cards & Top-ups: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 (for backups)
- VPN/Streaming Services: ₦2,000 – ₦6,000
- Laundry (if outsourced): ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
Should You Relocate to Lagos (Even Temporarily)?
If you’re a freelancer tired of poor WiFi in your town, need a change of environment, or want to network with a more entrepreneurial crowd , Lagos makes sense.
Even more if:
- You’re working on client projects remotely.
- You want access to short-term housing built for actual work, e.g Zimmr.
- You like a city that matches your energy.
Conclusion
Lagos will test you, but it’ll also reward you. With smart budgeting, the right workspace, and solid internet options, it’s a great city for freelancers who want flexibility without compromising hustle.
Join the Waitlist
If you’re planning a trip to Lagos and want a short-term space that feels like home but works like an office, join our waitlist here.
