1. Benin is more affordable than Lagos and Abuja, but don’t expect everything to be cheap

Rent is generally lower, but prices have gone up recently . Depending on the area, a self-contained apartment can cost anywhere from ₦250,000 to ₦500,000 a year, while a mini flat or one-bedroom apartment can go much higher.

Popular areas include:

* GRA

* Sapele Road

* Ugbowo

* Aduwawa

Just remember to budget for agency fees, agreement fees, and caution fees too.

2. We no dey get light 😭

I won’t even sugarcoat this one.

Power supply can be very unreliable depending on where you stay. Most people depend on generators, inverters, or solar systems. If you’re planning to move here, have a backup power plan.

3. Please don’t wear bum shorts to the market 😅

I’m serious.

If you dress too revealing when going to the market there’s a good chance you’ll attract comments and unwanted attention from traders. Save yourself the stress and dress appropriately.

4. Benin is actually a good place to build something

One thing I like about Benin is that it isn’t as crowded or competitive as Lagos.

If you’re a content creator, student entrepreneur, or small business owner, there are opportunities here, especially because of the large student population around UNIBEN.

5. If you love roasted yam, prepare for heartbreak

This one shocked me when I realized it.

Roasted yam is not really a thing here. As someone who loves roasted yam, this has been one of my biggest struggles. 😭

6. The city is relatively calm

Compared to Lagos, life here moves at a slower pace. Less traffic, less noise, and generally less pressure.

7. Come with a skill or a business idea

Job opportunities aren’t as plentiful as they are in bigger cities. Unless you’re looking at hospitality, restaurants, or a few specific sectors, having a skill or business can make life much easier.

That’s my list.

If you’re from Benin City, what else should people know before visiting?