When people talk about relocating within Nigeria, the conversation is usually about rent.
“How much is a one-bedroom apartment?”
But after moving, I realized there are other daily expenses you should consider before moving to another state in Nigeria.
Here are the things I’d compare before moving to a new city:
1. Transport
How much does it cost to get to work every day?
A cheaper apartment isn’t always cheaper if you’re spending thousands of naira every week on transport.
2. Electricity
How many hours of power do you actually get?
If electricity is poor, you’ll likely spend more on fuel, diesel, or inverter maintenance.
3. Food Prices
Visit a local market before moving.
The same basket of groceries can cost noticeably different amounts depending on the city.
4. Internet
If you work remotely or rely on data, check:
* Network coverage
* Internet speed
Poor internet service can be very frustrating.
5. Water
Does the area you’re moving to have adequate water supply?
Will you need to buy water regularly or pay for tanker deliveries?
It’s a cost many people overlook.
6. Eating Out
Even if you cook most of the time, you’ll still buy food occasionally.
Compare the average cost of:
* Lunch
* Shawarma
* Suya
* Local restaurants
Those small purchases add up.
7. Lifestyle Costs
Think about the things you already enjoy.
* Gym membership
* hair dressing
* Laundry
* Car wash
* Cinema
* Weekend outings
* making your nails
Some cities are much more expensive for these than others.
8. Healthcare
Where’s the nearest hospital?
How much do clinics charge for consultations?
It’s something you hope you won’t need, but it’s worth knowing before you move.
A city can have cheaper rent but end up costing you more overall because of transport, fuel, and other everyday expenses.
Sometimes the more expensive city is actually cheaper to live in once you factor everything in.
If you’ve relocated within Nigeria, what everyday expense caught you by surprise?