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Whether you’ve lived in Lagos before or not, the city’s reputation as one of the most expensive places to live in Nigeria precedes it, and you’re likely familiar with how crazy it gets. 

From rent prices that feel like daylight robbery to transport costs that leave you actually feeling robbed, the cost of living in Lagos can be overwhelming. For some people, it’s a worthy price to pay to live in the “centre of excellence”. For others, the figures just stopped matching up.

We spoke to four young Nigerians who left Lagos for cheaper Nigerian cities about changes in their living expenses and overall financial well-being since their move.

Yemi*, 33, moved to Jos in 2024

Can you describe your quality of life in Lagos? I lived in Ikorodu and worked at a real estate company in Victoria Island. For those who don’t know these places in Lagos, Ikorodu and VI are two very separate, far-flung locations. 

The commute was crazy. I woke up at 4 a.m. every day to avoid the Ikorodu traffic. Also, my salary was only ₦150k, and I was spending almost ₦100k on transportation. I tried the Ikorodu to VI ferry a few times, but after the boat stopped in the middle of the sea on two separate occasions, I ran for my life. 

I considered moving out of Ikorodu to reduce my transport costs, but rent in the central parts of Lagos was even crazier. I saw a one-bedroom apartment in Ketu that cost ₦900k/year. In fact, every place I saw in different locations was at least ₦500k. 

It didn’t make sense to me; I wasn’t moving to the island, so transport costs and commute stress wouldn’t disappear. It wasn’t worth leaving my family’s house in Ikorodu to go and suffer even more.

In 2024, a friend referred me to a job opportunity with an NGO in Jos. At that point, I’d already been toying with leaving Lagos. I have friends in other states and knew they lived far better than I did. I couldn’t progress or even consider marriage if I kept living like I did in Lagos — something needed to change. So, when the job opportunity came, I jumped on it. 

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved? Things are much cheaper in Jos. I expected things to be cheap, but the difference was startling. Some people still sell pepper for ₦50 here. Where will I see that in Lagos? Rent is also far more reasonable. I live alone in a spacious room and parlour apartment and pay only ₦300k. 

What’s the most significant way moving has impacted your financial well-being? For the first time in a long time, I can consider buying things after receiving my salary. I’m not struggling to repay one loan and keep money aside for transport fare. 

My ₦250k salary isn’t that much different from what I earned in Lagos, but I feel like I can now plan for my life. I only spend ₦30k/month on transportation, and ₦150k covers food and the rest of my living expenses. Don’t get me wrong; Nigeria is still hard, but at least I’m not spending all my money and my life on the road fighting with agberos.

Rayo, 27, moved to Ado-Ekiti in 2023

Can you describe your quality of life in Lagos? I’d lived in Lagos all my life, and just before I left in 2023, I got my first job as an HR assistant at a travel centre in Ikeja. 

My salary was ₦80k/month, which was only enough to cover my basics: transport fare, data, and lunch at work. I lived with a family member, so rent was sorted. 

I had no financial responsibilities and was pretty comfortable. It bothered me that I didn’t have any money left over at the end of the month to save, but I figured it was because I didn’t earn a lot. 

I moved to Ado-Ekiti because my aunt fell terminally ill, and my mum wanted family around her. My aunt passed away in 2024, but I stayed back in Ado because I’ve grown to love the city. Nothing ever happens here, and it’s slow, almost to the point of boring, but it’s peaceful. 

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved? People aren’t in a terrible hurry to make money here. In Lagos, everyone moves fast, and most people are looking for someone to cheat. But I don’t get that vibe here. You can even carry your bag on the side of the road without worrying that someone is about to snatch it. 

However, Ado-Ekiti is not the best place to find a great job. When I arrived, I thought I’d easily find a company to work for while I cared for my aunt, but jobs are very scarce here. Most people work in the universities and polytechnics. 

Fortunately, my uncle helped me find a job at a bank last year. I earn ₦115k and save ₦50k every month because there’s nothing to spend money on besides eateries.

What’s the most significant way moving has impacted your financial well-being? I went from zero savings to ₦500k within two years. It’s a big deal for me. I feel grown, like I can now start considering investment options and thinking about serious things like wealth building.

Feranmi*, 31, moved to Ibadan in 2021

Can you describe your quality of life in Lagos? I was the music director of a church and earned ₦85k/month. I got married during the COVID lockdown, and most months were just me trying to stretch the salary to cover our food and utility bills, while still trying to save ₦20k/month for rent. The rent for my room and parlour apartment was ₦400k, and my wife often covered most of it since she earned ₦180k/month.

I tried to supplement my income by offering keyboard piano lessons at ₦15k/month, but clients weren’t regular. Sometimes, I’d have two clients in a month, and other times, I wouldn’t get a client for three months. 

I couldn’t get an actual 9-5 job because my responsibilities at the church took up so much time, so my wife and I just managed as much as possible. 

In 2021, the church transferred me to our new branch in Ibadan, and we’ve been here ever since.

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved? I’m unsure why I expected Ibadan to be a village, but I did. So, I was surprised when I came and saw that things weren’t much cheaper than in Lagos. Sure, rent is more affordable, but that’s the only significant difference. I thought ₦85k would have me living like a king in Ibadan, but I was wrong. 

Thankfully, I live in a church-provided apartment, so at least rent is out of our expenses. 

What’s the most significant way moving has impacted your financial well-being? My financial anxiety levels have slightly reduced, mainly because I don’t have to worry about rent. The church increased my salary to ₦100k last year, so even if we have to rent our own apartment someday, I’m not very worried about being unable to afford it. 

My wife also got a better job and now earns ₦250k. With both our salaries, we can afford to live a fairly comfortable life with our child. I don’t think that would be the case if we were still in Lagos.

Nike*, 26, moved to Makurdi in 2024

Can you describe your quality of life in Lagos? It was hectic. I was a secondary school teacher with a thrift business side hustle, making an average of ₦100k/month; ₦25k of which was the salary from my 9-5.

I’d work all week, then enter the market on weekends to struggle with other thrift sellers to share bales of clothing for my business. Then, I’d iron the clothes, wear them for videos, post on Instagram, and fight with customers and delivery riders. 

Even with all that stress, I didn’t see the impact of the money on my life. I was always broke and living from hand to mouth. The only thing I can point to using money for was paying my ₦350k/year rent. Sometimes, I even took loans when rent was due. I’m not sure how my money was going, because I hardly bought anything for myself. 

I got married in 2024 and moved to Makurdi to join my husband. He’s a missionary and has lived here for the past three years.

What money-related change surprised you the most when you moved? This is funny, but it’s how Makurdi makes you know exactly how you spend your money. I live in a quiet area of Makurdi, and there’s almost nothing to take your money here. 

When you only buy food and fuel, there’s no room to wonder where all your money went — you can see it. Maybe I just find this interesting because it felt like my money had wings when I was in Lagos. 

Since I moved here, I’ve not had an income, but my husband gives me ₦50k/month for the home’s expenses. I can budget ₦30k for food and spend exactly that—nothing more. Maybe it also helps that neighbours constantly give us free food from their farms. But it’s nice to plan my money and stick to a budget.

What’s the most significant way moving has impacted your financial well-being? I just feel more relaxed. I’m still looking for ways to earn money, but I don’t feel this intense rush to hustle till I drop. In Lagos, I thought I’d end up under the bridge if I stopped moving and hustling for a second. It’s nice to be away from all that pressure.

*Names have been changed for anonymity.

NEXT READ: 5 Nigerians Open Up on How Relocation Has Shifted Their Financial Realities

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