₦airaland Forum

Is Moving From Lagos to a Cheaper City Worth It? We Asked Nigerians Who Have Done It.

Maybe the centre of excellence isn’t all it’s hyped up to be.

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.

Source: https://www.zikoko.com/money/is-moving-from-lagos-to-a-cheaper-city-worth-it/

Lagos is not for the faint hearted... I have considered relocating back to the city of Ibadan several times.
But, I cannot can

the way Nigeria is going… people will start relocating back to their villages to develop it and reside there … especially if your work is remote and there’s no need of ever showing at your place of work.

Only then, can a salary of 200k last you for 2weeks plus if you’re a good manager, and be able to save and buy some things for yourself too

I got a training opportunity with an oil and gas firm in Lagos sometime in 2019. I resigned my job in Abuja and moved to Lagos.

Our office was in Ajah. So I got a place around Lakowe. One weekend I decided to check up on my cousin staying at Alapere. I spent the weekend at her place and headed back to Ajah on Monday around 2pm.

We got to the Landmark center axis around 3pm or so.. There was a crazy gridlock on that Lekki-Epe expressway.

I sat down at the back and held on to my bag firmly. Three hours later, we didn't move 300 meters. Passengers kept dropping one after the other, I thought they had either gotten to their bus stop or maybe were hanging around for the traffic to ease.

6pm or so we were around Jakande.. I noticed an exodus of people trekking... and almost all the buses were empty, while others were looking for the easiest way to turn back.

That was when it dawned on me that all the people I saw walking by were actually passengers that alighted from buses and were trekking back home... Omoh!

I jumped down from the bus, and joined the exodus of people happily cruising their legediz Benz to their respective destinations.

I got to Ajah bridge around 9pm, crossed over and got one Orijin bitters, crossed back and located the nearest transport company.. That was GUO.. I bought a ticket for the first bus heading to Abuja the next day.

That was how I ended my training with the firm.

Lagosians are very patient and resilient people!

To whom it may concern , moving out of Lagos has always been peaceful but boring, if you chose the peace part, you won't want to leave outskirt of Lagos but if you love the city life, Lagos is the best place for you, I have never witnessed congestion since leaving Lagos but there was a time I nearly died when one big hold up ,hold me from egbeda to ikotun , anytime.i visit Lagos, I will first prepared my mind for traffic and crazy people there
. I spent 27 years in Lagos before leaving

Q

Not worth it. as an importer/businessman, living in Lagos gives you an advantage.

If you have stayed 5 years in Lagos and have still not made it Big...... Then relocate back to your State, city or village..

Your Breakthrough is definitely not in Lasgidi

Many have relocated and they blew less than a year of Relocating.

Truth is just know when to surrender and run away. It’s not by force to be in lagos. Opportunities abound everywhere just that Lagos comes with its own vibe.
For me I still dey lagos,?if anyone has better offer for my outside lagos I’m willing to jump on the offer…

M

Sanwo is working but Lagos is so so chaotic for low earners. All their empty rails, of what use are they if people cannot commute cost effectively?

Cut your cloths according to your material abi size. Life is hard but we must make use of our head.

Staying in Lagos isn't by force and not for everyone nah lol. If you can't cope, find a place that suits you and move there. When I hear people constantly complaining about Lagos and how it's better elsewhere, I always wonder why Lagos is still vastly populated.

If you're tired, respectfuly leave. The complaints are getting too much. I'm not from Lagos but all my family members are there. Whenever I visit Nigeria, I stay in Lagos for weeks before visiting my hometown.

Lagos is safe, great, and things are relatively cheap. Yes, things are cheaper in Lagos than some places like Rivers state, Akwaibom, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River.

I visited my hometown and was surprised that banana, paw paw was cheaper in Lagos than my home town. I priced a paint of garri and I was shocked as well. Quality clothes are cheaper in Lagos than most places in Nigeria.

The two things that are outrightly expensive in Lagos are rent and transportation and it's not like rent and transport are cheaper elsewhere in Nigeria. Whenever I visit, there's something about Lagos lights that really gets to me

With all that said, Lagos is very chaotic and not for the faint hearted. Really tough place for beginners not gonna lie.

Peace 🙏

dawnomike:
Lagos is not for the faint hearted... I have considered relocating back to the city of Ibadan several times.
But, I cannot can

It's not for people who don't really know what they want to do there. Lagos is for people who have concrete plans and know exactly what they want to achieve. Too many people come just hoping to stumble into opportunities. I wouldn't recommend it.

Honestly, I see people that lives in Lagos (except few places) as people with mental health crisis. How can you survive and be comfortable in that psychotic place.

I came from PH to that place, I could not stay for 1 week because I couldn't understand how people will survive in a place that mess with your mind. Everything should not be loud and chaotic abeg.

Just visit other state to understand how civilize people stay. But, the honest truth, people that comes from Lagos find it difficult to adapt in a calm environment because they are addicted to chaos, just like one addicted to cocaine they cannot stay without the thrill. Tell me whether that is normal.

unbiased2021:
Not worth it. as an importer/businessman, living in Lagos gives you an advantage.

Is it only Lagos that has seaports?
Is it only Lagos that has markets?

Seriously wishing for an opportunity to take me out of Lagos. Can't wait to leave and enjoy peace

Yes!

Hmm

Lagos is not a sane environment to live.

300k monthly salary in Ibadan has a higher purchasing power than in Lagos. So if you can maintain the same income at least, then it may be worth relocating from Lagos to a cheaper city.

You want to move from opportunity to opportune

Bad decision

Great100000:
Source: https://www.zikoko.com/money/is-moving-from-lagos-to-a-cheaper-city-worth-it/

People live where they live because that is where their lives are, not necessarily because they love it there. If you work in Lagos, you will not relocate to Jos no matter how much you love to live in Jos..

Wealth, prosperity and God's blessings are spread all over, not only in Lagos.

Lagos isn't for the weak... I moved my family out of Lagos after my two-year rent expired in Akoka. We moved to Abeokuta, and rented a three-bedroom flat for #240,000 naira per year for 5 years. Compound was large, gated, enough parking space, each flat with its own water storage tank with central borehole. I paid #650k per year in Lagos without these amenities like in Abeokuta.

After 5 years I moved into my own 6-bedroom apartment in a GRA in Abeokuta. My wife got a government job, and she easily does her side-gig which earns her extra. Of course, I had other enablers that I wouldn't have in Lagos cos I'm from Abeokuta. Children's school fees are not crazy like you have in Lagos. No traffic! No agbero wahala... Environment is clean and spacious...

I still work in Lagos anyway but I come home every weekend. I am lucky to find a place to stay for free in Lagos. For me, Lagos is the worksite while Abeokuta is home where I retire to by the weekend to rest, relax, breathe fresh air and eat fresh food...
I have a big compound to plant stuffs and feed my family. My children are growing in the right way, and not the insanity and insecurity that pervades Lagos...

Lagos is artificial....

I hope someone will learn from my experience, and adapt it to what suits him or her.

There is prosperity all over o. Find out what works for you and start now... No die for Lagos... There are abokis up north who are illiterate and will never have anything to do with Lagos. Yet they are super-millionaires... They do and grow their businesses up there in the north... They go on vacation yearly. May not be to Canada, UK or USA like we in the south like to do but they do their yearly hajj in Mecca, they go to Egypt, Dubai and other places that aligns with their culture and religion... It's still vacation anyway, which you can't do if one is poor.

Even abroad, it's the same story with those who want to die in London instead of moving to other cities where they can live their lives in peace and balance

floss:
the way Nigeria is going… people will start relocating back to their villages to develop it and reside there … especially if your work is remote and there’s no need of ever showing at your place of work.

Only then, can a salary of 200k last you for 2weeks plus if you’re a good manager, and be able to save and buy some things for yourself too

lol. It may not be a village but something like one with less stress. Is it a must to commute 2 hours just be productive. Some people just have a large compound at the outskirts of big towns and are productive within that' space. No need spending 40%-50% on transport.

Segzy19:
Wealth, prosperity and God's blessings are spread all over, not only in Lagos.

Lagos isn't for the weak... I moved my family out of Lagos after my two-year rent expired in Akoka. We moved to Abeokuta, and rented a three-bedroom flat for #240,000 naira per year for 5 years. Compound was large, gated, enough parking space, each flat with its own water storage tank with central borehole. I paid #650k per year in Lagos without these amenities like in Abeokuta.

After 5 years I moved into my own 6-bedroom apartment in a GRA in Abeokuta. My wife got a government job, and she easily does her side-gig which earns her extra. Children's school fees are not crazy like you have in Lagos. No traffic! No agbero wahala... Environment is clean and spacious...

I still work in Lagos anyway but I come home every weekend. I am lucky to find a place to stay for free in Lagos. For me, Lagos is the worksite while Abeokuta is home where I retire to by the weekend to rest, relax, breathe fresh air and eat fresh food...

Lagos is artificial....

I hope someone will learn from my experience.

The prosperity of

onshore --- offshore. Lol

Lagos is just too stressful, if i have a remote job and i am to choose a location, Lagos won't be an option.

Nothing like worfh it just japa o.

Lol

SlavaUkraini:
If you have stayed 5 years in Lagos and have still not made it Big...... Then relocate back to your State, city or village..

Your Breakthrough is definitely not in Lasgidi

Many have relocated and they blew less than a year of Relocating.

So the village where the person lived all his life and never made it is where you are advising them to return to, this your advice is from the pit of hell.