Planning a trip to Nigeria? One of the most important factors to consider is your budget.

The amount of money you need will depend on various factors such as the duration of your stay, your travel style, accommodation choices, transportation, food, and activities. Whether you’re a budget traveller, a mid-range explorer, or looking for a luxury experience, understanding the cost of living and expenses in Nigeria will help you plan effectively.

In this guide, we’ll break down the estimated costs to help you determine how much money you need for your trip to Nigeria.

1. What to Expect

Travel expenses in Nigeria can vary widely based on your origin, preferred comfort level, itinerary, and the region you intend to visit. Major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja typically command higher prices, while smaller cities and rural areas may offer more affordable options. In addition to flight and accommodation costs, daily expenses—including food, local transportation, and activities—should be factored in. Recent inflationary pressures, particularly on food prices, further emphasise the importance of detailed planning and flexibility in your travel dates and arrangements.

2. Flight Costs to Nigeria

Flight prices are a major travel expense, influenced by departure city, destination, booking time, seasonality, and layovers.

From North America (e.g., New York)

• Lagos: Round-trip fares typically range from $721–$904, with promotional deals as low as $421. Some sources report averages up to $1,227.
• Abuja: Round-trip flights cost around $817–$847, with occasional one-way deals at $460.
• Kano: Prices range from $880–$956, varying by booking platform.
• Port Harcourt: Fares vary widely, from $1,256 to $1,562, though diligent searches may find rates around $1,068.

From Europe (e.g., London)

• Lagos: Round-trip tickets typically range from $488–$640, but some sources list averages near $1,040. One-way fares start at $334.
• Kano: Fares generally start around $667, with averages between $808–$1,080.
• Port Harcourt: Prices range from $758 to averages near $1,275, making price comparisons essential.

Other Departure Points

• Amsterdam to Lagos: Average round-trip is around $1,306, with deals as low as $740.
• Dubai to Lagos: More affordable options exist, with fares averaging $598 and lows around $270.

Factors Affecting Prices

Flight Options: Non-stop flights are pricier, while routes with layovers and budget carriers may offer lower fares but additional fees (e.g., baggage).

Seasonality: Peak travel periods (e.g., December) raise prices, while months like May, March, or October may be cheaper.

Booking Lead Time: Booking 2–4 months ahead (or 6–7 months for peak seasons) can secure better rates.

3. Accommodation Costs in Nigeria

Nigeria offers a variety of lodging options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with prices varying by city.

City-Specific Insights

• Lagos
  • Budget: Hostels and guesthouses range from $10–$20 per night (some vacation rentals start as low as $7).
  • Mid-Range: Hotels typically cost $80–$150 per night, with averages around $61.
  • Luxury: Resorts and upscale hotels range from $200–$500+ per night.
• Abuja
  • Budget: Basic hotels average $59 per night, with some guesthouses at lower rates.
  • Mid-Range: Prices generally range from $100–$200 per night.
  • Luxury: High-end resorts cost $250–$600 per night, with 5-star options averaging around $224.
• Kano & Port Harcourt
  • Kano: Budget options start around $14–$16 per night, while mid-range hotels are about $100.
  • Port Harcourt: Basic accommodations start at $16 per night, mid-range rooms range from $60–$120, and boutique/luxury hotels can be higher.
• Other Cities (Calabar, Ibadan)
  • Calabar: Budget hotels cost $11–$19 per night, mid-range options $53–$67, and luxury hotels $90–$139.
  • Ibadan: Budget stays start at $10, mid-range hotels cost $54–$74, and luxury options are in a similar bracket.

Pricing in Local Currency (₦)

(Approximate exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ ₦1,565)

• Budget: ₦15,000–₦30,000 per night ($10–$20).
• Mid-Range: ₦50,000–₦100,000 per night ($32–$64).
• Luxury: ₦150,000–₦300,000+ per night ($96–$192+).

Lagos and Abuja tend to have higher prices due to demand, while smaller cities offer more competitive rates.

4. Food and Beverage Expenses

Dining in Nigeria ranges from budget-friendly street food to high-end international cuisine. Inflation, reaching 91.6% year-on-year for food prices in late 2024, has significantly impacted costs.

Cost Categories

• Local Eateries & Street Food
  • Meals cost between $0.32–$1.92 (₦500–₦3,000).
  • Budget travellers can spend $3–$6.40 (₦5,000–₦10,000) daily on local options.
• Mid-Range Restaurants
  • Meals typically range from $1.92–$4.47 (₦3,000–₦7,000) per person.
  • Daily food costs for mid-range travellers are about $6.40–$12.80 (₦10,000–₦20,000).
• High-End Dining
  • Upscale meals start at $6.40 (₦10,000+), with fine dining in Lagos or Abuja exceeding $40–$72 per person.

Popular Dishes & Prices

• Jollof Rice: A pot for a family costs around $17; a restaurant plate with chicken is $6.40–$8.
• Egusi Soup & Pounded Yam: Restaurant plates start at $4.80, with full meals ranging from $9.60–$15.20.
• Suya & Pepper Soup: Suya costs under $1 per stick to $20 per serving; pepper soup ranges from $5–$19.

Beverage Pricing

Fast Food & Casual Dining

Soft drinks: $0.40–$1.44.

Bottled water: $0.24.

Juices: Up to $5.60.

Cocktails: $15+.

5. Transportation

Getting around Nigeria depends on your location and travel needs, with various options available.

Local Transportation

• Urban Travel
  • Taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt), and local buses cost ₦2,000–₦5,000 ($1.30–$3.20) per day.
  • Other options include motorbike taxis (okada), tricycles (Keke Maruwa), and minibuses (danfo), with fares varying by distance and location.
  • Asking locals about standard fares helps avoid overcharging.

Intercity Travel

• Bus Services
  • Fares between major cities range from ₦5,000–₦15,000 ($3.20–$9.60) one way.
• Domestic Flights
  • Flights between cities typically cost ₦20,000–₦50,000 ($12.80–$32) per leg.
• Car Rentals
  • Car rental companies in Nigeria offer services in major cities, with daily rates starting from about ₦50,000 ($32).
  • Costs vary based on vehicle type, rental duration, and whether a driver is included.
  • Renting with a driver is common due to local driving conditions and traffic regulations.

While flights save time, road travel offers a scenic experience. In larger cities, ride-hailing apps and car rentals provide safer and more convenient alternatives to public transport.

6. Activities and Sightseeing

Nigeria offers diverse cultural and historical experiences, with costs varying by activity.

• Entrance Fees & Tours
  • Museums, parks, and cultural sites charge ₦500–₦5,000 ($0.32–$3.20).
• Guided Experiences
  • Safaris, boat tours, and city excursions range from ₦10,000–₦30,000 ($6.40–$19.20) per day.

It’s wise to budget extra for souvenirs, spontaneous excursions, and additional activities.

7. Budgeting Recommendations

Effective financial planning for your trip depends on your travel style:

Travel Styles

• Budget Traveller
  • Accommodation: Hostels or budget hotels cost $10–$60 per night (₦15,000–₦30,000).
  • Food: Local eateries and street food keep daily expenses around $3–$6.40 (₦5,000–₦10,000).
  • Daily Total: Approximately $30–$100 (excluding intercity travel).
• Mid-Range Traveller
  • Accommodation: Mid-range hotels range from $40–$150 per night (₦50,000–₦100,000).
  • Food: A mix of local and international dining costs $6.40–$12.80 per day (₦10,000–₦20,000).
  • Daily Total: Approximately $80–$250.
• Luxury Traveller
  • Accommodation: Upscale hotels and resorts start at $100 per night and can exceed $500.
  • Food & Dining: Expect to spend $12.80+ per day (₦20,000+).
  • Daily Total: $250+ per day for a premium experience.

Sample Budget Scenarios

A mid-range traveller might budget ₦2,500,000–₦3,500,000 (≈$1,600–$2,240), with potential discounts on long-term stays and local transport passes.

Short Trip (1 Week)

Budget: Around ₦209,000 (≈$134).

Mid-Range: Around ₦695,000 (≈$445).

Luxury: Around ₦2,160,000 (≈$1,382).

Extended Trip (1 Month)

8. Tips for Stretching Your Budget

Stay Flexible
Adjusting travel dates and choosing between urban and rural destinations can help balance costs and experiences.

Plan Ahead
Research and book flights, hotels, and local transportation early to secure better deals.

Mix Payment Methods
While cash is widely used, especially in smaller towns, combining cash with digital payments (via local apps and ATMs) helps avoid conversion fees.

Travel Off-Peak
Avoid national holidays and peak seasons; midweek and off-season travel can lead to significant savings.

Negotiate and Compare
Bargaining is common in local markets and with taxi drivers. Compare multiple booking platforms for flights and accommodations.

The cost of a trip to Nigeria is multifaceted—shaped by factors such as flight prices, regional accommodation differences, dining preferences, and transportation choices. With major hubs like Lagos and Abuja commanding higher prices and more modest rates available in smaller cities, travellers have a wide spectrum of options to suit various budgets. By understanding these cost elements and incorporating practical budgeting strategies, you can craft an itinerary that meets your financial and experiential goals while exploring Nigeria’s vibrant culture, history, and landscapes.

This guide integrates extensive cost breakdowns and practical tips to assist you in planning a realistic travel budget for Nigeria. Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, careful preparation will ensure that your Nigerian adventure is both enjoyable and financially manageable.