Cost of Living in Abuja 2026: Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown

Thinking of moving to Abuja? Or maybe you're already here, watching your account balance and wondering where all the money goes every month. Nigeria's capital city is known for its calm, organisation, and wide, beautiful roads, but it also has a reputation for being one of the most expensive places to live in the country. How expensive is it, really?

The Big Question: How Much Do You *Really* Need to Live in Abuja?

For a single young professional living in Abuja in 2026, a realistic monthly budget ranges from ₦250,000 for a modest lifestyle to over ₦800,000 for a more comfortable one, excluding one-off costs like rent. Unlike the concentrated chaos of Lagos, Abuja's spread-out nature means where you live heavily dictates your overall spending, especially on transport. Let's break it down into three common scenarios.

• The "Sapa" Budget (Surviving): ₦250,000 – ₦350,000/month. This involves living in a satellite town like Kubwa or Lugbe, likely in a shared apartment. Transportation is mainly by public buses ('El-Rufai' buses) or keke. You'll be cooking almost all your meals and entertainment will be very minimal.
• The "Starter" Budget (Comfortable): ₦400,000 – ₦650,000/month. This budget allows for a self-contain or a one-bedroom flat in a more accessible area like Gwarinpa, Jahi, or Apo. You can comfortably use ride-hailing services like Bolt or Uber a few times a week, eat out occasionally, and have a social life.
• The "Baller" Budget (Luxury): ₦800,000+/month. Here, you're looking at a modern 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in a prime district like Wuse 2, Maitama, or Asokoro. This budget comfortably covers car ownership (fuel and maintenance), frequent dining at nice restaurants, and a vibrant social and recreational life.

Comparing cities? While prime area rents are similar, the general cost of living in Lagos can feel different due to its compact nature and different transport dynamics.

Accommodation: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Rent in Abuja will almost certainly be your biggest financial headache. It typically consumes 40-60% of your income, and landlords demand payment for one or even two years upfront. This means you need to save a significant lump sum before moving. The prices below are estimated annual rents for 2026, reflecting ongoing inflation.

1. High-End Districts (Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2): These are the most expensive areas, favoured by diplomats, politicians, and high-income earners. A 2-bedroom flat here can range from ₦4,000,000 to ₦8,000,000+ per year.
2. Mid-Range Districts (Garki, Jabi, Utako, Apo, Katampe): These areas offer a great balance of proximity to the city centre, good infrastructure, and relatively more affordable housing. Expect to pay ₦2,500,000 - ₦4,000,000 for a 2-bed flat and ₦1,000,000 - ₦1,800,000 for a self-contain or 1-bedroom apartment.
3. Affordable/Satellite Towns (Gwarinpa, Lugbe, Kubwa, Dawaki): These areas are further from the Central Business District (CBD) but offer the best value for money. A 2-bed flat can be found for ₦1,200,000 - ₦2,000,000, and a self-contain for ₦450,000 - ₦750,000 per year.

Don't Forget the Extras! On top of the rent, you'll need to budget for: Agent and legal fees (usually 10% of rent each) and a refundable caution deposit (also 10%). For a ₦1.5M apartment, that's an extra ₦450,000 you need upfront.

Transportation: Getting Around the Capital City

Your monthly transportation costs in Abuja can range from ₦30,000 using only public transport to over ₦150,000 if you own a car and commute daily from a satellite town. The city's excellent road network is a plus, but the long distances between districts make transport a major budget item.

• Car Ownership: This is the most convenient but most expensive option. With fuel prices remaining high, expect to spend ₦80,000 - ₦120,000 per month on petrol for daily commuting. Add an average of ₦20,000/month for routine maintenance (oil changes, tyre checks, etc.). Finding a reliable mechanic is key; you can use the TrustAm marketplace to find vetted mechanics in Abuja.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt): Very popular and convenient, but the costs add up fast. A single trip from Gwarinpa to Wuse 2 during peak hours can cost ₦3,500 - ₦5,000. If you rely on it for daily commutes, you could easily spend ₦70,000 - ₦120,000 per month.
• Public Transport: This includes high-capacity buses, green-painted taxis ('Araba'), and kekes (in some areas). It's the most budget-friendly option. A dedicated user might spend between ₦25,000 and ₦40,000 per month.

Feeding & Groceries: From Wuse Market to ShopRite

A single person can budget between ₦70,000 and ₦150,000 per month for food, depending heavily on their lifestyle. Your spending here is directly influenced by where you shop and how often you eat out.

• Local Markets: Places like Garki Model Market, Wuse Market, and Utako Market are your best bet for affordable fresh produce, meat, fish, and staple foods like yam and rice. A smart shopper can get a month's worth of raw food items for ₦50,000 - ₦80,000.
• Supermarkets: Chains like ShopRite, Next Cash & Carry, and H-Medix are great for packaged goods, dairy, and imported items. They offer convenience but at a higher price point. Shopping exclusively here could push your monthly grocery bill to ₦100,000+.
• Eating Out: Abuja has a fantastic restaurant scene. A meal at a casual spot or buka will cost ₦3,000 - ₦6,000. Dinner for one at a mid-range restaurant in Jabi Lake Mall could be ₦10,000 - ₦15,000, while a fine dining experience in Maitama can easily exceed ₦30,000 per person.

A pro-tip for managing food costs is to cook in bulk over the weekend. This simple habit can save you from buying expensive lunches during the work week. To master this, you need to learn how to track your daily spending in Nigeria and see exactly where your food money is going.

Utilities & Bills: The Necessary Evils

Expect to spend approximately ₦40,000 to ₦100,000 monthly on essential utilities. This is one area where costs can surprise you, especially the dual cost of official electricity and the backup generator.

• Electricity (AEDC): If you have a prepaid meter, you have more control. A moderate user in a 1-2 bedroom flat might spend ₦15,000 - ₦30,000 per month on NEPA credit.
• Generator Fuel & Maintenance: This is the real power cost. Given the unpredictable power supply, you'll rely on your generator. Depending on usage, this can add another ₦30,000 - ₦60,000 per month for fuel alone.
• Internet Data: A reliable unlimited fibre or 4G/5G plan from providers like Starlink, Spectranet or a local fiber company will cost between ₦20,000 and ₦45,000 per month.
• Cooking Gas: A 12.5kg cylinder refill costs around ₦15,000 - ₦18,000 and can last 2-3 months for a single person.
• Waste Disposal & Security: Budget around ₦5,000 - ₦10,000 for waste management and any local security levy. If you live in a serviced estate, these fees are higher but consolidated into a service charge which can be ₦20,000 - ₦100,000+ monthly.

Lifestyle, Healthcare & Miscellaneous Costs

This is the flexible part of your budget, but also the easiest to overspend on. It's wise to allocate at least 15-20% of your income here for personal care, entertainment, health, and the unexpected.

• Healthcare: An HMO plan is highly recommended. Basic plans start from ₦5,000/month, while more comprehensive ones can be ₦20,000+/month. A single out-of-pocket visit to a private clinic can cost ₦10,000+ just for a consultation.
• Personal Care & Grooming: This includes haircuts, salon visits, skincare, etc. A standard male haircut in a decent barbershop is ₦2,000-₦5,000. A simple hair braiding style for ladies could start from ₦8,000.
• Entertainment & Social Life: A movie ticket at Silverbird or Genesis Cinema is about ₦4,000. A night out with friends for drinks could be anywhere from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 depending on the location.
• Subscriptions & Memberships: Gym memberships (₦15,000 - ₦40,000/month), Netflix/Apple Music (₦5,000), etc.
• 'Black Tax': The unspoken cost of supporting family members is a reality for most young Nigerians and must be factored into your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abuja more expensive than Lagos?

The two cities are often comparable in cost, but the expenses are different. Rent for similar quality apartments in prime areas (e.g., Wuse 2 vs. Lekki Phase 1) is very close. However, transportation can be more expensive in Abuja due to the longer distances, while Lagos has higher costs associated with navigating traffic and tolls. Overall, the cost of living is similar, but your lifestyle will determine which city is pricier for you.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Abuja?

To live a comfortable single life in Abuja in 2026—meaning you can afford a decent self-contain or 1-bed flat, use ride-hailing services regularly, eat out, and save—you should aim for a net monthly income of at least ₦450,000 to ₦600,000. For a family, this figure would need to be significantly higher, likely upwards of ₦1,000,000 per month.

How can I save money living in Abuja?

The best ways to save money in Abuja are to live in a more affordable area (even if it means a longer commute), cook the majority of your meals at home after shopping at local markets, limit expensive social outings, and carpool or use public transport when possible. Most importantly, track your expenses meticulously with one of the best personal finance apps in Nigeria like TrustAm to identify and cut unnecessary spending.