Cost Comparison 2025

BangkokvsLagos

Thailand
Nigeria

Overall

đź’°

-20.0%

Bangkok is 20.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-14.3%

Housing is 14.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

0.0%

Restaurants 0.0% same

Groceries

đź›’

-18.2%

Food shopping 18.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Bangkok, Thailand and Lagos, Nigeria reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Bangkok is more affordable than Lagos by approximately 20.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Bangkok are higher than in Lagos by 17%. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok's city center costs around THB 20,000, while the same in Lagos is approximately NGN 800,000.

Dining out in Bangkok costs about the same compared to Lagos. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs THB 80 in Bangkok versus NGN 3,000 in Lagos.

Public transportation in Bangkok is more affordable, with monthly passes at THB 1,200 compared to NGN 20,000 in Lagos.

Purchasing power in Bangkok is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Lagos.

Grocery shopping in Bangkok is more expensive by approximately 22%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Bangkok can expect to spend approximately THB 8,710 per month (excluding rent), while in Lagos, the same lifestyle would cost around NGN 174,600. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about THB 30,485 monthly in Bangkok versus NGN 611,100 in Lagos. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Bangkok, Thailand
Lagos, Nigeria

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
THB 20,000
NGN 800,000
1BR Outside Center
THB 10,000
NGN 400,000
3BR City Center
THB 50,000
NGN 2,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
THB 80
NGN 3,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
THB 800
NGN 15,000
Cappuccino
THB 80
NGN 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
THB 80
NGN 800

đź›’ Groceries

Milk (1L)
THB 50
NGN 1,200
Bread (500g)
THB 40
NGN 600
Eggs (12)
THB 50
NGN 1,500
Cheese (1kg)
THB 350
NGN 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
THB 30
NGN 500
Monthly Pass
THB 1,200
NGN 20,000
Taxi Start
THB 35
NGN 500
Gasoline (1L)
THB 40
NGN 700

đź’ˇ Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
THB 2,500
NGN 40,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
THB 600
NGN 25,000
Mobile Minute
THB 2
NGN 50

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Bangkok, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Bangkok to Lagos requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Bangkok

Cost of Living Index50
Rent Index35
Purchasing Power Index40

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bangkok more expensive than Lagos?

No, Bangkok is approximately 20.0% cheaper than Lagos. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Bangkok compared to Lagos?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 83% of your Lagos salary when living in Bangkok. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lagos, you'd need about $41,667 in Bangkok for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Bangkok and Lagos?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 22%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Bangkok offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Bangkok provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Bangkok if you prioritize earning potential, or Lagos for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Bangkok vs Lagos?

In Bangkok, a single person needs approximately THB 18,710 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about THB 55,485. In Lagos, these figures are NGN 574,600 for singles and NGN 1,611,100 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Bangkok and Lagos in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Lagos to maintain your lifestyle from Bangkok

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers