Cost Comparison 2025

DohavsLagos

Qatar
Nigeria

Overall

💰

-38.5%

Doha is 38.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-45.5%

Housing is 45.5% lower

Dining

🍽️

-46.2%

Restaurants 46.2% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-25.0%

Food shopping 25.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Doha, Qatar and Lagos, Nigeria reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Doha is more affordable than Lagos by approximately 38.5%. 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 Doha are higher than in Lagos by 83%. A one-bedroom apartment in Doha's city center costs around QAR 7,000, while the same in Lagos is approximately NGN 800,000.

Dining out in Doha is notably more expensive compared to Lagos. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs QAR 35 in Doha versus NGN 3,000 in Lagos.

Public transportation in Doha is more affordable, with monthly passes at QAR 200 compared to NGN 20,000 in Lagos.

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

Grocery shopping in Doha is more expensive by approximately 33%. 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 Doha can expect to spend approximately QAR 1,876 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 QAR 6,566 monthly in Doha 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
Doha, Qatar
Lagos, Nigeria

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
QAR 7,000
NGN 800,000
1BR Outside Center
QAR 4,500
NGN 400,000
3BR City Center
QAR 14,000
NGN 2,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
QAR 35
NGN 3,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
QAR 200
NGN 15,000
Cappuccino
QAR 20
NGN 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
QAR 50
NGN 800

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
QAR 6
NGN 1,200
Bread (500g)
QAR 4
NGN 600
Eggs (12)
QAR 10
NGN 1,500
Cheese (1kg)
QAR 40
NGN 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
QAR 8
NGN 500
Monthly Pass
QAR 200
NGN 20,000
Taxi Start
QAR 10
NGN 500
Gasoline (1L)
QAR 2
NGN 700

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
QAR 300
NGN 40,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
QAR 350
NGN 25,000
Mobile Minute
QAR 1
NGN 50

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Doha, 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 Doha 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

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doha more expensive than Lagos?

No, Doha is approximately 38.5% cheaper than Lagos. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 72% of your Lagos salary when living in Doha. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lagos, you'd need about $36,111 in Doha for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Doha and Lagos?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 86%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Doha, a single person needs approximately QAR 6,376 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about QAR 15,566. 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 Doha and Lagos in 2025 shows significant 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 Doha

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers