Cost Comparison 2025

LagosvsDenver

Nigeria
United States

Overall

💰

+100.0%

Lagos is 100.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+100.0%

Housing is 100.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

+122.9%

Restaurants 122.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+82.2%

Food shopping 82.2% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lagos, Nigeria and Denver, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lagos is more expensive than Denver by approximately 100.0%. 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 Lagos are lower than in Denver by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lagos's city center costs around NGN 800,000, while the same in Denver is approximately $1,900.

Dining out in Lagos offers significant savings compared to Denver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NGN 3,000 in Lagos versus $17 in Denver.

Public transportation in Lagos is more expensive, with monthly passes at NGN 20,000 compared to $114 in Denver.

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

Grocery shopping in Lagos is more affordable by approximately 45%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Lagos can expect to spend approximately NGN 174,600 per month (excluding rent), while in Denver, the same lifestyle would cost around $616. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NGN 611,100 monthly in Lagos versus $2,155 in Denver. 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
Lagos, Nigeria
Denver, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NGN 800,000
$1,900
1BR Outside Center
NGN 400,000
$1,500
3BR City Center
NGN 2,000,000
$3,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NGN 3,000
$17
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NGN 15,000
$80
Cappuccino
NGN 1,500
$5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NGN 800
$6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NGN 1,200
$1
Bread (500g)
NGN 600
$3
Eggs (12)
NGN 1,500
$4
Cheese (1kg)
NGN 5,000
$11

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NGN 500
$3
Monthly Pass
NGN 20,000
$114
Taxi Start
NGN 500
$4
Gasoline (1L)
NGN 700
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NGN 40,000
$130
Internet (60 Mbps)
NGN 25,000
$65
Mobile Minute
NGN 50
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Denver, 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 Denver 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

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Denver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index60
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos more expensive than Denver?

Yes, Lagos is approximately 100.0% more expensive than Denver overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.0x of your Denver salary when living in Lagos. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Denver, you'd need about $100,000 in Lagos for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lagos and Denver?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 55%, 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?

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

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

In Lagos, a single person needs approximately NGN 574,600 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about NGN 1,611,100. In Denver, these figures are $2,116 for singles and $4,755 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Lagos and Denver 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 Denver to maintain your lifestyle from Lagos

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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