Cost Comparison 2025

LagosvsDoha

Nigeria
Qatar

Overall

💰

+62.5%

Lagos is 62.5%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+83.3%

Housing is 83.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

+85.7%

Restaurants 85.7% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+33.3%

Food shopping 33.3% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lagos, Nigeria and Doha, Qatar reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lagos is more expensive than Doha by approximately 62.5%. 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 Lagos are lower than in Doha by 45%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lagos's city center costs around NGN 800,000, while the same in Doha is approximately QAR 7,000.

Dining out in Lagos offers significant savings compared to Doha. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NGN 3,000 in Lagos versus QAR 35 in Doha.

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

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 Lagos is more affordable by approximately 25%. 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 Doha, the same lifestyle would cost around QAR 1,876. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NGN 611,100 monthly in Lagos versus QAR 6,566 in Doha. 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
Doha, Qatar

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

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

🍽️ Food & Dining

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

🛒 Groceries

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

🚌 Transportation

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

💡 Utilities & Internet

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

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

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Doha

Cost of Living Index65
Rent Index55
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos more expensive than Doha?

Yes, Lagos is approximately 62.5% more expensive than Doha overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.6x of your Doha salary when living in Lagos. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Doha, you'd need about $81,250 in Lagos for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lagos and Doha?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 46%, 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 Lagos if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Doha for better value.

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

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 Doha, these figures are QAR 6,376 for singles and QAR 15,566 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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