Cost Comparison 2025

LagosvsGeneva

Nigeria
Switzerland

Overall

💰

+175.0%

Lagos is 175.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+233.3%

Housing is 233.3% higher

Dining

🍽️

+242.9%

Restaurants 242.9% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+155.6%

Food shopping 155.6% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lagos, Nigeria and Geneva, Switzerland reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lagos is more expensive than Geneva by approximately 175.0%. 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 Geneva by 70%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lagos's city center costs around NGN 800,000, while the same in Geneva is approximately CHF 3,000.

Dining out in Lagos offers significant savings compared to Geneva. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NGN 3,000 in Lagos versus CHF 25 in Geneva.

Public transportation in Lagos is more expensive, with monthly passes at NGN 20,000 compared to CHF 80 in Geneva.

Purchasing power in Geneva 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 61%. 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 Geneva, the same lifestyle would cost around CHF 798. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NGN 611,100 monthly in Lagos versus CHF 2,794 in Geneva. 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
Geneva, Switzerland

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NGN 800,000
CHF 3,000
1BR Outside Center
NGN 400,000
CHF 2,200
3BR City Center
NGN 2,000,000
CHF 5,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NGN 3,000
CHF 25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NGN 15,000
CHF 120
Cappuccino
NGN 1,500
CHF 5
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NGN 800
CHF 8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NGN 1,200
CHF 2
Bread (500g)
NGN 600
CHF 3
Eggs (12)
NGN 1,500
CHF 6
Cheese (1kg)
NGN 5,000
CHF 25

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NGN 500
CHF 3
Monthly Pass
NGN 20,000
CHF 80
Taxi Start
NGN 500
CHF 7
Gasoline (1L)
NGN 700
CHF 2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NGN 40,000
CHF 200
Internet (60 Mbps)
NGN 25,000
CHF 60
Mobile Minute
NGN 50
CHF 0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Geneva, 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 Geneva 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

Geneva

Cost of Living Index110
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index125

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos more expensive than Geneva?

Yes, Lagos is approximately 175.0% more expensive than Geneva overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 2.8x of your Geneva salary when living in Lagos. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Geneva, you'd need about $137,500 in Lagos for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Lagos and Geneva?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 71%, 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?

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

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

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 Geneva, these figures are CHF 2,998 for singles and CHF 6,794 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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