Cost Comparison 2025

LagosvsVancouver

Nigeria
Canada

Overall

💰

+100.0%

Lagos is 100.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+166.7%

Housing is 166.7% higher

Dining

🍽️

+114.3%

Restaurants 114.3% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+77.8%

Food shopping 77.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Lagos, Nigeria and Vancouver, Canada reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Lagos is more expensive than Vancouver 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 Vancouver by 63%. A one-bedroom apartment in Lagos's city center costs around NGN 800,000, while the same in Vancouver is approximately CA$2,600.

Dining out in Lagos offers significant savings compared to Vancouver. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs NGN 3,000 in Lagos versus CA$20 in Vancouver.

Public transportation in Lagos is more expensive, with monthly passes at NGN 20,000 compared to CA$131 in Vancouver.

Purchasing power in Vancouver 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 44%. 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 Vancouver, the same lifestyle would cost around CA$698. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about NGN 611,100 monthly in Lagos versus CA$2,443 in Vancouver. 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
Vancouver, Canada

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
NGN 800,000
CA$2,600
1BR Outside Center
NGN 400,000
CA$2,100
3BR City Center
NGN 2,000,000
CA$4,500

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
NGN 3,000
CA$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
NGN 15,000
CA$100
Cappuccino
NGN 1,500
CA$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
NGN 800
CA$7

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
NGN 1,200
CA$2
Bread (500g)
NGN 600
CA$4
Eggs (12)
NGN 1,500
CA$5
Cheese (1kg)
NGN 5,000
CA$18

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
NGN 500
CA$3
Monthly Pass
NGN 20,000
CA$131
Taxi Start
NGN 500
CA$4
Gasoline (1L)
NGN 700
CA$2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
NGN 40,000
CA$120
Internet (60 Mbps)
NGN 25,000
CA$85
Mobile Minute
NGN 50
CA$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Vancouver, 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 Vancouver 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

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagos more expensive than Vancouver?

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

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

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

What are the biggest cost differences between Lagos and Vancouver?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 63%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

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 Vancouver, these figures are CA$2,798 for singles and CA$5,943 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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