Cost Comparison 2025

MiamivsLagos

United States
Nigeria

Overall

💰

-52.9%

Miami is 52.9%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-60.0%

Housing is 60.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-57.3%

Restaurants 57.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-45.1%

Food shopping 45.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Miami, United States and Lagos, Nigeria reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Miami is more affordable than Lagos by approximately 52.9%. 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 Miami are higher than in Lagos by 150%. A one-bedroom apartment in Miami's city center costs around $2,600, while the same in Lagos is approximately NGN 800,000.

Dining out in Miami is notably more expensive compared to Lagos. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Miami versus NGN 3,000 in Lagos.

Public transportation in Miami is more affordable, with monthly passes at $113 compared to NGN 20,000 in Lagos.

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

Grocery shopping in Miami is more expensive by approximately 82%. 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 Miami can expect to spend approximately $645 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 $2,256 monthly in Miami 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
Miami, United States
Lagos, Nigeria

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,600
NGN 800,000
1BR Outside Center
$2,000
NGN 400,000
3BR City Center
$5,000
NGN 2,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
NGN 3,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$90
NGN 15,000
Cappuccino
$5
NGN 1,500
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
NGN 800

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
NGN 1,200
Bread (500g)
$3
NGN 600
Eggs (12)
$4
NGN 1,500
Cheese (1kg)
$13
NGN 5,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$2
NGN 500
Monthly Pass
$113
NGN 20,000
Taxi Start
$5
NGN 500
Gasoline (1L)
$1
NGN 700

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$140
NGN 40,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
NGN 25,000
Mobile Minute
$0
NGN 50

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Lagos to Miami, 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 Miami 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

Miami

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index100

Lagos

Cost of Living Index40
Rent Index30
Purchasing Power Index20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miami more expensive than Lagos?

No, Miami is approximately 52.9% cheaper than Lagos. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 65% of your Lagos salary when living in Miami. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Lagos, you'd need about $32,692 in Miami for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Miami and Lagos?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 150%, 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?

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

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

In Miami, a single person needs approximately $2,645 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,756. 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 Miami 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 Miami

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers