Before relocating or planning a stay in Abuja, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Abuja.

Let’s break down the various expenses you can expect, from housing and utilities to transportation, food, and entertainment.

1. Housing Costs

The cost of housing in Abuja varies significantly depending on the location, type of accommodation, and your lifestyle preferences. Typically, you’ll find that housing is the most substantial expense for anyone living in or visiting the city.

Short Let Apartments

If you’re staying for a short period, short let apartments are a convenient option. These fully furnished apartments offer flexibility for both short and long-term stays.

You can book short lets in prime areas like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse, where the rent tends to be higher due to their proximity to government offices, embassies, and high-end commercial centers.

• Cost: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 per night depending on the area and amenities.
• Affordable Areas: Gwarimpa, Lugbe, and parts of Jabi offer more budget-friendly short lets for as low as ₦35,000 per night.

If you’re looking for reliable short let apartments in Abuja, AbujaHouse offers curated listings with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. You can easily compare options and book in minutes.

Long-Term Rentals

For those planning to stay longer, renting an apartment or house may be a better option. Rent prices vary based on the neighborhood and type of residence:

• High-end Areas: In luxury areas like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse II, monthly rent for an apartment can range from ₦1,500,000 to ₦3,500,000 annually.
• Mid-range Areas: Neighborhoods like Garki, Jabi, and Utako are slightly more affordable, with 2 to 3-bedroom apartments costing between ₦900,000 and ₦2,000,000 annually.
• Affordable Areas: Places like Gwarimpa, Lugbe, and Kubwa are known for more budget-friendly rent, ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 annually for similar-sized apartments.

AbujaHouse offers short-term and hotels rental options, including fully furnished and unfurnished apartments, making it easier to find accommodation that fits your budget and needs.

Read Also: Top 10 Things to Do in Abuja During Your Stay

2. Utilities

Utilities in Abuja typically include electricity, water, waste disposal, and sometimes security fees. The cost of utilities can vary, particularly depending on your area and energy usage.

• Electricity: Due to irregular power supply in Abuja, most residents rely on generators or solar energy as a backup. For a medium-sized apartment, electricity bills can range from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 monthly, with additional costs for generator fuel.
• Water: Water bills are relatively low, averaging ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 monthly for most apartments. In some upscale areas, water is included in the rent.
• Waste Disposal: Waste management fees are generally low, ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 monthly.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs in Abuja vary depending on your preferred mode of transport but generally the transport no be here o. The city has a well-maintained road network, and various options, from public transportation to private cars, are available.

Let’s check them one after the other

Public Transportation

• Buses: Public buses are the cheapest option, with fares ranging from ₦150 to ₦300 per trip depending on the distance.
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber operate in Abuja. Fares typically range from ₦2,000 to ₦3,000 per trip based on distance and traffic.
• And the Bikes; Okada is another mode of transportation that can either make you enjoy Abuja or frustrate the hell out of you, especially the Aboki Riders, Lol, if they don’t know the exact place you’re going it’s better you don’t take it or else, you will end up been frustrated that day.

Car Ownership

If you prefer to drive, owning a car is a significant expense to consider. Apart from the cost of purchasing a vehicle, you’ll need to budget for fuel, maintenance, and insurance. On average:

• Fuel Costs: With the price of fuel fluctuating, the cost for regular refills can range from ₦50,000 to ₦70,000 monthly for moderate driving.
• Car Maintenance: Routine maintenance and repairs can cost around ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 monthly depending on the vehicle type and its condition.

4. Groceries and Food

Food expenses in Abuja can vary depending on whether you eat out often or prefer to cook at home. The city offers a mix of high-end restaurants, affordable fast food joints, and local markets.

Grocery Shopping

Shopping at local markets like Garki or Wuse can save you money on fresh produce, while supermarkets offer a wider variety but at higher prices.

• Monthly grocery budget: ₦60,000 – ₦100,000 depending on family size and shopping habits.

Dining Out

• Restaurants: Dining at mid-range restaurants can cost between ₦3,500 and ₦5,000 per meal. In upscale restaurants, expect to pay ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 per person for a full-course meal.
• Local Fast Food: Meals at local fast food chains like Mr. Biggs or Chicken Republic typically cost ₦1.500 to ₦3,500 per person.

5. Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Abuja depend on the type of services you require and whether you choose public or private hospitals. Public healthcare is generally more affordable but may have longer wait times and fewer facilities compared to private hospitals.

• Consultation Fees: Private hospitals charge between ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 for consultations, while public hospitals charge as low as ₦1000 to ₦2,000.

6. Entertainment and Recreation

Abuja has plenty of recreational and entertainment activities, from visiting parks to enjoying the vibrant nightlife. Here’s what to expect:

• Gyms and Fitness Centers: Monthly membership at a gym can cost between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 depending on the facilities and location.
• Movie Theaters: A movie ticket in Abuja costs around ₦3,500 to ₦5,500 per person, with discounted rates on certain days.
• Nightlife: For those who enjoy a night out, clubbing or dining at high-end restaurants in areas like Wuse II or Maitama can set you back around ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 per night (if una no go too ball o).

7. Education

For traveller and locals looking high-quality education for their children, Abuja offers a variety of international schools and private institutions. School fees in Abuja can be quite high:

• Private Schools: Annual tuition fees can range from ₦500,000 to ₦3,000,000 depending on the school and level.
• International Schools: Fees at international schools in Abuja can range from ₦2,000,000 to ₦7,000,000 per year.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of living in Abuja is essential for budgeting and planning your move or extended stay.

Housing, transportation, and daily living expenses are the most significant factors to consider, and platforms like Abuja House can help you navigate these costs of housing with ease.

With the Abuja House app (Available for both android and IOS), you can find affordable, well-curated short lets and long-term rentals that match your budget and lifestyle.

Whether you’re in Abuja for business, vacation, or relocation, AbujaHouse provides a stress-free booking experience, helping you secure your perfect accommodation without any hidden fees.