In planning mode - how much budget should I keep in mind for Nigeria - any experiences?
I stayed in Abuja and Lagos and found prices higher than expected. Suya and rice plates were $3-4, but restaurant dinners were $15+. Bolt rides cost me $6-7 each, and traffic meant I used them often. Tips were 10%. My daily spend averaged $55, though Lagos nightlife raised that quickly. Nigeria isn’t cheap for travellers, but local food and buses keep costs low. For planning, $50 daily is a safe figure for meals, taxis, and tips, with extra for entertainment.
Meals: $3-5 local, $12-18 restaurants. Transport: $1 buses, $6 taxis. Tips: 5-10%. Safe daily budget: $45-50 for meals, local transport, and tips. Add more for Lagos nightlife, as drinks are $5-7 each. For a month, $1,500 is realistic. Rural areas are cheaper, but urban centres like Abuja and Lagos demand higher budgets.
I spent around $60 per day in Lagos. Restaurant dinners were $12-15, cafés $6-8, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt averaged $5-7 per ride. Tips were 10%. At this budget, I could eat at restaurants daily, take Bolt instead of crowded buses, and still tip properly. $60 daily feels safe for meals, rides, and tips, though days with nightlife or events easily push it to $80+. Nigeria isn’t super cheap compared to West Africa but offers variety.
Nigeria isn’t set up for classic budget tourism, but local food is cheap. Street meals like suya or jollof rice are $2-3, and restaurant meals $8-1Public transport with danfos (minibuses) costs $0.50-1, while taxis or ride-hailing apps are $4-8. Tips are small, 5-10%. You can get by on $30 daily for meals, buses, and tips. Lagos and Abuja are pricier than rural areas, so expect higher costs in big cities.