Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and economic powerhouse, offers vibrant cities like Lagos and Abuja, rich cultural heritage spanning over 250 ethnic groups, diverse landscapes from Atlantic beaches to savanna, and world-renowned Afrobeat music scene. Experience bustling markets, ancient kingdoms, wildlife reserves, and warm Nigerian hospitality.
Local currency: Nigerian Naira (₦, NGN).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Nigeria.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $15-20
- Budget
- $35-55
- Midrange
- $80-150
- Luxury
- $200-500+
Food
- Street
- $2-4
- Local
- $6-12
- Midrange
- $20-40
- Fine
- $60-120+
Transport
- Bus
- $0.50-1.50 (danfo/BRT)
- Taxi
- $8-15 (Uber city ride)
- Airport
- $25-40 (to VI/Ikoyi)
- Daytrip
- $40-80 (private car)
Activities
- Museum
- $1-5
- Sites
- $3-15
- Tour
- $30-60
- Safari
- $50-120
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Nigeria costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$250-350/week
Midrange traveller
$700-1050/week
Luxury traveller
$2100-3500+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Eat where locals eat — buka restaurants and street food stalls serve far better food at a fraction of hotel restaurant prices
Use Bolt rather than Uber for lower base fares on the same type of cars in Lagos and Abuja
Travel between cities by GIGM (God is Good Motors) bus rather than flying — Lagos to Abuja $20-30 vs $80-150 by air
Book hotels in Ikeja (Lagos) rather than Victoria Island — 30-40% cheaper with similar quality, though 30-40 minutes further from sights
Shop at Wuse Market (Abuja) or Balogun Market (Lagos) for souvenirs rather than hotel gift shops — same items at 50-70% lower prices
Get a local SIM card (MTN or Airtel) immediately on arrival for data and local calls — tourist data plans are far cheaper than international roaming
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Tafawa Balewa Square
Historic independence square on Lagos Island where Nigeria's flag was raised in 1960. Walk through and admire the colonial-era architecture surrounding it.
Bar Beach Sunset
Free Atlantic Ocean sunset viewing from Bar Beach on Victoria Island. Bring a picnic and watch the sun set over the ocean with Lagos's skyline behind you.
National Christian Centre Gardens, Abuja
Peaceful grounds of Abuja's national cathedral open to visitors during daytime. Beautiful architecture and manicured gardens for a quiet city walk.
Millennium Park Walk, Abuja
32-hectare public park in Maitama with entry fee of only $1 — practically free — featuring gardens, walking paths, fountains, and Aso Rock views in the distance.
Aso Rock Vista Point
View Nigeria's iconic 400-meter monolith and Presidential Complex from public roads in the Three Arms Zone — free and accessible to all.
New Afrika Shrine
Fela Kuti's legendary music venue in Ikeja hosts free Thursday-Saturday concerts. Entry fee varies ($3-8) but some nights are free. Live Afrobeat in its true home.
Nike Art Gallery Browsing
While guided tours cost $3, browsing the five floors of West Africa's largest art gallery is free entry. Hours of Nigerian art and craft to admire without purchasing.