If you think surviving in Lagos is tough, try house hunting. The rent prices alone will humble you.
Across Nigeria, annual rent varies, but in Lagos, price hikes are hitting harder.
In many parts of the state, a one-bedroom apartment now goes for what a two-bedroom costs in Ibadan or Sango-Ota. And for those hoping to move closer to work or find a cheaper place in the same area, the shock often comes fast: the “relocation” rent is sometimes worse than what they were running from.
Chinonso Nwanosike*, a marketing executive, had been staying in Ogba for over five years. When her landlord added ₦100,000 to her rent this year, she decided to move closer to her office in Yaba. But what she found there was even more expensive. “The cheapest place I saw was ₦1.8 million. My current place is ₦1.2 million, and I thought that was already bad,” she said.
No ‘Budget’ Area
It used to be that if rent in Surulere or Yaba became too high, people would move to Bariga, Mushin, or Egbeda. But now, even those areas are catching up. One-bedroom apartments that used to go for ₦300,000 are now closer to ₦700,000 or more. One-bedroom flats in places like Ikotun or Agege are now ₦700,000 to ₦900,000, excluding service charges and electricity issues.
For Lagos residents who have to live close to work — teachers, nurses, factory workers, junior civil servants — the rising rent means one of two things: move farther away and spend more on transport, or stay close and spend everything on rent.
Either way, peace of mind is slowly vanishing.
Tenants stuck in the middle
Some landlords are keeping rent steady for a few years, but others are not waiting. In high-demand areas like Lekki, Chevron, Ogudu, and Surulere, some tenants report rent hikes of ₦200,000 or as high as 150%, even when the house hasn’t been painted or upgraded.
For many tenants, it’s a painful choice: either pay up and stay, or move and face new landlords who ask for higher rent plus caution fee, agent fee, and agreement, all in one breath.
According to real estate analyst Abdulrahman Davies, Lagos is simply pricing out its own middle class. “We’re seeing people leave places they’ve lived for 10 years because of one sudden rent jump. They go elsewhere thinking it’ll be cheaper, but end up paying more,” he said.
*Names changed for privacy reasons.
7 smart ways to cut rent costs and still live well in Lagos
1. Do your rent scouting early
Don’t wait till you’re desperate to move. Start checking prices at least six months ahead. The earlier you start, the better your chances of finding fair deals.
2. Look beyond the “popular” names
Yaba, Surulere and Lekki may sound ideal, but nearby areas like Somolu, Gbagada, Ajah, or Sangotedo can offer similar access for less.
3. Save in bits, not bulk
If your rent is ₦720,000, divide it into ₦60,000 monthly. Waiting till the last minute only adds pressure. Small monthly savings give you breathing room when that renewal notice drops.
4. Get a reliable flatmate
Splitting a ₦1.5 million rent is easier than bearing it alone. Just be sure to agree on house rules, payment timelines, and responsibilities early.
5. Try rent support groups or ajo
Start a rent savings pot with friends or colleagues. Everyone contributes monthly, and each person gets a turn to collect for their rent. It’s a trusted system that still works.
6. Watch out for agent tricks
Some agents take advantage of demand and inflate prices. Use verified platforms instead. Always compare at least five options before committing.
7. Cut your non-essential bills
If your rent just increased, maybe skip that vacation or frequent deliveries. Trim the extras and redirect that money toward housing, at least until you’re stable.
Lagos is no longer forgiving when it comes to rent. In many areas, prices now beat those in Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Abuja, without offering matching infrastructure. For the average tenant, rent is now a life decision.
Whether you’re moving to be closer to work, looking for more space, or simply trying to breathe financially, you’ll need more than luck. You’ll need a strategy. In Lagos, smart planning isn’t just survival; it’s the rent itself.
