May 16, 2025
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The Average Monthly Rent in Urban vs Rural Nigeria - May 2025
Published May 16, 2025 | Zellow Insights - Price Category
In a country where housing is one of the biggest monthly expenses, how much are Nigerians really paying for rent, and how does it differ between urban centers and rural towns? 3,000 Nigerians nationwide shared how much they pay as rent.
Key Findings
Urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt reports an average rent of ₦195,000/month for 2-bedroom apartments.
Rural towns average ₦42,000/month for the same apartment size.
80% of renters in rural areas spend less than ₦60,000/month, while 65% of urban renters spend above ₦150,000/month.
Rent is highest in Lekki (Lagos) and Wuse (Abuja), where 2-bed apartments reach ₦350,000/month.
Shared apartments are increasingly popular, especially among renters under 30 in cities.
Urban Breakdown
Zellow examined three major urban hubs - Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Respondents were asked how much they pay monthly for rent, categorized by apartment size and neighborhood:
City | 1-Bedroom Avg | 2-Bedroom Avg | 3-Bedroom Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
Lagos (Mainland) | ₦120,000 | ₦180,000 | ₦250,000 |
Lagos (Island) | ₦180,000 | ₦260,000 | ₦350,000 |
Abuja | ₦130,000 | ₦200,000 | ₦280,000 |
Port Harcourt | ₦110,000 | ₦170,000 | ₦230,000 |
Insight: Rent prices vary dramatically within cities. In Lagos alone, rent on the Island can be up to 45% higher than on the Mainland.
Rural Breakdown
We also gathered data from rural towns in Ogun, Benue, Osun, Enugu, and Cross River States. The cost of living is significantly lower, but so is access to amenities:
Region | 1-Bedroom Avg | 2-Bedroom Avg | 3-Bedroom Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
Ogun (Ijebu) | ₦30,000 | ₦45,000 | ₦65,000 |
Benue (Otukpo) | ₦20,000 | ₦35,000 | ₦50,000 |
Osun (Ilesa) | ₦25,000 | ₦40,000 | ₦55,000 |
Enugu (Nsukka) | ₦28,000 | ₦42,000 | ₦60,000 |
Cross River (Obubra) | ₦22,000 | ₦38,000 | ₦52,000 |
Insight: While rural areas offer cheaper housing, respondents frequently cited poor road access, limited electricity, and lack of clean water as trade-offs.
Who's Renting What?
65% of urban renters are working professionals aged 24–40.
Rural renters are mostly families and retirees.
Students form 18% of total respondents, with many sharing rooms or subletting.
Rental Trends in 2025
Inflation & fuel prices have driven rent up by 18% year-over-year in urban areas.
The rise of short-let apartments has reduced long-term availability in high-demand zones.
Flexible payment models (monthly vs annual) are becoming more common, especially in tech-forward cities like Lagos and Abuja.
What People Are Saying
“I pay ₦250,000 monthly for a 2-bed in Lekki, but it’s not even constant light. It’s crazy.”
- Anonymous respondent, Lagos
“We pay ₦30,000 in Nsukka. The house is basic, but it’s enough. I’d rather save the rest.”
- Anonymous respondent, Enugu
Why This Matters
Housing remains one of the most critical needs for millions of Africans, yet transparent data on rental prices is scarce. Zellow is bridging the gap between lived experience and public knowledge, helping individuals and organizations make better-informed decisions.
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