5 most expensive Nigerian cities to study in 2023

Nigeria is home to numerous tertiary institutions and colleges, with a diverse range of courses and programs offered to students. A country with a vibrant and diverse educational system across different cities. However, the cost of studying in these cities can vary significantly, with some cities being significantly more expensive than others. 

Some cities are more expensive to study in than others due to several factors, including the cost of accommodation, transportation, tuition, and general cost of living.

According to Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database which focuses on cost of living index and quality of life, Lagos is the most expensive city to live in Nigeria, followed by Abuja and Port Harcourt. Being the most expensive cities to live in automatically translates to a high cost of living for anyone looking to study in these cities.

For Lagos, the high cost of living can be attributed to the city’s status as Nigeria’s commercial capital, as well as its large population and high demand for housing and other services. As such, students studying in Lagos may face higher costs for accommodation, transportation, food, and other essentials compared to other cities in Nigeria.

It is important to note that the cost of living can also vary depending on the individual’s lifestyle and spending habits. Therefore, students are advised to research and compare the cost of living in different cities before making a decision on where to study. 

In this article, Edugist highlights the top five most expensive Nigerian cities to study in 2023, based on the cost of living index, cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and other factors.

Lagos

Lagos is Nigeria’s economic and commercial hub. It is the most expensive city to study in Nigeria. Lagos is known for its bustling city life, business opportunities and expensive lifestyle. Lagos is also home to some of the country’s top universities and colleges, including the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Pan-Atlantic University.

The cost of living in Lagos is significantly higher than other Nigerian cities, and this reflects in the cost of tuition fees and accommodation for students. The cost of transportation and food in Lagos is significantly higher than other cities. Accommodation in Lagos is also expensive, with the average cost of renting a room in a shared apartment ranging from N150,000 to N300,000 per year, making it a challenging city to study in for many students.

Abuja

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and is home to some of the country’s top and most expensive universities, including the University of Abuja, Baze University, and Nile University.

The city is known for its modern infrastructure, beautiful architecture, and expensive lifestyle. The cost of living in Abuja is high, and is the second most expensive city to study in the country. Accommodation costs are particularly high in Abuja, so students on a tight budget may find it a challenging city for study.

Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt is a city in southern Nigeria and is known for its oil and gas industry. It is home to some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State University.

Port Harcourt is another expensive city to study in Nigeria. The cost of accommodation in Port Harcourt is particularly high, and this can make it difficult for students to find affordable housing. The city also has a high cost of living, which can make it challenging for students to cover their basic expenses like food and transportation.

Owerri

Owerri is the capital city of Imo state located in southern Nigeria. Owerri is a city at the intersection of roads from Aba, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia. As a result, it is one of the economic hub of Nigeria which raises the cost of living in the city.

Owerri is home to some of the country’s top universities, including the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Imo State University.

Enugu

Enugu is a city located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Known for its coal mining industry, it is home to some of the country’s top universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Enugu is also known for its rich cultural heritage, and one of the most expensive cities to study in Nigeria. Students may find it challenging to get around the city or find affordable housing.