Cost of living in Abuja
Cost of living in Abuja is deceptively high. In fact, the 2015 Cost of Living Survey ranked the city as the 35th most expensive in the world. Such a fact often comes as a shock to expats; especially those who were intending to save rather than spend money.
Abuja is a developed state, with a vast gulf between the rich and the poor, while many of its citizens live in poverty, a selected few experience a very different life style.
Abuja, for some people, is a city of mixed opportunities. It is also a city where you can find everything, from employed and the unemployed, blue collar and white collar jobbers, the business people and petty traders.
In this city of mixed multitude, both the upper, middle class and even the lower class persons coexist, jostling for what life and the fortune and opportunities can offer.
For one to stay in Abuja, One need to calculate, adjust and possibly make checks and balances to suite one’s lifestyle. Nigeria as a whole is relatively a cheap place to live, depending on where and how one chooses to live and settle down.
Cost of living in Abuja, on the other hand, is on the high side, hence the salary structure itself is also high compared to other cities in the country. As they say, to whom much is given much is demanded. In this report, we are going to look at the cost of living in Abuja with respect to accommodation, transportation, water supply and feeding.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation has gone beyond the average professional’s wages. At one point in Abuja, two years rent for a 3 bedroom flat in places of highbrow status is equivalent to the total purchase price of a house in places that are yet to welcome development like. Renting a decent house is not a poor man’s business. In places like Maitama, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro and the like, house rent ranges from 4,000,000 for a decent two-bedroom flat, while places like Kubwa, Lugbe, Nyanya, Kuje, Karu cost between 400,000 to 500,000 for a decent two-bedroom flat.
In Abuja, if the cost of accommodation as a middle class person does not scare you out of the city then you are welcome to stay in Abuja.
Transportation
Transportation is another major problem in Abuja, especially for the working class individuals who have no means of transportation or staff bus to convey them to and from their places of work.
Decisions taken by the government, some of which included the ban of motor cycles and private buses as means of transportation, and payment for packing space in Abuja central area have left the poor people in angry and miserable, especially those who live in the out-skirts.
Such people leave the comfort of their home as early as 5:30 to 6:00 am to the bus stop with the hope of getting to their place of work in time. Unfortunately, they spend hours looking for taxi and end up reporting late to work.
Feeding
Another great challenge faced by residents is that of cost of feeding.
An average family man can do well with #11,000 per week for feeding his family. Eating at fast food joints cost approximately #300 to #700 per meal, for a 3-star restaurants it costs approximately #1,500 per meal, while a 5-star restaurant costs approximately #8,000 per meal. Groceries cost will depend on your taste.
Other Expenses
Schools, clothing, repairs and generator, etc, must be part of your budget. Private schools in Abuja are not really an option for the lower class people, thank God for public schools where lower class individuals can send their wards to.
The private schools mostly consist of the sons and daughters of Nigerian leaders such as governors, senators and the like.
Generators, recreational activities and other repairs are hidden costs that can really put a dent in one’s bank balance.
Whichever category of class you belong, the city of Abuja can always give you a shield of protection. Make the right choices.
