Rent Affordability Calculator

Work out how much rent you can comfortably afford based on your monthly income and expenses.

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Bills, food, transport, savings — excluding rent

Recommended Rent Ranges

Comfortable (30% of income)

₦150,000 / month

Monthly Rent Thresholds

Stretched (35% of income)₦175,000 / month
Maximum (40% of income)₦200,000 / month
Annual rent at 30% rule₦1,800,000
Annual rent at 35% rule₦2,100,000

I can comfortably afford ₦1,800,000 a year in rent

💡 Nigerian landlords typically ask for 1–2 years of rent upfront plus agency fees. Make sure you have enough saved before you start viewing.

Renting FAQs — Nigeria

What percentage of my income should go on rent in Nigeria?

The commonly used guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. However, in cities like Lagos and Abuja where rents are high relative to salaries, many households spend 35-40% or more. Staying within 30% leaves more room for savings and other expenses.

How is rent paid in Nigeria — monthly or annually?

Most landlords in Nigeria require rent to be paid annually (or sometimes biannually) upfront. This is different from many Western countries where monthly rent is the norm. Budget accordingly — you will typically need to save up one or two years of rent before moving in.

What other costs should I budget for when renting in Nigeria?

Besides rent, budget for: agency fee (usually 10% of one year's rent), legal/agreement fee (5-10% of annual rent), service charge (for estates and apartments), electricity (metered or prepaid token), and a security/caution deposit (typically one or two months' rent).

Is rent negotiable in Nigeria?

Yes, rent is often negotiable, especially for longer lease commitments (two to three years). Always try to negotiate, particularly if the property has been on the market for a while or you are paying a full two-year advance.

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