10 Everyday Things Nigerians Spend Their Hard-Earned Money On Each Month in 2026

 

The most common monthly expenses for Nigerians reflect the realities of high inflation, urban living costs, family obligations, and essential needs in 2025-2026. Recent reports, including Risevest’s Cost of Living Report 2025 (based on thousands of survey responses), highlight median household spending figures, while other sources like Business Insider Africa and surveys emphasize priorities amid economic pressures.

Here are 10 key things Nigerians typically spend their money on each month, ranked roughly by prominence and average/median amounts where available (figures are medians or estimates in Naira and can vary by location, family size, and income):

Food and Groceries

The undisputed top expense, often consuming the largest share of budgets due to rising food prices. Households spend a median of around ₦104,118 monthly on groceries, daily meals, and occasional restaurant takeout.

Rent/Housing

A major fixed cost, especially in cities like Lagos. Median monthly equivalent (often paid annually but averaged) is about ₦75,000, covering accommodation in apartments or family homes.

Education/School Fees

For families with children, this includes tuition, books, uniforms, and extras. Median spending hits around ₦53,157 monthly.

Transportation

Commuting via danfo, Bolt, fuel, or okada eats up significant amounts. Estimates range from ₦52,000 median in some reports to 15-48% of budgets in others, driven by high fuel and fare costs.

Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas, Internet/Data)

Prepaid meters, generator fuel, cooking gas, water, and data bundles add up quickly. Median around ₦45,000 monthly, with many households budgeting 10-38% of income here.

Childcare

For working parents, this covers daycare, nannies, or after-school support. It ranks high in family budgets, often 24% or more in priority surveys.

Healthcare/Medical Expenses

Out-of-pocket costs for drugs, consultations, or emergencies. Median or priority spending often around 18% of budgets.

Religion and Family Support (Black Tax)

Tithes, offerings, remittances to extended family, or support for parents/siblings. Median around ₦29,160, with over 80% of earners paying "black tax" monthly or occasionally.

Clothing and Accessories

Footwear, outfits for work/events, or replacements. Median ₦23,753 monthly, though many prioritize it less in tough times.

Entertainment and Leisure

Streaming, movies, outings, gaming, or small treats. The lowest in many lists at a median of ₦15,321 monthly, as families cut back on non-essentials.

These patterns show Nigerians prioritize survival basics like food, shelter, and mobility, while discretionary spending (e.g., entertainment) lags. In tough economic times, many cut back on eating out, leisure, or non-essential clothing to cover rising essentials.