One of the most important questions every Nigerian planning to relocate asks is: "How much will I actually need to live abroad?" The answer varies significantly depending on your destination, city, lifestyle, and personal circumstances. This guide provides real cost breakdowns based on experiences from Nigerians living in the UK, Canada, and Germany—helping you make informed financial plans before your Japa journey.
Understanding the true cost of living abroad goes beyond just rent. You need to factor in food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, phone bills, clothing appropriate for the climate, and unexpected expenses. We'll break down each category to give you a complete picture.
United Kingdom Cost of Living
The UK is often the first choice for Nigerian relocators due to historical ties and the English language advantage. However, it's also one of the more expensive destinations, particularly London.
London vs Outside London
Monthly Expenses in London (Single Person):
- Rent (1-bed flat): £1,400 - £2,000
- Rent (room in shared house): £700 - £1,000
- Utilities: £150 - £200
- Transport (Oyster card): £150 - £200
- Food/Groceries: £250 - £350
- Phone: £15 - £30
- Internet: Included in rent or £25-40
- Council Tax: £100 - £150 (varies by borough)
Total Monthly (London): £2,500 - £3,500+ (shared) or £2,800 - £4,000+ (solo)
Monthly Expenses Outside London (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds):
- Rent (1-bed flat): £700 - £1,100
- Rent (room share): £400 - £600
- Utilities: £120 - £180
- Transport: £60 - £100
- Food: £200 - £300
- Council Tax: £80 - £120
Total Monthly (Outside London): £1,500 - £2,300
UK Healthcare
NHS healthcare is free at point of use once you're paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (included in your visa fees). This covers GP visits, hospital care, and most treatments.
Canada Cost of Living
Canada offers excellent quality of life but varies dramatically by city. Toronto and Vancouver are expensive, while cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal offer better value.
Toronto/Vancouver (High Cost)
Monthly Expenses (Single Person):
- Rent (1-bed apartment): CAD $2,200 - $2,800
- Rent (room share): CAD $1,000 - $1,500
- Utilities: CAD $100 - $150
- Transport (monthly pass): CAD $130 - $170
- Food/Groceries: CAD $400 - $600
- Phone: CAD $50 - $80
- Internet: CAD $60 - $100
Total Monthly: CAD $3,500 - $4,500
Calgary/Edmonton/Montreal (Lower Cost)
Monthly Expenses (Single Person):
- Rent (1-bed apartment): CAD $1,200 - $1,700
- Rent (room share): CAD $600 - $900
- Utilities: CAD $100 - $150
- Transport: CAD $100 - $130
- Food: CAD $350 - $500
Total Monthly: CAD $2,200 - $3,200
Canada Healthcare
Each province has its own healthcare plan (e.g., OHIP in Ontario). There's often a 3-month waiting period before coverage kicks in—get private insurance to cover this gap. Dental and vision are NOT covered by provincial plans.
Germany Cost of Living
Germany offers excellent value, especially for quality of life and public services. Berlin is relatively affordable; Munich is expensive.
Berlin (Most Affordable Major City)
Monthly Expenses (Single Person):
- Rent (1-bed apartment): €1,000 - €1,400
- Rent (WG/room share): €500 - €800
- Utilities (Nebenkosten): €150 - €200
- Transport (monthly BVG pass): €86
- Food/Groceries: €250 - €350
- Phone: €15 - €30
- Health Insurance: €100 - €200 (public) or more (private)
Total Monthly: €1,800 - €2,600
Munich (Most Expensive)
Monthly Expenses (Single Person):
- Rent (1-bed apartment): €1,400 - €2,000
- Rent (room share): €700 - €1,000
- Other costs: Similar to Berlin but 15-25% higher on average
Total Monthly: €2,400 - €3,500
Germany Healthcare
Germany has mandatory health insurance. If employed, approximately 7.5% of your salary goes to public health insurance (matched by employer). This covers comprehensive healthcare including dental basics.
Comparison Table
| Category | UK (Outside London) | Canada (Calgary) | Germany (Berlin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | £800 | CAD $1,400 | €1,100 |
| Monthly Transport | £70 | CAD $112 | €86 |
| Groceries | £250 | CAD $400 | €280 |
| Total (Single) | £1,800/month | CAD $2,700/month | €2,100/month |
How Much to Save Before Relocating
Beyond visa requirements, here's what Nigerian relocators recommend saving:
UK
- Minimum recommended: £5,000 - £8,000
- Covers: 1-2 months rent deposit, initial groceries, transport, emergencies
- If employer doesn't provide accommodation support, budget higher
Canada
- Minimum recommended: CAD $10,000 - $15,000
- Covers: First/last month rent, furniture, winter clothing, 3 months expenses
- Canadian winters require significant clothing investment
Germany
- Minimum recommended: €8,000 - €12,000
- Covers: Blocked account (if required), rent deposit (3 months common), setup costs
- German rental market can be challenging; budget for temporary accommodation
Money-Saving Tips from Nigerians Abroad
- Cook at home: Eating out is expensive everywhere; learn to cook
- Shop at discount supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl (UK/Germany), No Frills (Canada)
- Use public transport: Cars are expensive to own and maintain
- Get a sim-only phone plan: Don't buy expensive contracts
- Room-share initially: Save money while you settle in
- Buy secondhand: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay Kleinanzeigen
- Student discounts: Get an NUS card (UK) if eligible
Conclusion
The cost of living abroad is significant but manageable with proper planning. Germany offers the best value overall, the UK outside London is reasonable, and Canada requires higher savings but offers excellent long-term opportunities.
The key is realistic budgeting. Don't base your plans on best-case scenarios. Have a financial buffer for emergencies, and be prepared to live frugally in your first year while you establish yourself. The investment in your future is worth it, but going in with clear financial expectations will make your transition much smoother.