7 Super Affordable Places to Live in Lagos

Lagos is fast-paced, chaotic, and electrifying but living here doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While areas like Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island often dominate the conversation, there are neighborhoods that offer livable conditions, reasonable access to jobs, and much lower rent.

If you’re a student, a young professional starting out, or simply looking to cut back on housing costs, here are seven of the most affordable places to live in Lagos with pros, cons, and rent expectations.

Ikorodu

Once considered too far out, Ikorodu has grown into a bustling residential zone with significantly cheaper housing than most parts of Lagos. You can find a mini-flat for as low as ₦150,000–₦250,000 per year.

Why it's affordable: Lower demand due to its distance from central Lagos.Ideal for: Families, civil servants, and students

Pros:

• Low rent

• Peaceful neighborhoods like Agric and Igbogbo

• Access to ferry transport and BRT

  
  

  Cons:

• Long commute to Island or Ikeja

• Heavy traffic at peak times

  
  

Iyana Ipaja

Located along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Iyana Ipaja is a hub for low-income earners and small business operators. Rent for a self-contained apartment ranges from ₦180,000–₦300,000 annually.

Why it's affordable: High-density area with lots of older buildings.Ideal for: Traders, transport workers, artisans.Pros:

• Close to Agege, Egbeda, and Alimosho

• Good road networks

  
  

  Cons:

• Overpopulated

• Environmental sanitation issues in some streets

  
  
  
  

Bariga

Tucked between Yaba and Somolu, Bariga offers the advantage of centrality without the high rent that comes with trendy neighboring districts. Rents start around ₦250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Why it's affordable: Overshadowed by nearby gentrified areas.Ideal for: Students, young creatives, freelancers.Pros:

• Close to UNILAG and Yabatech

• Easy access to third mainland bridge

  
  

  Cons:

• Inconsistent electricity

• Some inner streets are flood-prone

  
  

Agege

Known for its street culture and market economy, Agege offers affordability and a vibrant lifestyle. Self-contained units can go for ₦150,000–₦300,000 annually.

Why it's affordable: High housing supply and dense population.

Ideal for: Traders, factory workers, low-income earners.

Pros:

• Lively and active commercial zones

• Close to Ikeja, Ogba, and Ojodu

  
  

  Cons:

• Noise and congestion

• Unreliable public utilities in some areas

  
  

Egbeda / Akowonjo

This part of Alimosho has quietly evolved into a comfortable residential zone. Though growing in popularity, it still retains its affordability, with one-room apartments ranging from ₦200,000–₦400,000.

Why it's affordable: Slightly off the high-traffic corridors of Ikeja and Oshodi.Ideal for: Entry-level professionals, students, and small families.Pros:

• Close to good schools and hospitals

• Decent road network

  
  

  Cons:

• Rush-hour traffic bottlenecks

• Some power supply variation by street

  
  

Abule Egba

Located along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba is becoming a popular alternative for those priced out of the Ikeja axis. You can secure a mini-flat for ₦180,000–₦300,000.

Why it's affordable: Suburban and still developing.

Ideal for: New graduates, couples, and retirees.

Pros:

• Good road connections (thanks to the flyover)

• Access to transport routes into central Lagos

  
  

  Cons:

• Fewer entertainment or shopping centers

• Sporadic flooding during rainy season

  
  

Ayobo / Ipaja

Farther out but increasingly attractive due to road improvements, Ayobo-Ipaja offers very affordable housing, with self-contained apartments as low as ₦150,000 per year.

Why it's affordable: Less commercial activity and infrastructure investment.

Ideal for: Those who work remotely or prefer quiet neighborhoods.

Pros:

• Peaceful and less chaotic than central Lagos

• Growing community developments

  
  

  Cons:

• Distance from central Lagos

• Limited nightlife or social activities

Affordable living in Lagos is possible but it comes with trade-offs. Whether it’s longer commute times, less nightlife, or basic infrastructure challenges, these neighborhoods offer a fair balance for anyone prioritizing cost over glam. The key is to prioritize your lifestyle needs and inspect properties carefully before committing.