Top 10 things Nigerians spend their money on each month 

For most Nigerians, monthly income barely stretches to cover essential needs, with households constantly juggling costs for food, rent, transportation, and other necessities.

Spending patterns reflect the priorities and pressures faced by families across the country, from ensuring basic survival to meeting social and personal obligations.

The following ranking of the top 10 things Nigerians spend their money on each month highlights the main areas where households allocate their income.

The figures are based on thousands of validated survey responses for the 2025 year and represent median monthly spending, as analysed in the Spending Analysis section of Risevest’s The Cost of Living Report 2025.

The data provides insight into how Nigerians manage their finances across essentials, discretionary spending, and cultural commitments.

Entertainment – N15,321

Entertainment ranks tenth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N15,321 per month on activities such as streaming services, movies, gaming, and leisure pursuits.

This reflects discretionary spending that allows individuals and families to relax and enjoy recreational activities. Expenditure on entertainment often varies with income, lifestyle, and access to available leisure options.

It also provides a window into spending habits and lifestyle choices across different households.

Clothing – N23,753

Clothing ranks ninth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N23,753 per month on apparel, footwear, and accessories.

This reflects the ongoing need to replace worn items, adapt to seasonal changes, and maintain personal and professional presentation.

For many households, clothing expenditure is balanced alongside other essentials and discretionary spending. Spending patterns also vary depending on income levels, lifestyle, and social expectations.

Religion & family – N29,160

Religion and family obligations rank eighth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N29,160 per month on activities such as donations, tithes, and support for extended family members.

This spending reflects the cultural and social importance placed on religious participation and maintaining family connections across the country.

Contributions often extend beyond immediate family to include relatives, community members, and religious institutions.

For many households, these commitments form a regular part of budgeting alongside essential needs.

Health care – N36,437

Health care ranks seventh among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N36,437 per month on consultations, medications, tests, and insurance.

Access to formal healthcare is improving, with 83 NHIA-accredited HMOs and rising enrollment in health plans.

Still, less than 10% of Nigerians are covered, leaving most households to meet medical costs out of pocket.

This means families often have to plan carefully for unexpected medical expenses, which can quickly strain monthly budgets.

Childcare – N41,139

Childcare ranks sixth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N41,139 per month on services such as daycare, nannies, and after-school support.

This spending highlights the ways families balance work and parenting, ensuring children are cared for, supervised, and supported while parents attend to other responsibilities.

Utility bills – N45,038

Utility bills rank fifth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N45,038 per month on essential services such as electricity, cooking gas, waste disposal, and water.

These expenses reflect the routine costs associated with running a household and maintaining access to basic services needed for daily living.

The amount spent often varies depending on household size, location, and the level of service consumption each month.

Transportation – N52,014

Transportation ranks fourth among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N52,014 per month on daily mobility.

This includes public transport fares, ride hailing services, fuel costs for private vehicles, and occasional intercity travel.

Due to the rising cost of rent, many households now live in more affordable areas located farther from their places of work or business. As a result, commuting distances have increased, forcing many Nigerians to spend more on transportation each month.

Education – N53,157

Education ranks third among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N53,157 per month on school fees, tuition, learning materials, and other academic-related costs.

This reflects the priority many families place on education, whether for children in primary and secondary school or for tertiary studies and professional development.

Rising private school fees, the cost of learning materials, and additional charges for extracurricular activities have continued to shape how households allocate funds toward education across the country.

Rent – N75,000

Rent ranks second among Nigerians’ monthly expenses, with households spending a median of N75,000 per month on accommodation.

In Nigeria, rent is typically paid annually, so this monthly figure represents the average cost calculated from yearly payments for apartments or houses.

The country faces a significant housing supply gap, with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development estimating a deficit of 14.925 million units, while industry operators put the figure at over 20 million units.

Several interventions have been launched by both state and federal governments, including the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities programme, and some projects have already been completed.

Despite these efforts, housing supply remains limited, particularly in urban areas, driving rents higher and putting pressure on household budgets.

Food – N104,118

Food tops the list of Nigerians’ monthly spending, with households allocating a median of N104,118 per month to groceries, meals at restaurants, and daily essentials like snacks and beverages.

For many families, this represents the largest portion of their spending, reflecting the essential role of nutrition in daily life.

Spending on food also varies depending on household size, location, and dietary preferences, with many households adjusting purchases to balance cost and availability.