How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Nigeria for 30 Days as an American

Traveling to Nigeria for a full month can be exciting, eye opening, and surprisingly affordable if you plan well. Nigeria is vibrant, loud, warm, and full of life, but it also comes with realities that first time visitors, especially Americans, need to understand before booking that flight.

I’ll walk you through the real costs based on practical experience and what travelers usually spend, not fantasy numbers. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what a 30 day stay in Nigeria can cost you.

Table of Contents

Total Estimated Cost Breakdown at a Glance

Before we go deep, let’s zoom out and look at realistic monthly ranges. These are averages, your actual spending can be lower or higher depending on lifestyle.

Budget traveler: $2,000 to $2,800
Comfortable traveler: $3,000 to $4,500
Very comfortable traveler: $5,000 and above

This includes flights, accommodation, food, transport, and daily living expenses for 30 days.

Now let’s break everything down properly.

Flights from the U.S. to Nigeria

Your flight will likely be your biggest single expense.

Average Round-Trip Airfare

Most Americans fly into Lagos (LOS) or Abuja (ABV). From major U.S. cities like New York, Atlanta, Houston, or Washington DC, round-trip flights usually cost:

$900 to $1,200 if booked early
$1,300 to $1,700 during peak travel seasons

Peak seasons include December, summer months, and major holidays.

How to Save on Flights

Book 6 to 10 weeks in advance
Be flexible with travel dates
Consider flying midweek
Avoid last-minute bookings, prices jump fast

Once your flight is paid for, the rest of Nigeria can actually be quite affordable.

Visa Fees and Entry Requirements for Americans

Americans need a visa to enter Nigeria, and this is non-negotiable.

Tourist Visa Cost

Visa fee: $160
Processing and service fees: $50 to $100
Total average: $210 to $260

You’ll also need:

A valid passport with at least six months validity
Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
Return flight ticket

Processing Time

Visa processing can take:

7 to 14 working days
Faster if you apply early and submit complete documents

Budget a little extra in case you need document reprints or courier services.

Travel Insurance and Health Costs

This is one area you should not skip.

Travel Insurance

A good travel insurance plan for 30 days usually costs:

$60 to $120

Make sure it covers:

Medical emergencies
Hospital visits
Emergency evacuation

Vaccinations and Health Prep

Some travelers may need:

Yellow fever vaccination
Malaria medication

Costs vary, but budget:

$50 to $150 depending on what you already have

Nigeria’s healthcare system works best when you use private hospitals, which is why insurance is important.

Accommodation Costs for 30 Days

Accommodation can either drain your budget or save you a lot, depending on your choice.

Hotels

Budget hotels: $25 to $40 per night
Mid-range hotels: $50 to $90 per night

For 30 days:

$900 to $2,700

Hotels are convenient but expensive for long stays.

Short-Term Apartments and Airbnbs

This is where most smart travelers land.

Studio or one-bedroom apartment: $700 to $1,500 per month
Furnished, with security and power backup

Apartments are cheaper, more comfortable, and give you space to breathe.

Staying with Family or Friends

If this option is available:

Accommodation cost: $0
You may contribute to utilities or food

This can cut your total travel cost almost in half.

Daily Food and Eating Expenses

Food in Nigeria is one of the highlights, flavorful, filling, and affordable.

Local Meals

Eating local Nigerian food is very affordable.

Street food or local restaurants: $2 to $5 per meal
Daily average: $8 to $12

Restaurants and Western Food

If you eat out often:

Restaurants: $10 to $20 per meal
Western fast food costs more than local dishes

Monthly Food Budget

Eating mostly local food: $250 to $350
Mixed diet with restaurants: $400 to $600

If you cook at home sometimes, you’ll save even more.

Transportation Within Nigeria

Transportation costs depend heavily on your city.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Uber and Bolt are widely used in cities like Lagos and Abuja.

Short rides: $2 to $5
Longer trips: $6 to $15

Monthly average:

$150 to $250

Public Transportation

Public buses and shared taxis are very cheap but not always comfortable for first-time visitors.

Bus fares: less than $1 per ride

Most Americans prefer ride-hailing for safety and convenience.

Domestic Flights

If you plan to visit other cities:

One-way domestic flight: $50 to $120

Internet, SIM Card, and Communication Costs

Staying connected is easy and affordable.

SIM Card and Data

SIM card: $2 to $5
Monthly data plans: $15 to $30

Mobile internet is reliable in major cities, though power outages can affect Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi at Home

Most apartments include Wi-Fi, but some charge extra:

$20 to $40 monthly

Entertainment, Activities, and Tours

Nigeria isn’t boring, there’s always something happening.

Casual Entertainment

Movies: $3 to $6
Cafes and lounges: $5 to $15 per visit

Nightlife

Entry fees: $5 to $10
Drinks: $3 to $7

Tours and Experiences

City tours: $30 to $80
Cultural events and festivals vary in price

Monthly entertainment budget:

$150 to $400 depending on lifestyle

Safety, Security, and Convenience Expenses

This is where many travelers spend without realizing it.

Private Transport and Convenience

Some travelers prefer:

Private drivers for peace of mind
Gated accommodations

This can add:

$100 to $300 monthly

Security Awareness

Nigeria is generally safe when you stay alert and avoid risky areas. Paying for comfort often means paying for safety too.

Money Exchange, Cash Handling, and Banking Fees

Understanding money in Nigeria will save you stress.

Cash vs Cards

Cash is king for daily spending
Cards work in hotels, malls, and big restaurants

Exchange Rates

Exchange rates are usually better locally than at U.S. banks
Avoid airport exchanges when possible

ATM and Bank Fees

ATM fees: $3 to $7 per withdrawal
Some cards charge foreign transaction fees

Monthly banking costs:

$20 to $50

Unexpected and Hidden Costs to Budget For

This is important and often ignored.

Power and Utilities

Power outages happen
You may spend on fuel or extra electricity

Service Charges

Tips, small service fees, unexpected payments

Emergency Buffer

Always keep:

$200 to $300 aside for emergencies

Nigeria rewards flexibility, having backup money keeps your trip stress-free.

Realistic Daily Budget Examples

Let’s make this practical.

Budget Traveler

Daily spending: $60 to $80
Monthly total: $2,000 to $2,800

Comfortable Traveler

Daily spending: $90 to $120
Monthly total: $3,000 to $4,500

These include eating out, transport, and basic fun.

Is Nigeria Affordable for a 30 Day Stay

Yes, Nigeria can be very affordable for Americans, especially when compared to Europe or the U.S. The biggest costs are upfront, flight and visa. Once those are settled, daily life is relatively cheap.

If you:

Stay in an apartment
Eat local food
Use ride-hailing apps wisely

You can live comfortably without overspending.

Final Thoughts

Spending 30 days in Nigeria as an American is less about luxury and more about experience. You’re paying for culture, connection, energy, and stories you won’t forget.

With a realistic budget and an open mind, Nigeria can be one of the most rewarding long stays you’ll ever have. Plan smart, spend intentionally, and you’ll enjoy every day without constantly worrying about money.