Port Harcourt, known as the “Garden City,” is one of Nigeria’s most vibrant urban centres. It’s known for its oil industry, spicy bole (a roasted plantain and fish combo), and people who like life to be easy.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or considering a more extended stay, understanding the cost of living in Port Harcourt will help you prepare better and avoid spending like you’re Dangote’s cousin.
Let’s break it all down, from housing to food, transportation to haircuts, so you can budget wisely and enjoy the city like a pro.
Cost of Living in Port Harcourt in 2025
1. Accommodation Costs in Port Harcourt
Your rent is where most of your money will go, unless you plan to live under the bridge, which we strongly do not recommend.
For Locals:
- 1-bedroom apartment in outskirts: ₦500,000–₦800,000/year
- 1-bedroom apartment in city center: ₦800,000–₦1200,000/year
- Self-contained flat: ₦250,000–₦600,000/year [Depending on location]
For Tourists:
If you’re just visiting, hotels and Airbnbs are your friends.
- Budget hotels: ₦10,000–₦20,000/night
- Mid-range hotels: ₦25,000–₦50,000/night
- Luxury hotels (e.g., Presidential Hotel, Novotel): ₦70,000–₦150,000+/night
- Airbnb apartments: ₦20,000–₦60,000/night depending on location and taste
Tip: GRA Phase 2 and Ada George areas are trendy but pricey. If you’re on a budget, try places like Rumuokoro or Rukpokwu.
2. Feeding: How Much Does It Cost to Eat in PH?
Food in Port Harcourt can be very affordable… unless you’re dining every night like you’re on a reality show.
For Locals:
- A plate of rice and stew: ₦800–₦1,500
- Bole and fish: ₦1,500–₦5000, depending on where you are buying from.
- Foodstuffs (monthly grocery): ₦50,000–₦100,000 depending on family size
For Tourists:
- Fast food (Chicken Republic, Kilimanjaro): ₦2,500–₦4,500 per meal
- Fancy restaurants: ₦7,000–₦20,000 per meal
- Local spots (aka mama put): ₦800–₦1,200 (very tasty and pocket-friendly)
Pro tip: Always ask the price of fish before saying “add fish.” Fish in Port Harcourt can be a costly expense.
3. Transportation
Traffic in Port Harcourt is like an uninvited guest; it shows up when you least expect it. But moving around doesn’t have to break the bank.
For Locals:
- Keke (tricycle): ₦100–₦300 per trip
- Taxi (drop): ₦500–₦1,500
- Intra-city bus: ₦200–₦500
- Fuel price (as of 2025): Around ₦950–₦1050/litre
For Tourists:
- Ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Rida): ₦2000–₦10,000 depending on distance
- Car rentals: ₦50,000–₦100,000/day (with driver), depending on car type.
Walking? Free. But bring shades and water, Port Harcourt sun is no joke..
4. Utilities and Internet
Even though some locations in Port Harcourt enjoy constant light, PHCN light is a coin toss. So, you’ll likely spend money on fuel or generator maintenance as well.
Monthly average:
- Electricity (prepaid): ₦7,000–₦20,000
- Generator fuel: ₦15,000–₦40,000 depending on use
- Water (if not borehole): ₦1,000–₦3,000
- Internet (MTN/Smile/Starlink): ₦10,000–₦50,000/month
5. Healthcare and Essentials
Health is wealth, especially in PH, where malaria is a typical uninvited guest.
- Clinic consultation: ₦5,000–₦15,000
- Basic malaria treatment: ₦3,000–₦7,000
- Health insurance (NHIS/private): ₦10,000–₦30,000/month depending on plan
- Pharmacy runs (Panadol, malaria drugs, etc.): ₦1,500–₦5,000
ALSO READ: A 48-Hour Guide to Experiencing Port Harcourt Like a Local
6. Entertainment & Lifestyle
Whether you prefer owambe, movies, or relaxing with a cold beverage, PH has options.
- Cinema ticket: ₦2,500–₦3,500
- Club entry: Free – ₦10,000 (depending on how premium the vibe is)
- Gym subscription: ₦10,000–₦25,000/month
- Haircut: ₦1,500–₦3,000
- Braiding/weave: ₦5,000–₦25,000, depending on location.
You don’t need to be a baller to have fun in Port Harcourt, you just need sense and maybe a plug or two.
7. Education (for Long-Term Locals)
If you’re moving with your family or planning long-term, here’s what school fees can look like:
- Private nursery/primary schools: ₦40,000–₦150,000/term
- Secondary schools: ₦70,000–₦250,000/term
- International schools: ₦300,000–₦1.5m+/term
- Higher institutions (e.g., UNIPORT): ₦50,000–₦150,000/year
8. Security and Miscellaneous
Security in Port Harcourt is generally decent in most areas, particularly in the GRA and Old GRA. However, like anywhere in Nigeria, stay alert and avoid late-night solo movements.
- Security levy in estates: ₦1,000–₦5,000/month
- Gated community contributions: ₦5,000–₦20,000/year
- Police stations? There’s one in almost every neighbourhood (just in case).
So, Is Port Harcourt Expensive?
It depends on your taste and lifestyle. Port Harcourt can be affordable for locals who know the tricks and enjoyable for tourists who budget wisely.
If you:
- Eat like a local,
- Choose your area wisely,
- Move smart,
- And don’t live every day like it’s Detty December,
…then Port Harcourt is a wonderful place to live or visit, vibrant, spicy, and full of real Naija energy.
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FAQs About the Cost of Living in Port Harcourt
1. Is Port Harcourt more expensive than Lagos?
Not really. Lagos is still the king of expenses. But Port Harcourt isn’t cheap either, especially if you stay in high-end areas.
2. What’s the cheapest area to live in Port Harcourt?
Places like Rumuokoro, Rumuigbo, Choba, and certain parts of Oyigbo offer more affordable rent and food prices.
3. Can I survive on ₦100,000 per month in the Philippines?
Yes, but you’ll need to budget tightly, live on the outskirts, cook at home, and avoid temptation (like random shawarma runs).
4. Are there ride-hailing apps in Port Harcourt?
Yes! Bolt and Rida are active. Be prepared for surge prices during rain or heavy traffic.
5. Is food cheaper if I cook at home?
You’ll save more by cooking local meals. ₦ 30,000–₦ 50,000 worth of foodstuffs can last a small family 1–2 weeks.
