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.
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.
