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.
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.
