Six Ikorodu neighbourhoods to consider if rent is breaking your budget in Lagos

Renters in Lagos on slim budgets can still find cheaper housing in Ikorodu, where self-contained apartments start at around ₦300,000 per year. Six neighbourhoods in the area currently have listings that offer relief from the high rents common in more central parts of the city.

Lagos has an estimated population of 21 million, and many residents complain about skyrocketing rent. But areas like Igbogbo, Gberigbe, Agric, Isawo, Jumofak and Oreyo are showing up in current rental listings as cheaper options.

What rents look like in Ikorodu

Nigeria Property Centre puts the average asking price for self-contained apartments in Ikorodu at about ₦400,000 annually. Recent listings show self-contained units going for between ₦300,000 and ₦400,000 per year, depending on location, building and facilities.

For tenants needing more space, room-and-parlour mini-flats are listed at around ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 per year. The average asking price for mini-flats is about ₦700,000 annually. Some listings are cheaper, depending on the particular neighbourhood and property condition.

Two-bedroom flats cost more but remain available. Current listings include prices from about ₦700,000 to ₦1.5 million per year. Nigeria Property Centre's August 2026 market data puts the average price at approximately ₦1.2 million annually. The same data shows a range of ₦350,000 to ₦3 million, highlighting how widely rents differ across properties.

Consider the total move-in cost

Rent is not the only factor. Distance from parts of Ikorodu to workplaces, schools and businesses elsewhere in Lagos can mean higher transportation costs and longer journeys. A cheaper apartment may not make financial sense if daily commuting swallows the savings.

Advertised rent may not be the full amount required before moving in. Agency, legal, caution and other charges can increase the upfront cost. One current listing, for example, advertises a ₦700,000 mini-flat but states that additional fees take the total package to ₦1 million.

What this means for renters

For Lagos residents trying to cut housing costs, Ikorodu remains one of the areas worth putting on the list. A renter with a budget of around ₦300,000 to ₦500,000 may have a better chance of finding a self-contained apartment, while those with ₦500,000 to ₦800,000 could look at mini-flats. The key is to compare total move-in cost, neighbourhood, transport expenses, electricity, water and security before making a decision.

With rents continuing to pressure household budgets, Ikorodu's relatively lower asking prices make it an increasingly attractive option for affordable accommodation in Lagos. Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat had earlier advised young workers on affordable housing options amid rising rent prices.