Studio Apartments in Lagos: Where to Find Them and What They Cost (2026)

Searching for studio apartments in Lagos means navigating two different markets: the Nigerian self-contain, which most renters actually want, and the Western-style open-plan studio found mainly in upscale areas. A self-contain in Ajah costs ₦700,000–₦1,500,000 per year, while a true open-plan studio in Lekki Phase 1 runs ₦3,000,000–₦6,000,000. Knowing which type you need — and which area matches your budget — is the difference between a smart rental decision and an expensive mistake. This guide breaks down current studio apartment prices across Lagos neighborhoods and shows you exactly where to find verified listings on PropertyPro.

Studio Apartments in Lagos by Area: Current Prices

Lagos studio apartment prices vary dramatically by location. The same budget that gets you a comfortable self-contain in Ibeju-Lekki will not even cover half a year’s rent in Victoria Island. Below are current annual rent ranges across Lagos’s major neighborhoods.

Ajah and Sangotedo — Best Value

Ajah remains Lagos’s most active studio apartment market. With 24+ listings typically available on PropertyPro at any time, it offers the widest range of options at accessible prices.

• Ajah: ₦700,000 – ₦1,500,000/year for a standard self-contain
• Sangotedo: ₦500,000 – ₦900,000/year — slightly further out but increasingly developed

Browse studio apartments for rent in Ajah on PropertyPro.

Yaba, Surulere, and Ikeja — Urban Affordable

These mainland areas attract students, tech professionals, and anyone who wants central Lagos accessibility without island pricing. Studios here are close to universities, tech hubs, and commercial centres.

• Yaba: ₦400,000 – ₦900,000/year
• Surulere: ₦400,000 – ₦900,000/year
• Ikeja: ₦400,000 – ₦900,000/year

Find studio apartments in Yaba and surrounding areas on PropertyPro.

Ibeju-Lekki and Eleko — Lowest Rents

The far end of the Lekki corridor offers the cheapest studio rents in Lagos, driven by massive estate development and ongoing infrastructure projects.

• Ibeju-Lekki: ₦350,000 – ₦700,000/year
• Eleko: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000/year

Lekki Phase 1 and Ikoyi — Premium Western-Style Studios

True open-plan studios with modern finishes, reliable power, and estate security are concentrated in these upscale areas. These are the units that match the Western definition of a studio apartment.

• Lekki Phase 1: ₦3,000,000 – ₦6,000,000/year
• Ikoyi: ₦3,000,000 – ₦6,000,000/year

Victoria Island — Highest End

Victoria Island commands the highest studio rents in Lagos, with most units being serviced apartments aimed at expatriates and senior executives.

• Victoria Island: ₦4,000,000 – ₦8,000,000+/year

Browse studio apartments in Victoria Island on PropertyPro.

Self-Contain vs Western-Style Studio: What You Are Actually Paying For

In Nigeria, “studio apartment” has two distinct meanings, and the price difference between them is significant.

The Nigerian self-contain is by far the most common type. It consists of one bedroom with an attached bathroom and a small sitting area, sometimes with a kitchenette. These units are found across Ajah, Sangotedo, Ibeju-Lekki, Yaba, Surulere, and Ikeja. Annual rents range from ₦350,000 to ₦1,500,000 depending on location and finishing.

The Western-style studio is a single open-plan room where the living, sleeping, and kitchen areas share one space, with only the bathroom separate. These are found almost exclusively in Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, typically in modern serviced apartment buildings. Annual rents range from ₦3,000,000 to ₦8,000,000+.

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When searching on PropertyPro, both types appear under the studio apartment filter for Lagos. Always check the listing photos and description to confirm which type you are viewing.

Where to Find Studio Apartments in Lagos

PropertyPro has the most comprehensive verified rental listings in Lagos. Every listing includes verified landlord or agent information, confirmed pricing, and direct contact details. Here is how to find studio apartments that match your budget:

• All Lagos studios: Browse all studio apartments in Lagos
• Ajah specifically: Studio apartments in Ajah
• Victoria Island: Studio apartments in Victoria Island
• All Lagos rentals: Browse all rentals in Lagos
• Short-term stays: Lagos shortlets on PropertyPro

For a complete first-time renter guide covering what to expect inside a Lagos studio, furnishing costs, and negotiation tips, see PropertyPro’s studio apartment guide for first-time renters. You can also compare unit types with our guide on the differences between a mini-flat and a studio apartment.

What to Check Before Renting a Studio in Lagos

Renting a studio in Lagos requires the same due diligence as any rental, but compact units come with specific risks worth checking:

Water and power supply. Many budget studios in Ajah, Sangotedo, and Ibeju-Lekki do not include reliable water or power in the rent. Ask the landlord or agent directly about borehole availability, generator schedules, and whether utility costs are included. If the listing does not mention water and power explicitly, assume you will need your own solution — this can add ₦100,000–₦300,000 per year to your actual costs.

Drainage during rainy season. Ajah, Sangotedo, and Ibeju-Lekki are prone to flooding during heavy rains. If possible, visit the property during or immediately after rainfall to check for water damage, drainage issues, and road accessibility.

Total moving-in costs. Lagos landlords typically require one or two years’ rent upfront plus a security deposit of 5–10% of annual rent. A ₦1,000,000/year studio may actually require ₦1,100,000–₦2,100,000 on day one. Always ask for the full breakdown before viewing.

Furnishing budget. An unfurnished studio needs ₦150,000–₦300,000 for basic setup: mattress, curtains, kitchen essentials, and lighting. Factor this into your first-month budget.

Studio Apartment vs One-Bedroom: Which Should You Choose?

The price gap between a studio and a 1-bedroom in Lagos is often ₦500,000–₦1,000,000 per year. In Ajah, a studio averages ₦1,000,000 while a 1-bedroom averages ₦1,500,000–₦2,000,000. For long-term living, the extra space in a 1-bedroom — separate sleeping and living areas, often a proper kitchen — is usually worth the upgrade if you can afford it.

Studios excel for short-term stays (6–18 months), remote workers on tight budgets, or as a stepping stone while you save for a larger place. If you work from home or host guests regularly, a 1-bedroom is the better investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest area for a studio apartment in Lagos?
Ibeju-Lekki and Eleko offer the lowest rents, with studios starting from ₦350,000/year. Ajah and Sangotedo start from about ₦500,000–₦700,000/year. Browse all studio apartments in Lagos on PropertyPro.

What is the difference between a studio apartment and a self-contain in Lagos?
In Nigeria, “studio apartment” often refers to an open-plan single-room unit (Western-style, ₦3M–₦6M/year in upscale areas). A “self-contain” is one bedroom with a sitting area and attached bathroom (₦350K–₦1.5M/year). They are different price categories despite being listed together. See our guide on mini-flat vs studio differences.

How much do I need to move into a studio in Lagos?
Most landlords require 1–2 years’ rent upfront plus a 5–10% security deposit. For a ₦1,000,000/year studio in Ajah, expect to pay ₦1,100,000–₦2,100,000 on day one. Always confirm the total before committing.

Are furnished studios available in Lagos?
Yes, particularly in Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island. Furnished studios cost ₦1,000,000–₦3,000,000 more per year than unfurnished equivalents. Short-term furnished studios (shortlets) are also available from ₦25,000–₦60,000 per night on PropertyPro’s shortlet listings.

Is it safe to rent a studio alone in Lagos?
Safety depends on the estate and area, not the unit size. Choose gated estates with 24-hour security, good lighting, and verified landlords. PropertyPro verifies listing agents and landlords to reduce fraud risk — always use the platform’s verified contact details rather than arranging viewings through unofficial channels.

Finding the right studio apartment in Lagos comes down to knowing which type you need, which area fits your budget, and verifying the property before you pay. Whether you want a ₦350,000 self-contain in Ibeju-Lekki or a ₦6,000,000 open-plan studio in Lekki Phase 1, PropertyPro’s verified studio listings give you direct access to the agents who can show you the unit today.

Pricing sources: All rental price ranges are verified from live PropertyPro studio listings across Lagos as of June–July 2026, cross-referenced with PropertyPro’s published first-time renter guide. Moving-in cost estimates reflect standard Lagos landlord practices. Additional context from Nairametrics Lagos rental market reporting, 2026.