Life in the diaspora: Counting the cost – Living expenses in the UK
By Mary Opii
When a Nigerian first steps off the plane in the UK, there is usually an unspoken belief: “If I work hard, I will make it”. While this is true in many ways, the reality of living in one of the world’s most expensive economies quickly sets in. The British pound may be stronger than the Naira, but so is the cost of living.
The appeal of earning in a foreign currency is undeniable. Many Nigerians arrive thinking about how much a pound is worth in Naira. But that excitement often fades when they see just how quickly the pound disappears.
The first shock comes not just from the weather, but from the supermarket receipt. Prices here can feel like a quiet ambush, especially when you convert them back to Naira.
When I first arrived, I would compare the price of an orange or fizzy drink by checking the Naira equivalent and would almost want to change my mind. It took a while before I stopped converting everything mentally and started thinking in pounds.
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Rent often takes the biggest share of income, especially living in big cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester. Add that to utility bills, council tax, water, transportation and groceries.
Many immigrants quickly learn the art of budgeting, meal prepping, and hunting for discounts in stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Poundland.
Eating out in the UK is a treat, not a daily habit. Even a simple lunch in a café can cost as much as a hearty dinner back in Lagos. Nigerians who enjoy cooking their native dishes often seek out African stores for ingredients, though the prices there can make you nostalgic for the market stalls back home.
Over time, the shock of UK prices fades. Instead of focusing on the conversion rate, Nigerians in the diaspora begin to focus on value, choosing what to splurge on, what to avoid, and how to stretch every pound without losing the taste of home.
Living in the UK teaches not just financial discipline, but also contentment, finding joy in simple pleasures without breaking the bank.
Part of the Nigerian identity abroad is the remittance culture, sending money home to support family and friends, or fund businesses. While this is a source of pride, it can also be a financial strain, especially when wages barely cover local expenses.
Some migrants pick up extra shifts or weekend jobs solely to keep up with family expectations back home. The irony is that while family and friends see them as “rich” abroad, many are just one missed paycheck away from financial difficulty.
Nigerians used to negotiating at markets back home find out that here, prices are fixed and rarely up for discussion.
The temptation to live above one’s means is strong, credit cards are easy to get, and “buy now, pay later” offers can lure even the disciplined into debt. For the wise, the lesson comes early: financial literacy is as important as hard work.
The truth is that, the UK offers opportunities, but it demands financial wisdom in return. Here, every pound counts. And learning to make it stretch can be the difference between thriving and barely surviving.
