Most overpriced services in Lagos ranked by young professionals

From nail bars charging premium for basic manicures to co-working spaces with hidden fees, some offerings feel more like status symbols than worthwhile investments.

Rising rents and commute costs already strain budgets, so overspending on services that underdeliver only adds to financial stress.

Below are some of the most overpriced services in Lagos as ranked by young working adults, along with insights into why the costs often outweigh the benefits and where more affordable alternatives exist.

RECOMMENDED: 5 diseases you can contract from going to the gym

Basic blow-out services at upscale salons command between ten thousand and fifteen thousand naira yet deliver results similar to home styling kits. Stylists often rush appointments and upsell treatments, turning a simple service into a costly ritual.

Investing in a quality hairdryer and learning basic techniques can cut costs by up to eighty percent without sacrificing appearance.

Monthly dues at popular fitness clubs range from twenty-five thousand to forty thousand naira. On top of that many facilities impose quarterly maintenance fees and charge extra for towel service or locker use.

Young professionals report paying fifty percent more than advertised. Community-led outdoor boot camps or budget-friendly neighborhood gyms offer comparable workouts without shock fees.

Artisanal cafés charge between six hundred and eight hundred naira per espresso-based drink and lock frequent customers into loyalty tiers requiring minimum monthly spends of twenty thousand naira.

The perceived prestige fades when smartphone-app perks seldom justify the commitment. Home-brewing methods and local blends deliver similar taste profiles at a fraction of the cost.

Express laundry and dry-cleaning startups charge up to one thousand two hundred naira per shirt and five thousand naira per suit. Many deliver clothes with lingering odors or missing buttons.

Self-service laundromats or local hand-wash providers often charge half those rates and maintain higher quality control.

EXPLORE: 7 different cornrow hairstyles you have to try out on your next salon appointment

Day-use rates of five thousand to twenty thousand naira promise Wi-Fi, conference rooms and free coffee. In practice air conditioning is unreliable, printers are scarce and seating is unreserved.

Remote access VPNs and hot-desk cafes with pay-per-hour rates as low as five hundred naira per hour provide the same flexibility with fewer surprise charges.

When traffic is light, app-based taxis increase fares by two to three times the base rate for trips starting in underserved areas. The premium feels punitive for those living outside central Lagos.

Combining public transport segments with ride-shares or booking off-peak slots avoids inflated rates and reduces overall travel expenses.

Studio-led yoga, pilates and dance classes cost between three thousand and five thousand naira per session, often requiring multi-month commitments.

Attendance caps and cancellation policies make the effective per-class cost much higher. Community park meetups and free online workout channels replicate the experience without long-term contracts.

Understanding where your money goes helps you balance lifestyle choices with financial goals. By opting for DIY methods, local alternatives and flexible pricing models you can avoid these Lagos price traps and stretch your naira further.

ALSO READ: Commuting in Lagos: Productivity tips for a 3-hour bus ride