Surviving Skyrocketing Rents: How Young Nigerian Couples Are Coping

Rising rents and extra charges are testing young couples across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu. From salaries stretched thin to landlords demanding one or two years’ rent upfront, many newlyweds now face unstable income, sudden hikes and constant eviction fears. Instead of chasing luxury, couples are quietly downsizing to self-contained flats, mini-flats or shared compounds. They pool incomes, split bills and launch side hustles—online stores, food ventures, ride-hailing gigs—to stay afloat. Some even move back home temporarily or delay big milestones like childbirth and traditional weddings. Remote work and strong friendships are offering new relief. Couples relocate to affordable towns or share trusted referrals, trading social media pressure for peace of mind. Open communication and teamwork have become survival tools, helping partners adjust expectations and build stability step by step. Despite the challenges, many young Nigerians now value financial peace over appearances. Their story shows that a solid partnership and creative strategies can beat the rent crisis one small step at a time.

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