“Nobody will even lend you $50”

A US-based Nigerian man has stirred reactions online after opening up about the harsh realities of living in America, warning Nigerians not to believe everything they see about life abroad.

Speaking during an episode of the Frankly Business podcast, the man said many people believe relocating abroad guarantees a better life, without understanding the financial pressure immigrants face every month.

In his words, he said:

“Things are tough in the US, seriously tough. A bad house costs about $1,500 to $1,800 per month. They live from hand to mouth. Nobody helps anybody abroad. If you ask a friend to borrow you $50, he may not even pick your calls the next day.”

The man explained that after paying rent and other essential bills, there is often little or nothing left from a worker’s monthly salary.

He added that groceries, taxes, electricity and water bills quickly consume whatever remains, leaving many people struggling to survive despite earning in dollars.

“Before you know it, your $3,000 salary is gone. Rent, taxes, electricity, water and groceries take everything. They live from hand to mouth, and nobody helps anybody abroad,” he added.

His remarks sparked mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians agreed with his experience and urged people to stop idealising life overseas, others insisted that opportunities abroad still outweigh the challenges.

The viral video has reignited conversations about the true cost of relocating, with many saying earning in dollars does not always translate to financial comfort.

Watch the video below…

“Things are really tough in the USA,a bad house cost around $1500-1800 per month and that’s a house in the Ghetto.They live from hand to mouth. To buy a bag of groceries (bread and butter) it cost me about $80 but when you tell Nigerians not to move abroad,they’ll argue with you” pic.twitter.com/yGmy0pecQG

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) July 2, 2026