Lagos
1,172 km²
Rome
1,285 km²
Nigeria
Italy
Area Comparison
Lagos is 1.1x smaller than Rome
Population Comparison
Lagos has 5.4x more people than Rome
Rome is significantly larger, covering 1.1 times the area of Lagos. Rome spans 1,285 km² (496 mi²) while Lagos covers 1,172 km² (453 mi²) — a difference of 113 km².
To put Lagos's size in perspective, its area of 1,172 km² is about 1.3x the size of Berlin. Meanwhile, Rome at 1,285 km² is about 1.2x smaller than London.
In more relatable units, Lagos's 1,172 km² is about 164,000 American football fields, 20 times the area of Manhattan, or 11 times the area of Paris. Rome works out to about 180,000 American football fields, 22 times the area of Manhattan, or 12 times the area of Paris.
Lagos, or Lagos City, is a large metropolitan port city in southwestern Nigeria. As of November 2025, the size of the city's population has been estimated to be between 17 and 21 million residents, making Lagos the largest city in Nigeria, the most populous urban area on the African continent, and one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world.
Known as "Lasgidi", Lagos covers 1,172 km² with a population of 15.4 million. The city was established in 1472. Lagos is known for Victoria Island, Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Lagos Rail (Blue & Red Lines).
Lagos is the most populous urban area on the African continent, with an estimated 17 to 21 million residents as of 2025.
Rome is the capital city and most populated comune (municipality) of Italy. It is also the administrative centre of the Lazio region and of the Metropolitan City of Rome. A special comune named Roma Capitale with a population of 2.7 million in an area of 1,287.36 km2 (497.1 mi2), Rome is the third most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. The Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, with a population of 4.2 million, is the most populous metropolitan city in Italy.
Nicknamed "The Eternal City", Rome has an area of 1,285 km² and is home to 2.9 million people. Its history stretches back to 753 BC. Visitors come for Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Rome Metro.
Rome's special comune Roma Capitale spans 1,287 km2, making it the third most populous city in the EU within city limits
Looking beyond city limits, the Rome metropolitan area covers 5,352 km², which is 2.0x larger than greater Lagos at 2,706 km². The Lagos metro area is also more populous, with 21.0 million people compared to 4.3 million.
Lagos has a population density of 13,131 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Rome, with 2,233 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Lagos is dramatically more crowded, with 5.9x the population density.
This comparison spans continents — Lagos in Africa versus Rome in Europe. Despite the geographic distance, comparing their sizes reveals surprising insights about how cities grow worldwide.
Lagos has a tropical savanna climate while Rome experiences Mediterranean conditions. Winters differ dramatically: Lagos stays around 27°C while Rome drops to 8°C.
Density Gap
Lagos is 5.9x more densely populated
History
Rome is ~2,225 years older
Lagos covers 1,172 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include San Antonio (1,209 km²), Rio de Janeiro (1,221 km²), Hong Kong (1,114 km²), Rome (1,285 km²), or Los Angeles (1,302 km²).
Rome covers 1,285 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Los Angeles (1,302 km²), Phoenix (1,341 km²), Rio de Janeiro (1,221 km²), San Antonio (1,209 km²), or Lagos (1,172 km²).
The straight-line distance from Lagos to Rome is 4,036 km (2,508 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~5h 15m.
Want to explore more? Compare city sizes for any two cities worldwide, or share your location live with friends.