Lagos Life vs The Sims: what's different?
Isakaba's comparison points out that Lagos Life was inspired by The Sims 3 but changes the rules by making the setting the point. Rent, transport, money and nightlife all mirror city life.
The biggest difference is that it is social. Instead of a private single-player household, you share the city with other real players, which creates situations a traditional Sims save file cannot. Players also bring their own jokes and internet culture into it.
The Sims is a paid, installed game. Lagos Life is a free browser game with no download.