By Onyeche Igwe
Living in some parts of Nigeria is highly expensive, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. However, some other states have a lower cost of living.
These states provide lower housing expenses, cheaper transit and cheaper food making them perfect for individuals or families trying to live a comfortable life without spending more.
Here are 5 Cheapest states to live in Nigeria
Benue
Benue State is the cheapest state to live in Nigeria because of its relatively low cost of living when compared to other states. According to current data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), this state’s inflation rate has been below average, making it a good option for those looking for affordability.
Also, Benue, often known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is a major producer of vegetables, rice, yams, and maize, all of which help keep local food prices low. The current food inflation rate is 36.4%, which is lower than the national average and because the state has an agrarian economy, prices for agricultural commodities and basic foods are cheap and consistent.
Other necessities like housing, healthcare, and transportation are often less expensive in the state due to the lower all-item inflation rate of the state at 27.3%.
Delta
This is the second cheapest state in Nigeria due to its low cost of living, with food inflation of 37.6% and total item inflation of 28.1% as of July 2024, both lower than the national average.
The rate at which food and other general goods prices are rising in Delta State is quite slow, making it a suitable alternative for those looking for affordability. Delta is close to agricultural regions and availability of locally produced commodities has helped to stabilize food costs.
Living in Delta is less expensive than in many other parts of Nigeria due to cheap housing and transportation costs.
Borno
Despite the atrocities of the Boko Haram set in Borno State, it still ranked fourth on this list. The affordability of food in the state is a result of a strong agricultural background, which enables the residents to maintain a fair standard of living without incurring the same financial stress as those in more expensive locations.
Katsina
Katsina is an excellent choice for persons and families looking for more cheap living options in Nigeria, thanks to its lower costs of living and relative stability.
Katsina is the home town of former President Muhammadu Buhari who is also a cattle farmer.
Taraba
Taraba’s food inflation rate was 39% in July 2024has a lower cost of living than, overall many of Nigeria’s other states. The inflation rate was 29.1%. Due to these numbers, Taraba is one of the country’s more budget-friendly states.
The state’s emphasis on agriculture has helped to keep food costs low even as inflation rises in the country.
Taraba’s reduced overall cost of living makes it a better choice than many other locations for people trying to better control their living expenses.
