By Sakariyah Ridwanullah
While a good number of Nigerians think about how to Japa to another country in search of greener pasture, some are busy researching the most affordable states to live in Nigeria, where life is cheaper than their current destinations. So as you’re thinking of settling down in a particular state, confirm which of the states you can afford to live in. With inflation biting hard across the country, rent and food prices have become a daily struggle. But not every state burns holes in people’s pockets. Given the verified data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index for August 2025, reported by The Nation Newspaper, Nairametrics, and Intelpoint, some states still enjoy slower price increases, and that fact makes them the most affordable. In this report are the top ten most affordable states to live in Nigeria.
Zamfara: 11.8% Headline Inflation; 3.3% Food Inflation
Zamfara State ranks as Nigeria’s most affordable state to live in as of August 2025. The Nations in a publication stated that the state’s low inflation is driven by improved food supply, fertilizer support, and security gains that have encouraged steady farming. Local grain reserves and revived markets have stabilized food costs, while the costs of transportation remain moderate compared to most parts of the Northwest. In Gusau and Kaura Namoda, basic food items like millet and maize are still cheaper than in neighbouring Sokoto or Kebbi. With headline inflation at just 11.8%, Zamfara has maintained price stability in a country that’s still battling over 30% national inflation. Meanwhile, the strong agricultural productivity and local consumption patterns are what keep living costs grounded for average households.
Anambra: 14.2% Headline; 23.4% Food Inflation
In the Southeast, Ana bra stands out as one of Nigeria’s most cost-efficient states. Though food inflation is moderately high, headline inflation remains below the national average due to steady improvements in housing, transport, and digital infrastructure. Nairametrics reported that local governments have invested in community boreholes and alternative transport routes, easing the burden of utility costs. Rent in Awka or Onitsha is still cheaper than in Enugu or Port Harcourt. In Anambra, one can eat well and do business without pressure. Anambra’s cost advantage comes from its digital payment systems and active SME sector, which improve efficiency and reduce middlemen costs. Residents credit Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s small-scale tax reforms for helping them maintain affordability. With a 14.2% inflation rate, the state remains among Nigeria’s most livable and stable states in Nigeria.
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Enugu: 14.2% Headline; 26.9% Food Inflation
Another yet affordable state to live in Nigeria is Enugu. In Enugu, prices rise more slowly than in most Southeastern states. According to a report by Intelpoint, Enugu State is undertaking agricultural revitalization efforts, including a 1000-hectare program and farm estates. Intelpoint data for May 2025 shows Enugu’s food inflation rate at 14.02%, while transport and rent remain relatively low. Recent rental listings and property market analyses from Realinkr (2025) and Vetraproperty revealed that Enugu is one of the more affordable urban centres in southeastern Nigeria, even though average rents vary widely by location. In areas such as Abakpa, Emene, and New Haven, mini flats or self-contained apartments typically range between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000 per year, while more central neighbourhoods like Independence Layout and G.R.A. attract higher rates of up to ₦400,000 annually. Local agro-projects and market linkages have helped cushion rural communities against shocks. Places like Nsukka and Awgu are considered areas with accessible prices for food and shelter. The Nation (2025) attributed Enugu’s cost stability to government farm programs and consistent electricity supply in urban centres. Despite the development and growth, the city’s living standards are but reasonable for civil servants, teachers, and middle-income families.
Lagos: 14.7% Headline; 23% Food Inflation
It might sound surprising, but truth be told, Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling megacity, ranks among the top ten cheapest states to live by inflation rate. Although Lagos is one of Nigeria’s most expensive states, it is still considered one of the states with the lowest inflation pace. This means that while absolute prices are very high, the rate at which prices are increasing is slower than in other parts of the country. As Nairametrics noted in 2025, government transport reforms and affordable housing projects have helped slow price increases in specific sectors. Initiatives like the expansion of ferry routes, upgrades to the BRT system, and rent-to-own schemes offer some relief for low-income earners. According to a report from The Nation (2025), Lagos’s inflation rate stood at 14.7%, largely due to efficient logistics, port reforms, and increased agricultural supply from the Southwest. Yet, the city’s cost of living varies sharply between mainland and island zones. For instance, places like Ikorodu and Epe offer relief to budget earners. Despite traffic and rent challenges, Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic hub with pockets of affordability that balance its high pace.
Bauchi: 15.3% Headline; 11.7% Food Inflation
Next is Bauchi State. Bauchi is a region that continues to stand out for its remarkable affordability and government-backed agricultural resilience. A report from The Nation (2025) confirmed that Bauchi recorded a headline inflation rate of 15.3% and a food inflation rate of 11.7%, both among the lowest in Nigeria. These figures are largely credited to the state’s investment in agriculture, particularly in grain storage, fertilizer subsidies, and rural road connectivity. The NBS Consumer Price Index Report (2025) similarly highlights Bauchi’s success in maintaining moderate inflation levels despite nationwide cost surges. In Bauchi metropolis, staple food prices are considerably cheaper. Here, a 25kg bag of rice costs several thousands of naira less than in Abuja, and local grains are abundant throughout the year. In places like Yelwa, Tirwun, and a cocktail of others, annual house rent is relatively affordable, depending on the standard of your desired apartments. For individuals like teachers, civil servants, and traders seeking an inexpensive yet organized city, Bauchi offers a sustainable balance between income and daily living costs. Its agricultural self-reliance and community-based cooperatives make it one of the most stable states for low-cost living in Nigeria.
Nasarawa: 16.3% Headline; 13.7% Food Inflation
Just next to Abuja, Nasarawa provides a practical and affordable alternative for workers priced out of the Federal Capital Territory. The Nation (2025) reported that the state’s headline inflation rate stands at 16.3%, with food inflation at 13.7%, a reflection of its relatively stable economy. This stability is supported by consistent agricultural output from Lafia and Keffi, and ongoing road rehabilitation projects that enhance the movement of goods. The report also noted that proximity to Abuja markets gives the state a price advantage; residents can access quality goods and services without paying the high premiums as common in the FCT. One of Nasarawa’s biggest draws is the housing affordability; places like Keffi, Mararaba and the like offer pocket-friendly housing, less expensive than equivalent housing in Abuja. Local traders also benefit from levy suspensions introduced earlier in 2025, which help cushion small businesses. With improved infrastructure under the urban renewal project and affordable living conditions, Nasarawa continues to attract civil servants, artisans, and new settlers seeking comfort on a modest budget.
Adamawa: 17.2% Headline; 11.9% Food Inflation
And here comes Adamawa, the “Land of Beauty”. The state provides a serene and affordable haven, where the tranquil landscapes and rich agricultural yields contribute to a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle that is both captivating and economically stable. The NBS data for August 2025 puts the state’s headline inflation at 17.2%, far below the national average. In the same vein, Nairametrics attributed this to strong agricultural productivity and cross-border trade with Cameroon. In Yola, food items such as grains, beans, and vegetables remain among the cheapest in Northern Nigeria. While transport costs have slightly increased, the availability of fresh produce keeps daily living affordable. Residents also credit state-backed irrigation schemes for ensuring consistent food supply through dry and wet seasons. The balance of food security and relatively low rent makes Adamawa a top choice for civil servants and business people alike.
Taraba: 17.5% Headline Inflation; 16.5% Food Inflation
Taraba State sits on Nigeria’s affordability list with headline inflation of 17.5% as of August 2025, and this makes it cheaper than many North Central states. Nairametrics data confirmed Taraba’s ranking among the top 10 most affordable states for that month (August). While these figures reflect general price pressures, food inflation in Taraba is much higher, driven by disrupted markets and logistic challenges. Taraba’s relative affordability owes much to its rural markets recovering after prior disruptions, and a modest performance in non-food inflation compared to some states. For many residents, farmers, local traders, families in smaller towns, Taraba offers cost relief, especially in housing and non-food essentials, even though food price volatility remains a concern.
Ondo: 17.6% Headline Inflation; 23.4% Food Inflation
One of Southwest Nigeria’s calm yet economically balanced regions is Ondo state, where affordability and steady development prevail. From Akure’s expanding cityscape to Owo’s agricultural communities, Ondo blends urban growth with rural self-sufficiency. Based on a 2025 report from Nairametrics, Ondo’s headline inflation rate of 17.6% remains below the national average, and that points at a moderate price environment compared to neighbouring Ekiti and Osun, where higher logistics costs have pushed living expenses upward. However, Food inflation still sits at 23.4%, driven largely by late harvests and supply chain delays. In spite of this, local markets are vibrant, with farmers’ cooperatives ensuring food supply stability. In Akure, residents enjoy modest housing costs, while the costs of transportation are kept reasonable through ongoing road repairs and tariff adjustments. Ondo’s growing reputation for cleanliness, relative safety, and community-driven markets makes it one of Nigeria’s most livable and cost-friendly states.
Yobe: 18.1% Headline; 3.6% Food Inflation
Yobe, Pride of the Sahel wraps up the list. The state is considered unique in the affordability list. Nairametrics (August 2025) placed Yobe’s headline inflation at 18.1%, ranking it among states where price increases are slower in essential goods and services. Yobe was declared by NBS as one of the most affordable states in July 2025 due to food price moderation and agricultural programs that boosted market supply. Community farming initiatives and increased productivity in parts of the state contributed to this trend. To many people in Damaturu, Potiskum, and surrounding areas, these shifts mean purchasing food staples has eased slightly, although non-food and utilities still pose cost challenges.
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On a concluding note, Nigeria’s national inflation as of August 2025 remains above 30%, as driven by currency devaluation and energy costs. Despite this, the ten states mentioned reveal that affordability is possible through strong agriculture, targeted subsidies, and improved governance. With these facts and figures, these regions still prove that you don’t need to Japa to any white country before you live decently. All you need is to find the right state to call a home.
