Lifestyle
The 10 Most Affordable States to Live in Nigeria
Nigeria, the West African nation, is a vast country with 36 states and a federal capital territory, which is a huge number compared to many other countries in Africa or even around the globe. Each state has its own distinct culture, climate, religion, and cost of living.
While some states have grown into luxury centers with high rent in terms of accommodation and lavish lifestyle demands, others remain calm, humble, simple, and budget friendly, offering peace, simplicity, and affordability for students, low income earners, common people and even retirees.
This article, carefully looks at the 10 most affordable states to live in Nigeria, the giant of Africa. For each state, it takes into consideration its geopolitical zone, that is, where it falls or is positioned on the map of the country to be more precise and clear. Also, the state appellation or motto, its theme, ethnic groups and religions, and lastly, the general lifestyle of the people in a certain state among the 10 we are about to find out.
10. Nasarawa State
Nasarawa, located in the North Central geopolitical zone, with its motto “Home of Solid Minerals,” is inhabited by ethnic groups like Eggon, Mada, Alago, and Hausa, practicing both Islam and Christianity, and offers a quiet, semi rural, and modest lifestyle.
Nasarawa is a state not far from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and because of this closeness, many people who cannot afford the expensive lifestyle of the country’s capital live in towns like Mararaba, Keffi, and Masaka. Life in Nasarawa is relatively cheap and affordable. Rent in Keffi for a self contained apartment is reported to be around N60,000 to N80,000 per year, numbers that almost sound unrealistic taking into consideration the current situation and global inflation. Food is also cheap because of farming activities. The people live calmly, and things like transport and market items are also very affordable. It is a good option for anyone who wants to stay close to the city without paying the actual city bills.
9. Zamfara State
Zamfara, found in the North West geopolitical zone, proudly bearing the motto “Farming is Our Pride,” is home to Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, predominantly Muslim, and features a traditional, quiet, and religious lifestyle.
Zamfara is one of the most affordable states in the North Western part of Nigeria. The cost of food items is extremely low because farming is widespread. Just remember their motto, “Farming is Our Pride,” which means they took passion and pride in farming. Things like millet, maize, groundnut, and tomatoes are locally produced. House rent is also very low, especially in Gusau, the capital city; just see the irony here. However, due to security issues in the state, especially kidnapping activities among other disturbing facts concerning real insecurity, some people hesitate to move there, but should safety improve, Zamfara is a place where one can live well on a small budget. The people are deeply religious and live modestly; luxuries, outings, or partying are not popular or on display in such a place.
8. Ekiti State
Ekiti, located in the South West geopolitical zone, is known as the “Fountain of Knowledge,” with a dominant Yoruba ethnic group, mostly Christians with a minority of Muslims, and offers an educational, calm, and quiet lifestyle.
Ekiti is known for education and has a lot of professors and teachers. The motto even reads “Fountain of Knowledge.” The capital, Ado Ekiti, is not crowded and also not expensive. Rent is quite low and also very affordable when compared to nearby states like Lagos or Ogun, two of the most expensive states to live in Nigeria. Food is also cheap as many residents farm vegetables, yam, cassava, and maize. The people are simple and respectful, and there are not many unnecessary expenses or social pressures. Mind you, here in Ekiti you are dealing with college men and women, school boys and girls. They are good with the books, not flexing.
7. Bauchi State
Bauchi, a North Eastern state, with the motto “Pearl of Tourism,” is home to Hausa, Fulani, Sayawa, and Jarawa ethnic groups, mostly Muslims with Christians in some parts, offering a quiet, cultural, and community oriented lifestyle.
North Eastern state, Bauchi has one of the cheapest living standards in the region. Bauchi town, the state capital, offers low housing rent and affordable food even in respected areas. Local dishes such as tuwo, masa, and beans are widely available at very low prices. Bauchi is a home to traditional foods; they are quite synonymous as such, at least among the northern states. Transport exercises or activities within the town are very cheap. The people are modest, friendly, and deeply cultural. Ceremonial events are necessary everywhere, but Bauchi is not one of those places that celebrate loud and lavishly. Nightlife is not strong here; the quietness and cultural stability make it a safe place to raise a family.
6. Cross River State
Cross River State, located in the South South geopolitical zone, bears the motto “The People’s Paradise,” with ethnic groups like Efik, Ejagham, and Bekwara, predominantly Christian, and offers a calm, colorful, and cultural lifestyle.
Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, is popular for tourism and beauty. However, aside from the tourist areas, the state is actually very affordable. Rent in Calabar is cheaper than in most southern cities. Food prices are stable because the state has rich soil and agriculture, two of the strongest assets to tackle high cost of living. The people are very hospitable, and the state enjoys a peaceful atmosphere. Lifestyle is relaxed; they do it in style but certainly not materialistic. Most locals engage in farming, fishing, and trading. Calabar is highly recommendable for both tourist activities and simple style and low cost of living.
5. Taraba State
Taraba, a North Eastern State, with the motto “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” is inhabited by Jukun, Mumuye, Wurkun, and Fulani ethnic groups, practicing Islam and Christianity, and features a mountain based, natural, and quiet lifestyle.
Taraba, a North Eastern State, is full of natural beauty and fertile land. The rent in towns like Jalingo, its capital, is considerably low. Just a one bedroom flat can be found between N30,000 and N50,000 yearly; just analyze the price and tell me if that is not wonderful. Mambila is also known for its friendly and conducive weather conditions. The people are kind and live simple lives. Farming is the main occupation, so fresh produce is always available. The state has little or no social pressure to impress others. You can live quietly with your family and mind your business. Transport within the town is mostly by bike, and it is cheap.
4. Niger State
Niger State, located in the North Central geopolitical zone, with the motto “The Power State,” is home to Nupe, Byagi, Hausa, and Fulani ethnic groups, practicing Islam and Christianity, and offers a spacious, natural, and community based lifestyle.
The home to Kainji and Shiroro dams, the state of power, and that is Niger, the largest state in Nigeria, mind me, by landmass. Minna, the capital city, is well spaced and peaceful. The cost of living is low. Food items are cheap because the state is highly agrarian, meaning they engage in serious farming activities. Accommodation or house rent is also affordable, and the roads are not overcrowded compared to other major cities in the northern region. Their residential style of living is mostly extended, meaning they live in large compounds with parts for every nuclear family, and they also respect traditions. Here tradition speaks louder than luxury or display of material gain, so you do not need to worry about unnecessary show off.
3. Benue State
Benue State, located in the North Central geopolitical zone, proudly known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is home to Tiv, Idoma, and Igede ethnic groups, predominantly Christians, and features a farming centered, lively, and traditional lifestyle.
At No. 3 is Benue State, the food basket of the whole nation; that alone speaks volume, as far as farming is concerned in Nigeria, Benue is always among the frontrunners. It is rich in agriculture and truly deserves its motto. Things like yam, oranges, tomatoes, and pepper are abundant and cheap. It is a fact that, the lower the demand, the lower the price, as the economist will give you details. So, in Makurdi, the capital, and other major cities and towns, foodstuffs are very abundant, and abundance is all that a farmer craves for. Rent is very low in towns like Makurdi and Otukpo. University students and civil servants live comfortably on small salaries. Although the state has had some security issues in villages and clashes between Fulani herdsmen and natives, major towns remain affordable and safe. The people love music, cultural events, and are known for generosity. There is a balance of enjoyment and simplicity.
2. Yobe State
Yobe State, located in the North East geopolitical zone, with the motto “Pride of the Sahel,” is home to Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa ethnic groups, predominantly Muslim, and features a desert based, simple, and reserved lifestyle.
At No. 2 is the “Pride of the Sahel,” Yobe State. It is very affordable because of its low population density and low demand for luxury; this is simple. In Damaturu, the capital city, you can rent a flat for as low as N40,000 in some parts. Just imagine. Food is cheap and traditional, and while security remains a challenge to this day thanks to the infamous Boko Haram among other trials, daily living is very cost effective. The people in Damaturu are relatively kind, generous, and religious; yes, they are conservative. Those who desire to live without distraction or high spending will enjoy it big time in Yobe.
1. Kogi State
Kogi State, located in the North Central geopolitical zone, with the motto “The Confluence State,” is home to Ebira, Igala, and Okun (Yoruba) ethnic groups, with Christians and Muslims almost equally represented, and offers a river based, mixed culture, and affordable lifestyle.
The confluence state where River Niger and River Benue meet is Kogi State, taking the top spot as the most affordable state to live in Nigeria. Towns like Lokoja, Okene, and Anyigba offer a peaceful environment, fresh food, and low housing cost. There is a rich mix of tribes and religions which coexist peacefully, which is another very beautiful and wonderful fact; it is rare to see religious, ethnic, or civil crisis within or around Kogi State. The River Niger and River Benue meet here, making water transportation and fishing part of life, another huge advantage. The people here are cool, family oriented, and not materialistic. You can live freely without much pressure.
