Top 10 Most Affordable States to Live in Nigeria in September 2025: Where Your Naira Stretches Furthest
Nigeria’s economy in 2025 has been a rollercoaster, with inflation easing to 18.02% nationally in September, but costs still biting hard for many households. If you’re scouting for spots where rent, food, and daily essentials won’t drain your wallet, the northern and southwestern states dominate the affordability charts.
Drawing from the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, affordability hinges on headline inflation rates—the year-over-year rise in prices for goods and services. Lower rates mean slower price hikes, translating to more stable budgets for rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. In September 2025, several states clocked in below the national average, thanks to agricultural boosts, government subsidies, and lower urban pressures. This top 10 list spotlights those havens, focusing on states where a family of four might scrape by on ₦150,000–₦250,000 monthly, versus ₦400,000+ in pricier hubs like Lagos or Abuja.
These rankings reflect September’s trends, where food inflation—often the biggest wallet-killer—dipped in agrarian areas due to harvest seasons and initiatives like Jigawa’s Wheat Production Scheme. But remember, “affordable” is relative; fuel subsidies’ remnants and naira volatility can still spike transport costs nationwide.
1. Jigawa State
Jigawa leads the pack with a headline inflation rate of 16.3%, down sharply from 23.1% in August. Food inflation? Just 12.1%, the lowest in the nation, fueled by state programs aiding over 8,800 civil servants with agricultural support. Expect a one-bedroom apartment in Dutse for ₦150,000–₦200,000 annually, and staples like rice at ₦800/kg. Ideal for farmers or remote workers seeking quiet northern vibes.
2. Gombe State
At 16.5% inflation, Gombe’s stability stems from its role as a trade gateway in the Northeast. Local grain markets keep food costs low—bread at ₦500/loaf, tomatoes at ₦300/kg. Rent in Gombe city hovers around ₦120,000 yearly for basics, with decent roads connecting to Abuja. Public reactions on X praise its “underrated calm” for families dodging urban chaos.
3. Taraba State
Taraba’s 16.8% rate reflects Governor Kefas’ reforms: reopened yam markets and livestock vaccinations slashed food prices by 9 points. A kilo of yam? ₦400. Jalingo’s two-bedroom flats go for ₦180,000/year, and the state’s riverside appeal draws eco-tourists. Experts note its agricultural edge could keep it affordable through 2026.
4. Kwara State
Kwara clocks 17.0% inflation, blending affordability with Ilorin’s growing urban perks. Food rises at 15.8% yearly—beef at ₦2,500/kg—and monthly hikes are a tame 2.8%. Rent starts at ₦100,000 for a bedsit, making it a retiree favorite. “City life without the Lagos tax,” one local tweeted.
5. Ondo State
Ondo’s 17.3% rate, a staple in early 2025 lists, holds steady with cocoa-driven economy stabilizing prices. Akure’s markets offer garri at ₦700/kg, and beachside rents in Ore run ₦200,000 annually. Tariff rebates on power help, but delayed harvests nudged food up slightly.
6. Cross River State
With 17.1% inflation, Cross River’s tourism (think Obudu Cattle Ranch) pairs with low 14.5% food hikes. Calabar’s one-bedrooms? ₦220,000/year. Fish and veggies are bargains at ₦1,200/kg combined. Public sentiment highlights its “vibrant yet cheap” festivals as lifestyle perks.
7. Benue State
The “Food Basket” shines at 17.4%, with yam and rice abundance capping food inflation at 16%. Makurdi rents dip to ₦150,000, and transport via ferries is pocket-friendly. Despite floods, it’s a go-to for budget-conscious agronomists.
8. Ogun State
Ogun’s 17.6% rate benefits from proximity to Lagos without the premiums—think Abeokuta’s rock formations on a dime. Inflation on non-foods like housing (₦250,000 for two-beds) is steady. Commuter buses to Lagos cost ₦500, easing hybrid work lifestyles.
9. Plateau State
Jos’ cool climate and 17.7% inflation make it a highland bargain—potatoes at ₦400/kg. Rents in Bukuru? ₦180,000. Tourism boosts local crafts cheaply, though security concerns linger in reactions.
10. Yobe State
Rounding out at 18.1%, Yobe’s grain harvests trimmed food inflation to 3.6%. Damaturu’s basics: ₦120,000 rent, bread ₦450. UK-funded agri-programs promise sustained relief, per analysts.
| Rank | State | Headline Inflation (Sep 2025) | Avg. Monthly Family Cost (₦) | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jigawa | 16.3% | 180,000 | Agri subsidies |
| 2 | Gombe | 16.5% | 170,000 | Trade hub |
| 3 | Taraba | 16.8% | 190,000 | Market reopenings |
| 4 | Kwara | 17.0% | 200,000 | Urban balance |
| 5 | Ondo | 17.3% | 210,000 | Cocoa stability |
| 6 | Cross River | 17.1% | 220,000 | Tourism eats |
| 7 | Benue | 17.4% | 160,000 | Food basket |
| 8 | Ogun | 17.6% | 230,000 | Lagos access |
| 9 | Plateau | 17.7% | 195,000 | Cool climate |
| 10 | Yobe | 18.1% | 175,000 | Harvest booms |
*Estimates based on NBS CPI and Numbeo averages; varies by city size.
These states shine for budget living, but challenges like infrastructure gaps persist. Economists like those at the NBS warn that while September’s dip is welcome, global oil prices could reverse gains by year-end. For U.S. readers with Nigerian ties—remittances hit $20B in 2025—sending funds here maximizes impact. Politically, these agri-focused areas benefit from federal palliatives, easing naira crunch effects.
User searches for “cheapest states in Nigeria 2025” spike around relocations or investments, so we’ve prioritized actionable insights: Check local markets for real-time prices and factor security. As inflation cools, these spots offer a breather—grab it while harvest highs last.
By Sam Michael
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