Nigeria’s cost of living varied widely across states in August 2025, with some regions offering significantly lower expenses for households and businesses.

From lower rent to cheaper food prices, these places offer a better chance to manage your budget, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or just want a break from high expenses.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), several states maintained a slower pace of price increases compared to the national average, making them more affordable destinations.

Below are the 10 most affordable Nigerian states to live in 2025

1. Zamfara – 11.8%

Zamfara became Nigeria’s most affordable state, with headline inflation dropping to 11.8% and food inflation plunging to just 3.3%. Improved food supply, security, and market access drove the gains, backed by large-scale distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs. Agriculture remains the backbone, with over 85% of residents dependent on farming.

2. Anambra – 14.2%

Headline inflation fell sharply from 20.3% to 14.2%, but food inflation rose to 23.4%. Gains came from lower non-food costs through digital payment rollouts and water boreholes, but food transport disruptions from fuel scarcity lifted grocery prices.

3. Enugu – 14.2%

Enugu saw the steepest headline inflation drop (22.5% ? 14.2%), yet food inflation surged to 26.9%. Cheaper housing and transport supported affordability, but tomato blight and supply delays spiked food costs. The state launched wide-ranging farm input programs and revived agro-industrial projects to strengthen long-term food security.

4. Lagos – 14.7%

Headline inflation fell from 21.4% to 14.7%, thanks to cheaper housing and transport. However, food inflation rose to 23% due to port delays. Ferry routes and rental incentives eased living costs, but kitchen staples became pricier.

5. Bauchi – 15.3%

Bauchi climbed to 5th position as inflation dropped to 15.3% (food inflation 11.7%). Grain reserve releases, improved roads, and farm cooperatives stabilized prices. A fertilizer plant upgrade, tractor distribution, and civil servant farming incentives further boosted agricultural support.

6. Nasarawa – 16.3%

Nasarawa posted one of the strongest turnarounds, with inflation falling from 24% to 16.3% and food inflation down to 13.7%. Better harvests, feeder road repairs, and market levy suspensions drove the gains. Federal-IFAD support added farm inputs and tricycles to boost production and distribution.

7. Adamawa – 17.2%

Adamawa slipped down the ranking as inflation rose slightly to 17.2% and food inflation to 11.9%. Seasonal fuel hikes and road repairs raised costs, though steady harvests and expanded farmer markets helped ease pressure.

8. Taraba – 17.5%

Taraba made major improvements as headline inflation dropped from 24.9% to 17.5% and food inflation from 25.5% to 16.5%. Reopened grain and yam markets, road repairs, and livestock vaccination cut costs, though farmers now face low prices for harvests.

9. Ondo – 17.6%

Ondo slipped in the ranking despite a slight headline inflation drop to 17.6%. Food inflation spiked to 23.4% due to delayed harvests and higher staple prices. Non-food relief came from tariff rebates and roadworks, but farming challenges like high input costs and poor rural roads persist.

10. Yobe – 18.1%

Yobe, July’s most affordable state, fell to 10th after headline inflation surged to 18.1%. Non-food costs rose, but food inflation dropped sharply to 3.6% thanks to strong grain harvests. Government-backed tree planting, tractor distribution, and subsidized farm transport supported agriculture, though rising fuel and utility costs drove the overall increase. (The Nation)

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