Cost of Living in Nigeria by State (2026) — Cheapest to Most Expensive
Monthly budget, rent, food, transport and utilities costs for every Nigerian state — compared side by side. Updated July 26, 2026.
Cost of Living by State — 2026
Click any state for the full breakdown including rent by neighbourhood, food costs, transport, utilities, healthcare and education.
Full Comparison — Nigerian States Cost of Living (August 10, 2026)
| State | Single/month (min) | Single/month (max) | Family of 4 (min) | Family of 4 (max) | Cost Index | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos State | ₦120,000 | ₦350,000 | ₦280,000 | ₦800,000 |
10/10
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| FCT Abuja | ₦130,000 | ₦380,000 | ₦300,000 | ₦850,000 |
9/10
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| Rivers State | ₦90,000 | ₦250,000 | ₦210,000 | ₦600,000 |
8/10
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| Delta State | ₦70,000 | ₦200,000 | ₦160,000 | ₦450,000 |
6/10
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| Anambra State | ₦60,000 | ₦175,000 | ₦140,000 | ₦400,000 |
5/10
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| Edo State | ₦58,000 | ₦165,000 | ₦135,000 | ₦370,000 |
4/10
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| Enugu State | ₦55,000 | ₦155,000 | ₦130,000 | ₦350,000 |
4/10
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| Oyo State | ₦55,000 | ₦160,000 | ₦130,000 | ₦360,000 |
4/10
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| Kaduna State | ₦48,000 | ₦140,000 | ₦110,000 | ₦300,000 |
3/10
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| Kano State | ₦45,000 | ₦130,000 | ₦100,000 | ₦280,000 |
3/10
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Frequently Asked Questions — Cost of Living in Nigeria
Which is the cheapest state to live in Nigeria?
Kano State is one of the cheapest states to live in Nigeria, with a monthly budget of ₦45,000–₦130,000 for a single person. Other affordable states include Kano, Kaduna, and Oyo.
Which is the most expensive state to live in Nigeria?
Lagos State is Nigeria's most expensive state with a monthly cost of ₦120,000–₦350,000 for a single person, driven by high rent and transport costs.
How much does it cost to live in Nigeria per month?
The cost of living in Nigeria varies widely by state. A single person can live on ₦45,000–₦130,000 per month in affordable northern states like Kano, while Lagos and Abuja require ₦120,000–₦380,000 for a basic to comfortable lifestyle. A family of four typically needs 2–3x these amounts.
Is Nigeria expensive to live in?
Nigeria's cost of living varies enormously by location. International cities like Lagos and Abuja are expensive by African standards due to dollar-denominated rents and import dependency. However, most Nigerian states — particularly in the north — are very affordable, with monthly living costs well below ₦150,000 for a single person.
Cost of living data is based on market surveys and publicly available information. All figures are estimates for planning purposes — actual costs depend on individual circumstances. Data last reviewed: August 10, 2026. CurrentAffairs.com.ng is an independent civic information platform.