Nigeria has many cities and towns where the cost of living is low. These places offer affordable housing, cheap food, and low transportation costs. If you are searching for where your money can go far, this guide will help you understand the cheapest places to live and why they are budget-friendly.
What Makes a Place Cheap to Live In?
Cost of Housing
The biggest factor is rent. Places with low house rent are often considered cheap to live in.
Cost of Food
Areas with local markets and cheap farm produce usually have lower living costs.
Transportation
Cheaper transport fares make daily life more affordable.
Job Opportunity vs. Population
Places with fewer crowds and less commercial activity tend to have lower prices.
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Cheapest Places to Live in Nigeria
Below are some of the most affordable cities and towns in Nigeria, based on housing cost, food prices, lifestyle, and transport.
Bauchi – One of the Most Affordable States
Low Rent
Bauchi offers very cheap housing compared to major cities. You can find self-contained apartments, single rooms, and even 1-bedroom flats at very low prices.
Cheap Food
Food in Bauchi is also very affordable because a lot of the food sold in the markets is farmed locally.
Low Transport Cost
Transport fares are cheaper because the city is not too crowded and movement is easy.
Minna, Niger State – Quiet and Budget Friendly
Affordable Housing
Minna is known for friendly landlords and low rent prices.
Good for Families
The environment is calm, less stressful, and suitable for families.
Cheap Daily Expenses
Food, transportation, and basic needs are very affordable here.
Ibadan, Oyo State – Cheap and Highly Populated
Low Cost of Rent
Ibadan is one of the cheapest big cities in Nigeria. Even in the developed areas, rent is still lower than Lagos and Abuja.
Affordable Lifestyle
Food, transportation, and general living costs are cheaper compared to most major cities.
Good School Options
Families like the city because it has many schools and affordable private institutions.
Ilorin, Kwara State – Peaceful and Affordable
Low Living Cost
Ilorin has a calm environment and one of the lowest living costs in the Southwest.
Cheap Transportation
Transport fares are low because the city is not congested.
Affordable Food
Food items and market prices are very friendly.
Benin City, Edo State – Affordable for Students and Families
Cheap Rent in Many Areas
Benin has many neighborhoods that are very affordable, especially around student areas.
Good Access to Food
Food is available at cheap prices, especially local dishes and farm products.
Good for Business
It is a city where you can live affordably while running a small-scale business.
Other Very Cheap Places to Live in Nigeria
Aba, Abia State
Known for cheap accommodation and low-cost manufacturing.
Zaria, Kaduna State
A university city with low rent and cheap transport.
Osogbo, Osun State
Calm, peaceful and very affordable for families.
Makurdi, Benue State
Food prices are extremely low because it is an agricultural zone.
Cheapest Overall
Based on housing, food, transport, and general lifestyle, the top cheapest places to live in Nigeria are:
- Bauchi
- Minna
- Ibadan
- Ilorin
- Benin City
These areas offer low cost of living without compromising basic needs and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What state has the cheapest cost of living in Nigeria?
Bauchi, Minna, and Ibadan are considered some of the cheapest places because of low rent, cheap food, and affordable transportation.
Is Lagos cheap to live in?
No. Lagos is one of the most expensive cities in Nigeria due to high rent and daily expenses.
Which Nigerian city is the cheapest for students?
Cities like Benin, Zaria, and Ilorin are popular among students because of cheap rent and low school-related expenses.
Is it safe to live in the cheaper parts of Nigeria?
Many cheap cities are safe, but safety depends on the neighborhood. It is important to check the area before moving.
Why are some Nigerian cities cheaper than others?
Cities with lower population, less traffic, and strong local agriculture usually have cheaper food and rent, making living costs lower.
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