Most Expensive States in Nigeria (Cost of Living)

Nigeria is one of the biggest countries in Africa. It has 36 states, and each state has a different cost of living. Some states are cheap to live in, while others are very expensive. In the expensive states, people spend a lot of money on food, rent, transport, and other daily needs.

In this blog post, we will talk about the most expensive states in Nigeria. We will explain why the cost of living is high in these states and what makes them different from others. If you plan to live in any of these states, you will need to earn a lot of money to afford the lifestyle.

Some states have a high cost of living because they are busy cities where many people want to live. Others are expensive because they have good infrastructure, job opportunities, or attract rich people. The more people want to live in a place, the higher the cost of living in that place.

Most Expensive States in Nigeria (Cost of Living)

1. Lagos State

Lagos is the most expensive state in Nigeria. It is the business capital of the country, and many companies, banks, and industries are located there. Because of this, people from different parts of Nigeria move to Lagos to look for jobs and business opportunities. However, the high population makes the cost of living very expensive.

Rent in Lagos is very costly because there are more people looking for houses than available apartments. In places like Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ikoyi, rent for a small apartment can cost millions of naira per year. Transport is also expensive because of heavy traffic. People spend long hours in traffic and sometimes pay extra money to use motorcycles or boats to get to their destinations faster. Food is not cheap in Lagos because most of it is transported from other states, and the cost of transportation adds to the price.

2. Abuja

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and one of the most expensive states to live in. It is where government offices, embassies, and international organizations are located. Many wealthy politicians and businesspeople live in Abuja, and this makes everything expensive.

Rent in Abuja is very high, especially in places like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse. Many of the houses in these areas are built for rich people and foreigners, so they are not affordable for the average person. Basic services like healthcare, education, and entertainment also cost a lot of money. Even food prices are high because most food items are brought from other states.

3. Rivers State

Rivers State, especially its capital city Port Harcourt, is one of the most expensive places in Nigeria. The state is rich in oil, and many oil companies have their offices there. Because of the oil industry, many workers from different parts of Nigeria and other countries move to Rivers State, making the cost of living go up.

Housing in Port Harcourt is expensive because of the high demand for accommodation. Some areas like GRA, Peter Odili Road, and Trans Amadi are very costly to live in. Food is also expensive, especially in supermarkets and high-end restaurants. Transport fares are high, and traffic congestion makes movement within the city difficult.

4. Delta State

Delta State is another expensive place to live in Nigeria. It is one of the states in the Niger Delta region, and it has many oil companies and industries. Because of this, there are many job opportunities, but the cost of living is high.

House rent in cities like Warri and Asaba is not cheap, especially in areas where expatriates and oil company workers live. The price of food, transportation, and basic services is higher than in many other states. Many people move to Delta State for work, and this increases the cost of living.

5. Anambra State

Anambra State is one of the most developed states in southeastern Nigeria. The state is known for business and trade, and its cities, especially Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, are very busy. Because of the high level of business activity, the cost of living in Anambra State is higher than in many other southeastern states.

Rent in Anambra is expensive, especially in Onitsha, which is one of the biggest commercial cities in Nigeria. Transport fares are also high, and the price of goods and services is not cheap. Many people who do business in Anambra earn a lot of money, but they also spend a lot on their daily needs.

6. Ogun State

Ogun State is close to Lagos, and many people who work in Lagos live in Ogun State. Because of this, the cost of living in some parts of Ogun State, like Abeokuta, Ota, and Ifo, is high. Many housing estates have been built in Ogun State to accommodate people who cannot afford to live in Lagos.

Rent in some areas is expensive, especially in estates close to Lagos. Transport fares are also high because many people travel to Lagos every day for work. Food prices and other daily expenses are also more costly in urban areas of Ogun than in rural areas.

7. Edo State

Edo State, especially Benin City, is another expensive place to live in Nigeria. The state is home to many businesses, schools, and government offices. Many students and professionals move to Edo State, increasing the demand for housing and services.

House rent in Benin City is costly, especially in areas like GRA and Ugbowo. Transport fares are high, and food prices are not cheap. Private schools and healthcare services are also expensive compared to other states in southern Nigeria.

8. Enugu State

Enugu State is known as the “Coal City” and is one of the most developed states in the southeast. The capital, Enugu, is a busy city with good infrastructure, businesses, and schools. Many people prefer to live in Enugu because of its modern lifestyle, but it is not cheap.

Rent in Enugu is high, especially in areas like Independence Layout, New Haven, and GRA. Food prices are also high, and transport fares are more expensive than in other southeastern states. Many people in Enugu spend a lot of money on basic needs because the cost of living is high.

9. Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibom State is one of the richest states in Nigeria, and its capital, Uyo, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The state has good roads, modern buildings, and many businesses. Because of this, the cost of living is high.

House rent in Uyo is not cheap, especially in well-developed areas. Food prices are higher than in many other southern states, and transport fares are costly. Private schools and healthcare services also charge a lot of money, making the state expensive for residents.

10. Cross River State

Cross River State, especially its capital Calabar, is one of the most expensive places to live in Nigeria. Calabar is known for being clean, peaceful, and well-organized. It is also a tourist destination, with many beautiful places like the Tinapa Resort and Obudu Mountain Resort. Because of this, the cost of living in Calabar is higher than in many other states.

Rent in Calabar is not cheap, especially in good areas like State Housing, Marian Road, and Satellite Town. Food prices are also higher than in other southeastern states because the cost of transportation affects market prices. Schools, healthcare, and entertainment options in Calabar can also be expensive, especially in private institutions.

Conclusion

Nigeria has many states, but some are much more expensive than others. Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Delta, and Anambra are among the costliest states because of business opportunities, high population, and economic activities. Other states like Ogun, Edo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River also have a high cost of living due to their modern infrastructure and growing economy.

If you plan to live in any of these states, you must be financially prepared. Rent, food, transportation, and basic services are costly, so you need a good income to live comfortably. However, these states also offer more job opportunities and a better lifestyle, which makes them attractive to many people despite the high expenses.