Top 10 Cheapest Cities to live in Nigeria

By Eniola Arowosegbe

21 January 2020

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With the increasing cost of living in Nigeria, it?s no longer news that residents are looking for cheaper and more affordable places to live in. As a matter of fact, residents of Lagos and Abuja are looking to relocate due to the high cost of living in these commercial cities. Fortunately, there are affordable cities all over Nigeria where you don?t get too spend too much while living a comfortable life.

  • Ikot Ekpene
Ikot Ekpene city image

Ikot Ekpene is the commercial hub of Akwa Ibom, one of the major oil producing states in Nigeria. Known as the ?Raffia city?, Ikot Ekpene has well developed road networks which connects to neighbouring cities like Uyo, Calabar, Aba, Onitsha, Port Harcourt and Umuahia. Ikot Ekpene?s commercial activities revolve around the export of palm products.

Housing is really affordable as you can rent a three-bedroom flat for as low as 200,000 naira. The average price for hotel booking is about 10,000 naira. Transportation is also cheap as there is an efficient public transportation system that is very accessible. With several markets which include the Obo Annang International Market and the Ikot Ekpene Main Market, Feeding comes cheap.

  • Ibadan
Ibadan city image

Ibadan is fast growing to be the centre of commerce in Nigeria. Ibadan is one of the best places to live in Nigeria as it is very affordable. With various developmental projects going on in the state as well as the influx of organizations into the state, sooner than later Ibadan will be fully adapted to modernization.

A piece of land in Ibadan can go for as low as 100,000 naira and the average rent price in Ibadan is within the range of 200,000-300,000 naira. Hotel booking ranges from 3,000 naira to 13,000 naira. Transportation in Ibadan is also very affordable as the minimum price for moving around anywhere within the city is 30 naira and the maximum price is 100 naira. With numerous popular markets like Bodija, Gbagi and Dugbe among others, shopping is relatively cheap in Ibadan.

  • Aba
Aba city image

Aba is the business hub of Abia state. The city is divided into two local governments areas namely; Aba South and North. Aba South being the main city, the capital of commercial activities and the heartbeat of Abia State, south-east Nigeria. The city?s economy is dependent on textiles?and?Palm Oil?along with pharmaceuticals, plastics, cement, and cosmetics which made the?Ariaria International Market?become the largest market in West Africa.

The city is surrounded by oil wells which separate it from the city of Port Harcourt. Also, there?s a brewery, a glass company, and distillery within the city. Aba is most famous for its neat handicraft products as most people here are artisans trading in the region. Aba is an industrial region which attracts various investors due to its robust economy hence doing business here is favorable.

Housing in Aba is very affordable, a three bedroom flat goes for about 300,000 naira. Moving around in Aba costs within the range of 50 naira to 100 naira. With numerous markets and farms scattered all around the city, feeding comes in very cheap.

  • Ikom
Ikom bridge

Ikom is a small city located in Cross River. With lots of tourist attractions, Ikom is a buzzing city with a good economy. The city is gradually developing to become the centre of commercial activities.

Housing is really cheap and the environment is serene. Also, fresh foods are abundant which makes feeding cheap and public transportation is very affordable.

  • Ilorin

Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state. Blessed with beautiful tourist attractions, standard educational centres and buzzing industrial activities, Ilorin can be regarded as one of the major cities in Nigeria. Due to the boundless opportunities available, businesses are thriving and the city?s economy is booming.

Accommodation is very affordable, the average price of rent for a three bedroom flat is about 250,000 naira to 350, 000 naira. the public transportation system is cheap and efficient, moving around in Ilorin ranges from 50 naira to 200 naira. Due to the central location of Ilorin as it is both close to the north and the south, shopping is relatively cheap.

  • Onitsha
Onitsha GRA

Onitsha, one of the most popular cities in the east, located in Anambra state. The buzzing city is known for its River port and huge commercial activities.

Onitsha has low cost housing which makes it attractive. The average cost of transport in Onitsha ranges from 100 naira to 200 naira. Being the home to one of the largest markets in West Africa, the famous Onitsha main market, shopping for basic needs is relatively cheap.

  • Ile Ife
Ile-Ife landmark image

Ile Ife is a historical site in southwestern Nigeria located in Osun state. The city is most famous for its renowned educational centre known as the Obafemi Awolowo University and a Natural History Museum.

Accommodation in Ife is in the range of 300, 000 naira. Transportation within Ife is also very cheap with the lowest price being 50 naira and highest is 200 naira. There are various markets in Ife and the very popular ones are Oja Titun, Odo-gbe, Lagere, and Mayfair market.

  • Kaduna
Kaduna city image

Kaduna is the capital city of Kaduna state located on the high plains in northern Nigeria. Notably known as the crocodile city, it remains one of the buzzing cities in the north. Trade and commerce are the major contributors to the city?s growing economy.

Kaduna has a good transportation network, moving around is within the range of 100 naira to 250 naira. Accommodation is also very affordable. Due to agriculture being the mainstay of the city, foodstuffs are very cheap in Kaduna.

  • Owerri
Owerri landmark image

Owerri is the capital of Imo state, most famous for its numerous number of hotels, casinos, bars, restaurant and leisure centres. Although Owerri doesn?t have industries of its own, the hospitality industry is really booming as it is the centre of relaxation for most business men in the east.

Owerri has very good road networks and a cheap well organized transportation system. Accommodation is also very affordable. Hotels go for as low s 10,000 naira. Feeding is also affordable as there are farms available.

  • Abeokuta

Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun state located in southwestern Nigeria.  The city lies below the famous Olumo Rock which serves as a national monument for the locals as the rock was believed to be the refuge that saved their forefathers from wars and slavery. Abeokuta is home to notable industries and manufacturing centres.

Transportation in Abeokuta lies within the range of 50 naira to 200 naira. Housing is very affordable and foodstuffs are very cheap.

Did we miss any of the top ten cheapest cities to live in on your list? If yes, then let us know in the comment section, your top ten most affordable cities to live in Nigeria.

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