Top 10 most affordable states to live in Nigeria in September 2025 

In September 2025, the cost of living varied significantly across Nigerian states, with some regions proving far more affordable than others.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 18.02% during the month, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Several states recorded inflation rates below the national average, reflecting a slower pace of price increases and greater affordability for residents.

Since March, inflation has been on a steady decline nationwide. However, while some states have benefited from this trend, others continue to struggle with elevated living costs.

The affordability ranking for September is based on headline inflation rates, which measure the year-on-year change in the prices of essential goods and services. States with lower inflation rates typically face less pressure on household budgets and enjoy a more stable cost of living.

Below is the list of the 10 most affordable states to live in Nigeria for September 2025.

Jigawa -16.3% 

At number 10 is Jigawa State, located in North-West Nigeria. The state recorded an annual inflation rate of 16.3% in September 2025, marking a sharp decline from 23.1% in August.

According to the NBS, Jigawa also posted a food inflation rate of 12.1% in September, down from 23.3% in the previous month.

The notable drop in inflation has been largely attributed to recent government interventions, particularly the Workers’ Agricultural Support Programme, which Governor Umar Namadi said has benefited 8,828 civil servants and public officials.

In addition, the state has rolled out several agricultural initiatives—including the Wheat Production Scheme, Rice Millionaire Project, and Special Agro-Processing Zones—aimed at strengthening food production, enhancing value chains, and improving overall food security.

Akwa Ibom-16.3%

A slightly more affordable state than Jigawa is Akwa Ibom State. The state recorded an annual inflation rate of 16.3% in September 2025. This represents a reduction from 20.7% recorded in August.

According to data from NBS, the state’s food inflation stood at 9% in September, which is a massive decline from 29.9% in August.

It should be recalled that, in April, the Governor of the state, Umo Eno, inaugurated an 8–man Agriculture and Food Security Committee to drive food revolution in the State, by reviewing the State’s food policies, and working closely with small holder farmers.

Also, in September, the state executive council proposed a supplementary budget bill of N695 billion.

The government said the supplementary budget will provide for the new minimum wage and personnel emoluments.

“It will also address flood and erosion control, complete inflation-affected projects, and fund new infrastructure construction across the state,” the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, had said. 

The government also noted that the budget will fund Ibom CNG Mass Transit buses to improve public transport.

Imo-15.80%

Imo state in the South-East reported an annual inflation rate of 15.8% in September 2025. The NBS data shows that this is a reduction from 18.3% recorded in August.

The data further shows that the state’s annual food inflation stood at 12.4% in September, down from 24.3% in August.

In February, Nairametrics reported that Imo state had emerged as the most expensive state to live in Nigeria following the rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the NBS.

This improvement could be attributed to the relatively improved security situation in the state in recent months.

Also, the state has maintained relative affordability despite being a growing economic hub, with controlled housing costs and access to local markets cushioning residents against the effects of inflation.

Ebonyi -14.8%

Also located in the South-East is Ebonyi.  According to the NBS, the state reported an annual inflation rate of 14.8% in September 2025. This is a reduction from 21.2% in August.

Also, food inflation stood at 16.4% in September, an increase from 15.8% in August.

Despite the state’s enormous agricultural strength, prices are still affected by transport and distribution inefficiencies.

There have been no recent reports of activities by the state government to tackle inflation.

Bayelsa -14.8% 

Alongside Ebonyi, Bayelsa recorded an annual inflation rate of 14.8% in September.  This is a reduction from 23.8% in August.

The NBS data shows that the food inflation rate was 21.9% in September, up from 13.4% in August.

Despite being a key producer of plantain, cassava, yams, rice, garden egg, pepper, banana, and cocoyam, the state’s supply chains and high dependency on food imports from other regions could be contributing to this steep rise.

Sokoto -14%

Sokoto state recorded a 14% annual inflation rate in September 2025. The NBS data shows that this is a significant decline from 22.5% recorded in August.

Also, the food inflation rate stood at 13% in September, which is a significant increase from 6.3% reported in August.

Aside from reports that the state government reclassified the early June salary payment as a three-month loan to assist civil servants with Sallah expenses and curb inflation, there has been no further update on the government’s subsequent actions.

Enugu -12.4%

Enugu state in Eastern Nigeria recorded a 12.4% inflation rate in September 2025. NBS reports that this is a decline from 14.2% recorded in August.

The state also recorded a 19.4% food inflation rate for the month under review, down from 26.9% in August.

The drop in core inflation was largely driven by non-food categories. The completion of the Ninth Mile bypass upgrade reduced intercity transport fares, while a state-backed rent relief initiative for civil servants eased housing costs. But local tomato blight outbreaks and supply delays from northern states pushed food prices higher, leaving households grappling with more expensive daily meals despite the overall inflation relief.

It should be recalled that, in August, the Enugu State Government launched the distribution of 40,000 bags of fertiliser and other agro-inputs to registered farmers across the state.

In April, Nairametrics reported that Enugu topped the list of states with the highest cost of living, recording a 36.0% annual inflation rate.

Bauchi -12.4% 

Bauchi moved from 5th position in August to 3rd in September in the list of the most affordable states to live in Nigeria.

The state recorded a 12.4% annual inflation rate in the month under review. This is down from the 15.3% reported in August.

The NBS data shows that the state’s food inflation stood at 2.8% in September, which is a significant reduction from the 11.7% recorded in August.

These declines reflect stronger agricultural supply and lower transport costs.

Also, the state has been forthcoming in the release of state grain reserves, which has largely helped stabilize staple prices.

The repairs on the Bauchi–Jos expressway have eased freight delays in recent times. Additional support came from increased sales by community farming cooperatives and the distribution of subsidized fertilizer, both of which boosted affordability across food and non-food categories.

Earlier in June, Nairametrics reported that the Bauchi State Government approved a N45 billion upgrade of its state-owned fertilizer blending plant. The upgrade aims to expand production capacity to 45 tonnes per hour, ensuring greater availability of fertilizer for farmers ahead of the 2025 cropping season.

To further encourage agricultural participation, the state government has also introduced an incentive for civil servants.

Niger -11.8% 

Niger state in the North-Central geo-political zone recorded an annual inflation rate of 11.8% in September 2025. This is a significant reduction from the 25.5% the state recorded in August.

The state made the improvement despite the recent devastating flash floods that claimed over 200 lives and displaced more than 4,000 residents in Mokwa Local Government Area.

As part of adaptation measures, the Niger State Government announced immediate relief efforts. These include a N1 billion donation to support victims of the Mokwa flood and the release of N7 billion for the reconstruction of the Mokwa-Raba Road and four bridges destroyed by the disaster.

The state announced it will also distribute 10 truckloads each of rice, beans, maize, millet, and sorghum to affected communities.

Recently, the Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State announced a $100 million offtake agreement with the Saudi Export and Import Bank to supply livestock to the Middle East.

Anambra – 9.3% 

Anambra displaces Zamfara to top the list of Nigeria’s most affordable states in September 2025.

According to the NBS, the state recorded an annual inflation rate of 9.3% in September, which is a significant drop from 14.2% recorded in August.

Also, food inflation stood at 8.4% in September, which is a staggering decline from 23.4% recorded in August.

The decline may be due to the recent digitalisation of Onitsha Main Market’s payment rollout, which reduced transaction fees for non-food items, improving consumer pricing. Also, the state-funded boreholes in rural LGAs lowered household water expenses, which may have contributed to headline relief.