Top 10 most expensive states to live in Nigeria in October 2025 

Nigeria’s headline inflation eased to 16.05% in October 2025, down from 18.02% in September, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The moderation follows the full adoption of the new CPI base year (2024 = 100), which has significantly altered year-on-year comparisons.

Despite the softer annual figure, underlying price momentum picked up.

Month-on-month inflation rose to 0.93%, higher than 0.72% in September.

However, food inflation eased to 13.12% year-on-year from 39.16% in October 2024, a drop of 26.04 percentage points, following the change in the CPI base year. On a monthly basis, food prices rose -0.37%, an increase from -1.57% in September, indicating fresh upward pressure.

Despite signs of easing headline inflation across the country, the data from the NBS revealed that some states remain significantly costlier to live in than others.

Based on the latest CPI report for October 2025, these are the top 10 most expensive states to live in Nigeria:

Rivers (17.2%)

Rivers recorded an annual inflation rate of 17.2%, with food inflation hitting 18.0% year-on-year. Interestingly, the state saw a 3.2% drop in month-on-month food prices, suggesting short-term relief in the food market, even as all-item inflation rose by 1.2% in October. This divergence indicates that non-food items, such as transport and housing, contributed more significantly to the rising cost of living in October.

Kano (17.3%)

Kano’s cost of living rose 17.3% year-on-year, with food inflation at 14.3%. On a monthly basis, food prices increased by 2.1%, while the all-items index climbed by 2.0%.

The data suggests inflation in Kano is largely food-driven, although other factors such as transport and utility costs likely contributed to the persistent pressure.

Kaduna (17.5%)

In Kaduna, inflationary pressure remains elevated with a 17.5% all-item annual rate, while food inflation was 10.4%. Despite the high headline figure, food prices actually dropped month-on-month by 3.4%, while overall prices edged up by just 0.4%.

This indicates that October’s inflation in Kaduna was largely driven by non-food items, possibly services, transport, or energy-related costs.

Osun (17.8%)

Osun posted a 17.8% all-item inflation rate and 16.7% food inflation annually. Month-on-month, food prices rose 1.7% while the all-items index declined slightly by -0.2%.

This suggests that while food remains a primary inflationary pressure, deflation in other components—perhaps in utilities or transport—moderated the overall monthly change.

Kwara (17.9%)

Kwara’s annual inflation reached 17.9%, with food inflation at 18.7%. While food prices dropped slightly by 0.3% in October, all-item prices still rose 0.4%.

This pattern points to a broad-based cost pressure across multiple categories, with food still being a key factor despite the temporary dip.

Delta (18.3%)

Delta reported 18.3% inflation on an annual basis and 16.8% food inflation. Prices rose across the board in October: food by 1.4% and all items by 2.4%.

This indicates a resurgence in inflationary pressures, driven by both food and non-food components—possibly from increased transport and household energy costs.

Ogun (18.3%)

Tied with Delta, Ogun also had an all-item inflation rate of 18.3%, but a higher food inflation rate of 20.9%. October saw steep increases of 2.9% in food prices and 3.0% in overall prices.

These sharp spikes show that Ogun faced one of the strongest monthly surges, likely driven by high volatility in fresh produce, fuel, and utility costs.

Zamfara (18.8%)

Zamfara’s living costs rose by 18.8% year-on-year, with food inflation at 14.5%.

Prices jumped by 3.4% month-on-month for both food and all items, making it one of the most inflation-impacted states in October. This uniform rise signals widespread inflation across the consumption basket.

Nasarawa (19.0%)

Nasarawa maintained its status among the highest inflationary states with a 19.0% all-item rate and 20.0% food inflation. While food prices rose moderately by 1.8%, all-item inflation increased just 0.6% month-on-month, suggesting food remains the primary driver in this state.

High transport costs and market disruptions in the North Central region could be contributing factors.

Ekiti (20.1%)

Ekiti tops the chart as the most expensive state in Nigeria in October 2025, with headline inflation at 20.1% and food inflation at 19.7%. Month-on-month, however, food prices fell sharply by 4.8%, while the all-items index rose by 2.2%.

This unusual divergence suggests that recent spikes in housing, education, or health services offset the temporary relief in food prices.