Top 10 most affordable states in Nigeria – February 2026

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly to 15.06% in February 2026, down from 15.10% in January 2026, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Although the decline is marginal, it signals a modest stabilization in overall price pressures across the country.

However, national averages do not fully reflect the reality experienced by households.

Cost-of-living conditions vary significantly from state to state due to differences in security situations, supply chains, transportation costs, agricultural output, and market dynamics. In some states, inflationary pressures remain elevated, while others are experiencing relatively lower price increases.

Based on state-level headline inflation data for February 2026, the following are the Top 10 most affordable states to live in, ranked by the lowest headline inflation rates and supported by food inflation figures, which directly impact household spending.

Edo – 15.4% (Food Inflation: 17.7%)

At number 10 is Edo State, posting a headline inflation rate of 15.4%. Although slightly above the national average, the state maintains a relatively stable price environment compared to many others. Nonetheless, food inflation at 17.7% continues to exert pressure on household budgets, especially among low-income earners.

In response to rising living costs, the Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, has introduced a N939.85 billion “Budget of Hope and Growth.”

The strategy is aimed at stimulating economic activity through increased local production, infrastructure upgrades to ease transportation bottlenecks, and targeted support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to boost employment.

The 2026 budget places a strong emphasis on capital expenditure, which accounts for 68% of total spending. Of this, N614.2 billion is allocated to the economic sector, focusing on road rehabilitation, flyover construction, and drainage projects—interventions expected to improve the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs.

Additionally, the state has rolled out the Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) to enhance the ease of doing business. The initiative prioritizes MSME development, strengthens trade regulations, and promotes the protection of local brands, all aimed at lowering operating costs and building a more resilient business environment.

Borno – 14.88% (Food Inflation: 16.1%)

Borno ranks ninth, recording a headline inflation rate of 14.88%. While this suggests a relatively moderate cost environment, food inflation remains elevated at 16.1%, underscoring persistent supply chain and distribution challenges in parts of the state.

In response, the Borno State Government, led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has intensified efforts to cushion the impact of rising prices through a mix of social intervention programmes and long-term economic strategies.

These include large-scale distribution of food palliatives, increased investment in agriculture to boost local supply, and a 2026 budget framework focused on recovery and growth.

As part of immediate relief measures, the state government commenced the distribution of food palliatives to about 300,000 vulnerable households across all 27 local government areas. The intervention, carried out around the Ramadan period, included essential staples such as rice, millet, and sugar, aimed at easing the burden of rising food costs.

On the fiscal side, the governor presented a 2026 budget initially valued at N890.33 billion, later revised to N892.4 billion. A significant portion—N537 billion—is dedicated to capital expenditure, with a focus on infrastructure development and economic expansion, measures expected to lower the cost of doing business and improve overall market efficiency in the state.

Abia – 14.68% (Food Inflation: 10.6%)

Abia stands out for maintaining one of the lower food inflation rates at 10.6%, despite a headline inflation rate of 14.68%. This balance points to relative stability in the prices of essential commodities compared to many other states.

In 2026, the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, has focused on curbing inflation and easing the cost of living through an aggressive, capital-driven fiscal strategy. Tagged the “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” the plan prioritises boosting local production, expanding infrastructure, and providing direct support to farmers.

As part of efforts to strengthen food security, the state is advancing plans to partner with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on a $200 million second tranche of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme. The initiative is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce dependence on food imports.

Governor Otti has also signed a N1.016 trillion budget for 2026, with over 80% allocated to capital expenditure. Key focus areas include road infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, and agriculture—sectors critical to lowering the cost of doing business and improving economic efficiency.

In addition, the government has earmarked over N11 billion for transportation, including the procurement of 80 customised electric buses and the completion of transport terminals. These investments are aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving mobility across the state.

Kano – 14.17% (Food Inflation: 11.8%)

As a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria, Kano records a headline inflation rate of 14.17%. Its food inflation, at 11.8%, points to a relatively controlled cost environment, supported by strong trade networks and market accessibility.

In 2026, the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has rolled out a series of measures to tackle inflation and ease the cost of living. Central to this strategy is a record N1.47 trillion budget signed into law on January 1, 2026, with a focus on infrastructure expansion, agricultural development, and fiscal discipline to stabilise prices.

The budget provides N26.36 billion for agriculture to boost food production, alongside targeted investments in rural access and community development aimed at lowering food costs and improving supply chains.

In addition, the state government has approved a new minimum wage of N71,000, a move expected to enhance workers’ purchasing power and improve overall living standards.

Bauchi – 13.60% (Food Inflation: 7.1%)

Bauchi stands out for its notably low food inflation rate of just 7.1%, making it particularly attractive in terms of food affordability. Its headline inflation of 13.60% also positions the state among the more stable economies in Nigeria.

In early 2026, the Bauchi State Government, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, rolled out several initiatives to curb inflation and ease the high cost of living. Central to these efforts is the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” complemented by targeted economic empowerment programs aimed at improving livelihoods across the state.

The Governor signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, valued at N877 billion, into law, with a strong emphasis on capital expenditure, which accounts for 65% of total spending compared to 35% for recurrent costs. This allocation is designed to drive growth in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare, with the broader goal of stimulating sustainable economic development and improving the welfare of residents.

Kaduna – 13.52% (Food Inflation: 11.6%)

Kaduna ranks fifth, with a headline inflation rate of 13.52%. Food inflation remains moderate at 11.6%, indicating relatively balanced price conditions across essential consumer goods.

In late 2025 and early 2026, the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, launched a series of initiatives to combat inflation and ease the cost of living. Central to these efforts is the “Budget of Transformation for Inclusive Development” for 2026, which emphasizes agricultural support, fiscal discipline, and direct relief measures for households.

The 2026 budget allocates 11% of total spending to agriculture and food security, building on significant investments from previous years. Key interventions include the distribution of hundreds of trucks of free fertilizer to smallholder farmers, the expansion of year-round farming programs, and the development of irrigation systems, all aimed at boosting food production and ensuring a more stable supply of essential commodities.

Zamfara – 12.29% (Food Inflation: 16.7%)

Zamfara records a headline inflation rate of 12.29%, placing it among the lower rates in the country. However, food inflation remains high at 16.7%, reflecting ongoing pressure on essential commodities despite overall price moderation.

In March 2026, the Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, directed an immediate halt to cash revenue collection across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The move aims to curb leakages, strengthen digital payment systems, and ensure greater transparency in revenue generation.

The state also launched its 2026 Ramadan food distribution program, targeting 50,000 vulnerable households with essential staples such as rice, beans, sugar, and maize, to ease the economic burden on families during the festive period.

Zamfara’s approved 2026 budget, titled the “Budget of Stability and Growth,” emphasizes capital expenditure, which accounts for 83% of the total allocation. This focus is intended to drive infrastructure development, expand agricultural productivity, and create jobs, while keeping recurrent expenditure at 17% to reduce waste and improve fiscal efficiency.

Ebonyi – 11.71% (Food Inflation: 10.3%)

Ebonyi ranks third with a headline inflation rate of 11.71%. Food inflation at 10.3% remains relatively controlled, contributing to the state’s strong affordability position.

As of early 2026, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has implemented several key measures aimed at combating inflation, reducing the cost of living, and stimulating economic growth.

To tackle skyrocketing rent and accommodation costs, Governor Nwifuru placed a total ban on house and land agents from collecting fees from residents. The governor blamed agents for artificially inflating prices by charging exorbitant commission fees (sometimes up to N500,000) for property viewings.

Imo – 11.66% (Food Inflation: 7.6%)

Imo records one of the lowest headline inflation rates nationwide at 11.66%. Its food inflation rate of 7.6% further strengthens its standing as one of the most cost-stable states during the review period.

To combat inflation and stimulate the economy in 2026, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has implemented a “Budget of Economic Breakthrough” aimed at increasing local productivity, enhancing infrastructure, and raising purchasing power. The N1.44 trillion 2026 budget, signed in January 2026, prioritizes capital projects (83.4%) over recurrent spending to drive down costs of goods and create jobs.

The 2026 budget allocates substantial funds to agriculture to increase food production by 25% and reduce post-harvest losses by 30% through agro-processing clusters.

The government is focusing on ending a “generator-based power economy” by commissioning the Orashi Electricity Company and supporting the Orashi Energy Free Trade Zone to lower energy costs for businesses.

Katsina – 7.78% (Food Inflation: 5.1%) 

Katsina emerges as the most affordable state in Nigeria for February 2026. With a headline inflation rate of just 7.78% and food inflation at 5.1%, the state demonstrates significantly lower price pressures compared to the national average. This remarkable stability positions Katsina as the most cost-friendly environment among all states reviewed.

In 2026, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has implemented a multifaceted strategy to combat inflation and reduce the cost of living, focusing heavily on agricultural investment, food security initiatives, and infrastructural development.

The 2026 “Building Your Future III” budget allocates significant resources to agriculture (N78.6 billion), aiming to increase food production and lower prices. This includes providing free fertilizers, improved seeds, and machinery to farmers.

The government established designated consumer shops for selling food items at reduced prices to civil servants and vulnerable households to alleviate high food costs.

The government allocated N7.68 billion in the 2026 budget for grain procurement to cushion households against food shortages and inflation.

The data highlights several important economic insights. Regional disparities in the cost of living remain pronounced, with many northern states ranking among the most affordable, suggesting variations in economic structure and price dynamics across the country. Food inflation continues to play a decisive role in overall affordability, reflecting the significant share of household income spent on basic food items.

States recording lower inflation rates are likely benefiting from factors such as stronger local agricultural production, more efficient supply chains, or relatively stable market conditions. However, despite the slight moderation in the national inflation rate, the persistence of double-digit price growth across many states underscores the continued pressure on households and the broader economy.