10 Nigerian States with the Highest Cost of Living in April 2025

Despite a slight drop in national inflation, many Nigerians are still battling steep prices in their states which has resulted to a high cost of living. April 2025 brought a small glimmer of relief as Nigeria’s national inflation rate dipped to 23.7%, down from 24.2% in March.

Food inflation also eased to 21.3% year-on-year,  a notable drop compared to the previous year’s sky-high rates. But behind these encouraging national averages, many Nigerians are still facing intense cost pressures, especially depending on where they live.

Urban areas continue to feel the pinch more than rural ones, and a closer look at state-level inflation data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals how uneven the cost of living has become across the country. 

For many residents, basic expenses like food, housing, and transportation remain out of reach.

Here are the 10 most expensive states to live in Nigeria as of April 2025 ranked by headline inflation, and reflecting the real struggles people are facing in their daily lives.

Enugu – 36.0%

Enugu tops the list with the highest cost of living nationwide. The state saw a 36.0% inflation rate in April, driven not just by food (24.4%) but also by a steep 12.3% monthly rise in all-item prices. With pressures mounting in housing, transport, and energy, Enugu residents are bearing some of the heaviest financial burdens in Nigeria today.

Kebbi – 35.1%

Kebbi recorded one of the few instances where food inflation (33.8%) nearly matched the overall inflation rate (35.1%). Though the monthly increases weren’t as sharp, 4.3% for food and 5.4% overall,  the consistently high prices make daily living a serious challenge, especially for low-income households.

Niger – 34.8%

Inflation in Niger State spiked in April, with all-item prices jumping 14.7% and food prices climbing 5.7%. The annual rate stood at 34.8%, showing that rising fuel costs and transport fees are likely trickling into every sector, from food stalls to household bills.

Benue – 34.3%

Benue is facing a full-blown food crisis. With food inflation hitting a shocking 51.8%,  the highest in the country, residents are struggling to afford basic meals. April alone saw a 25.6% rise in food prices. While overall inflation was 34.3%, food costs are what make Benue one of the hardest-hit states.

Ekiti – 34.0%

Inflation is surging across the board in Ekiti, where both food and overall inflation stood at 34.0%. Monthly figures show sharp jumps, 16.7% in food prices and 11.0% overall. This sudden spike suggests local supply chain issues or market instability, making everyday purchases painfully expensive.

Nasarawa – 33.3%

Residents of Nasarawa saw their cost of living spike sharply in April. Although food inflation was at 23.3%, a staggering 16.0% monthly rise in all items, including housing and fuel, points to significant recent shocks. The state’s 33.3% headline inflation places it firmly among Nigeria’s costliest.

Zamfara – 33.2%

Zamfara’s 33.2% annual inflation rate is largely driven by food, which recorded 24.0%. However, compared to other states, the month-on-month rise was more moderate, only 0.4% for food and 4.6% overall. Still, the long-term trend is up, and residents continue to feel the financial squeeze.

Abuja (FCT) – 32.9%

The Federal Capital Territory’s 32.9% inflation is driven more by non-food expenses like rent and utilities. Interestingly, food prices actually dipped slightly (-0.7%) in April, but this was not enough to offset the 9.8% monthly rise in overall costs. Life in the capital remains expensive, especially for middle- and low-income earners.

Delta – 31.9%

Delta’s inflation profile shows that it’s not just food making life tough. While food inflation was relatively low at 15.9%, other essentials like transport and housing saw significant jumps, pushing the overall rate to 31.9%. A 10.7% rise in monthly prices shows just how fast things changed in April alone.

Gombe – 31.0%

Gombe rounds out the top 10, with a 31.0% inflation rate. Food costs remain high, accounting for 26.4% of inflation, and monthly increases were steep, 9.0% overall and 5.8% for food. This suggests that despite its lower national profile, Gombe residents are feeling the pinch just as much as those in more urbanized states.