Most Affordable States to Live in Nigeria – March 2026

As of March 2026, Nigeria’s inflation rate has risen slightly to 15.38%, up from 15.06% in February. While this increase is marginal, it reflects the ongoing price pressures across the country. 

However, the national average can mask significant differences in the cost of living between states. Factors such as security conditions, transportation costs, local agricultural output, and market dynamics all play a role in shaping the affordability of living in each state.

In this context, some states in Nigeria have managed to maintain relatively stable inflation, providing more affordable living conditions compared to others that face higher price hikes. 

Here are the top most affordable states to live in Nigeria in March 2026, based on the lowest headline inflation rates and food inflation levels.

1. Edo State – 11.17% (Food Inflation: 19.4%)

Edo State, located in the South-South region, saw a decline in its headline inflation rate, easing to 11.17% in March 2026, down from 15.4% in February. Despite this, food inflation rose to 19.4%, highlighting the continued pressure on essential food prices. 

However, the state government’s economic strategy, including a ₦939.85 billion budget focused on infrastructure and local production, aims to alleviate these challenges. Investments in road rehabilitation and MSME support are expected to reduce transportation bottlenecks and improve local supply chains, which should help lower living costs over time.

2. Benue State – 12.22% (Food Inflation: 16.7%)

Benue, known as the “food basket of the nation,” has an overall inflation rate of 12.22% in March 2026. While the food inflation rate is slightly lower than in Edo, the state’s strong agricultural base helps keep living costs relatively affordable. The state’s government continues to focus on improving local food production, which helps to stabilize prices and reduce dependency on imported food.

3. Kogi State – 12.55% (Food Inflation: 17.1%)

Kogi has managed to keep its overall inflation rate relatively low, registering 12.55% in March 2026. However, food inflation is a concern, rising to 17.1%. Despite this, Kogi benefits from a diverse economy, with a focus on agriculture, mining, and commerce, which helps keep some living costs manageable. The state has also prioritized road infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and reduce transport costs.

4. Yobe State – 13.04% (Food Inflation: 18.2%)

Yobe, located in the northeast, recorded an inflation rate of 13.04% in March 2026. The state faces challenges with food inflation, which climbed to 18.2%. Despite these pressures, Yobe remains one of the more affordable places to live due to its lower housing costs and a relatively low cost of services. The state’s government is focusing on improving security and infrastructure, which should help stabilize costs in the long term.

5. Bauchi State – 13.29% (Food Inflation: 19.3%)

Bauchi State’s inflation rate stands at 13.29%, with food inflation at 19.3%. While food prices have risen sharply, Bauchi remains affordable compared to many southern states. The state government’s investments in agriculture and rural development are aimed at addressing food insecurity and stabilizing prices. Bauchi’s housing costs also remain relatively low, making it an affordable choice for many residents.

6. Sokoto State – 13.53% (Food Inflation: 17.8%)

Sokoto, in the northwest, recorded a headline inflation rate of 13.53% in March 2026. While food inflation remains a challenge, the state’s relatively low living costs, particularly in terms of housing, make it a more affordable place to live. Sokoto’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, and the state government continues to promote initiatives that support local food production, which should help ease inflationary pressures.

7. Jigawa State – 13.74% (Food Inflation: 18.5%)

Jigawa State’s inflation rate is slightly higher than Sokoto’s at 13.74%, with food inflation rising to 18.5%. Despite this, Jigawa remains one of the more affordable states in the northern region. The government’s investments in agriculture and infrastructure aim to reduce transportation costs and improve the flow of goods, which should help mitigate inflationary pressures over time.

8. Gombe State – 13.85% (Food Inflation: 17.6%)

Gombe’s headline inflation rate in March 2026 was 13.85%, with food inflation at 17.6%. Despite facing higher food costs, Gombe remains a relatively affordable place to live due to its low housing costs and the state’s emphasis on local economic development. The state government continues to focus on agricultural initiatives to increase food production and reduce price volatility.

9. Taraba State – 14.02% (Food Inflation: 18.9%)

Taraba recorded a headline inflation rate of 14.02% in March 2026, with food inflation at 18.9%. The state’s relatively low cost of living, particularly for housing and services, makes it an affordable place to reside. Taraba’s government is focused on enhancing its agricultural output and improving infrastructure to stabilize prices and reduce costs for residents.

10. Katsina State – 14.13% (Food Inflation: 19.0%)

Katsina State, located in the northwest, recorded an inflation rate of 14.13% in March 2026. While food inflation is a concern, the state’s overall living costs remain lower compared to many southern states. Katsina’s economy is centered around agriculture, and the government is working on projects to improve infrastructure and reduce transport costs, which should ease the pressure on household budgets.

What you should know

While inflation in Nigeria continues to rise, there are still states where the cost of living remains relatively affordable. 

The most affordable states tend to be those in the northern and middle-belt regions, where agricultural output helps to stabilize food prices and where government investments in infrastructure and local development are having a positive impact. However, the rising cost of food remains a key challenge in many parts of the country, highlighting the need for continued focus on improving supply chains and local production.