Top 10 Most Expensive States in Nigeria 2025

Ayeni Tolulope
January 8, 2025

Topping the list of the most expensive states to live in Nigeria 2025 we find the likes of Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi and Sokoto.

When some think of the most expensive state to live in Nigeria, names like Lagos, Rivers and Ekiti surely come to mind, but this is not reality as NBS recent data proves. This is surely a reliable source and they do not use hearsay but facts to come up with their data.

Most Expensive States to Live in Nigeria 2025 According to Recent NBS Data

With a minimum wage of just N70,000 ($28), working class in Nigeria are further pushed into poverty line, and it remains to be seen what the future holds. Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive states to live in Nigeria today 2025 according to a recent NBS data.

Bauchi: For the third consecutive year, Bauchi had the highest all-item inflation rate, rising from 43.95% to 46.05% an increase of 4.78%. However, food inflation fell slightly from 35.09% to 34.35%, suggesting that other factors are the primary drivers of inflation in Bauchi.
Jigawa: Jigawa climbed the list significantly, experiencing a sharp increase in all-item inflation from 36.42% to 40.76%, an increase of 11.89%. Meanwhile, food inflation decreased from 46.05% to 42.57%, indicating that other components are driving inflation in the state.
Kebbi: Another new entry, Kebbi saw an increase in all-item inflation from 35.62% to 37.47%, a rise of 5.19%. Despite this, food inflation declined from 40.13% to 38.50%, suggesting that other factors are contributing to overall inflation in Kebbi.
Kogi: Once the most expensive state in Nigeria, Kogi has seen inflation gradually ease. The state’s all-item inflation rate dropped from 39.91% to 36.73%, a decrease of 8.69%. However, food inflation surged dramatically from 40.14% to 46.31%, indicating that food costs are still the main driver of inflation in Kogi.
Sokoto: A new addition to the list, had its all-item inflation rate jump from 34.65% to 35.93%, an increase of 3.69%. Interestingly, food inflation fell substantially from 46.25% to 41.70%, indicating that other things than food are driving inflation in Sokoto.
Abia: Held steady in sixth place, with its all-item inflation rate dropping from 37.04% to 35.90% a decrease of 3.08%. Food inflation also increased, rising from 43.23% to 44.01%, signaling that food remains a key factor in inflation in Abia.
Oyo State: After ranking third for three months in a row, Oyo State had a major reduction in all-item inflation, going from 39.14% to 35.61%, a 9.03% decrease. Meanwhile, food inflation increased from 40.70% to 43.26%, indicating that food prices continue to dominate inflation in the state.
Osun: maintained its position as the eighth most expensive state. Its all-item inflation rate declined from 36.58% to 35.54%, a decrease of 2.84%. In spite of this, food inflation spiked from 40.39% to 44.57%, contributing significantly to overall inflation in Osun.
Lagos: the usual culprit takes the 9th spot this year, Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, moved up from 10th position. The state’s all-item inflation rate decreased from 36.37% to 35.50%, a drop of 2.40%. However, food inflation surged from 39.75% to 43.03%, highlighting food as a key inflation driver in Lagos.
Gombe: Saw a slight decrease in its all-item inflation rate from 35.55% to 35.48%, a marginal drop of 0.20%. However, food inflation rose slightly from 43.39% to 43.72%, indicating that food prices continue to drive inflation in the state.

From the above list of the most expensive states to live in Nigeria 2025, we can see that inflation has played in huge role. Food and petrol price hikes by President Tinubu has pushed Nigeria’s inflation to 33.88 percent in. This has met that all round, life is more expensive across Nigeria.

In the aspect of food inflation, it was highest in Sokoto (52.18 percent), Edo (46.55 percent), Borno (45.85 percent), while Kwara (31.68 percent), Kogi (33.30 percent), and Rivers (33.87 percent) recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis.

Cheapest States to Live in Nigeria 2025 According to Recent NBS Data

Benue State: Often dubbed the “Food Basket of the Nation,” offers the lowest cost of living due to its agricultural prowess. With an inflation rate of 27.3%, it’s significantly below the national average. The abundance of foodstuffs like yams, rice, and vegetables keeps local food prices low.
Nasarawa State: Following closely is Nasarawa with a food inflation rate of 37.6% and a total inflation rate of 28.1%. The state benefits from lower housing costs and a relatively stable economy, making it an attractive place for those looking to stretch their naira.
Delta State: Despite being an oil-producing state, Delta has managed to keep living costs down. The affordability here is reflected in relatively low housing and transportation expenses, with food inflation at 38.3%.
Borno State: Despite security challenges, Borno’s agricultural base allows for lower food prices, contributing to its position as one of the cheapest states with a food inflation rate of 33.5% and an all-item inflation rate of 29.3%.
Katsina State: Katsina’s economic conditions make it one of the more affordable states in Nigeria. With food inflation at 38.3% and an all-item rate of 28.6%, it’s a haven for budget-conscious individuals.
Taraba State: With a food inflation rate of 39% and an all-item rate of 29.1%, provides an environment where living expenses are kept in check, primarily due to its agrarian economy.
Kano State: Known for both its industrial activities and agriculture, Kano maintains a balance that keeps costs manageable. The state’s inflation figures show a moderate rise, offering affordability.
Ondo State: The state’s resourcefulness in cocoa and other agricultural products contributes to its affordability, with an inflation rate that positions it as one of the cheaper states.
Ekiti State: Ekiti’s focus on education and agriculture helps in maintaining lower living costs compared to many other states in Nigeria.