The Most Expensive States in Nigeria

There are certain states in Nigeria that are insanely expensive to live in if certain parameters are considered in measuring and running comparisons between states. Ironically, the most expensive states in Nigeria tend to be more populated than other states where the cost of living is said to be cheaper or less expensive.

In this post, we decided to beam our searchlight on the discourse of the most expensive states in Nigeria to live based on parameters such as cost of living, which includes food, transportation, housing, etc.

Oftentimes, that a state is expensive might not necessarily imply the entire state is. It mostly applies to the state capital and other neighbouring areas to the capital or areas that are considered as urban.

The Most Expensive States in Nigeria (Cost of Living)

Below are the most expensive states in Nigeria to live in, according to NaijaTask:

1. Lagos State

Lagos, the unofficial capital of Nigeria is the country’s commercial hub and the melting pot of Nigerians. The state is undoubtedly the small state in Nigeria with 3,345 square kilometres but it is also the most populated state in Nigeria with nearly 10 million people.

Being the melting pot of the country, Lagos hosts almost all top national and multinational companies as their headquarters, thus, creating room for job opportunities more than any other Nigerian state. The implication of this means there is a great influx of Nigerians from all works of life into the southwestern state which accounts for why it is the most expensive state to live in Nigeria.

The cost of a one-bedroom apartment in notable parts of Lagos ranges from N400,000 – N700,000. Looking beyond these notable areas, one could get a one-bedroom or mini flat apartment for N150,000 – N250,000.

A 3-bedroom apartment in areas such as Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, Lekki and Victoria currently costs between N1,500,000 – N3,000,000 annually while outside of these areas in the state costs between N500,000 – N1,500,000.

The cost of rent and transportation account for the major reason why Lagos is considered to be the most expensive state in Nigeria.

2. Abuja

Although Abuja is not regarded as a State in Nigeria but the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is the only “state” without a governor. Instead, Abuja has a Minister and it is the ‘home’ of Nigerian presidents after ascending to power.

Ordinarily, Abuja would not be as expensive as Lagos, if it wasn’t the country’s capital and home to several government agencies, parastatals, the country’s legislature seat amongst a host of others.

A 2 bedroom apartment in highbrow areas of Abuja such as Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse and Garki costs between N3,000,000 – N12,000,000 while a 3 bedroom apartment in these areas cost between N3,500,000 – 15,000,000, depending on certain factors such as taste, finishing and apartment type. One can land other areas in Abuja between N80,000 – N150,000 for a mini flat and N150,000 – N400,000 for a 2 bedroom flat.

The highbrow areas are mostly regarded as the quarters of high-profile politicians in the country, hence the insane cost attached to them.

Similarly with Lagos, the cost of rent and transportation account for the reason why Abuja is expensive. People who strategize on getting by often prefer to get apartments on the outskirt of the country’s capital.

3. Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt is a very popular city in Nigeria and one of the most developed state capitals in the country. With the main state being Rivers, Port Harcourt has grown into an enviable city all thanks to the fact that Rivers State is one of the oil-producing states of the country.

As with Lagos, Port Harcourt is host to several multinational firms, mostly businesses related to the petroleum industry. In a way, the presence of oil in the state attracted a sizeable number of expatriates of different races. This is majorly why Port Harcourt’s cost of living is somewhat higher compared to most oil-producing states.

Due to the presence of oil, Port Harcourt has a sizeable number of middle-class and upper-class residents from the oil sector which accounts for why transportation, feeding and housing are expensive.

Notable locations such as Trans Amadi and around the government house are known to be very expensive. A 4 bedroom duplex costs between N2,000,000 – N4,000,000. However, apartments are cheaper if you decide to look beyond these areas.

The Most Expensive State in Nigeria

Lagos is undoubtedly the most expensive state to live in in Nigeria. The cost of renting an apartment in Lagos is ridiculously high save one decides to live on the outskirts. Besides the cost of rent, transportation and food prices also account for why Lagos is the most expensive state to live in in Nigeria.