Cheapest Places to Live in Nigeria: Na Where Cheap Pass?
- Simon Zaku
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Na Where Cheap Pass? The Shocking Truth About Affordable Living in Nigeria

Lagos is Expensive! Here’s Where to Move Instead!
Picture this…
You just got a remote job paying in dollars, and now you want to relocate to a place where your money stretches like suya on a hot grill.
You’ve heard Lagos is expensive. Abuja?
Forget it.
Even Ibadan don dey cost. So, where is the cheapest place to live in Nigeria?
More importantly, where can you live well without your bank account shedding tears every month?
Here’s the thing—Nigeria has some insanely affordable places where you can live like a king (or queen) without breaking the bank.
And today, we’re focusing on one hidden gem: Taraba State.
If you’ve never considered it before, this post will open your eyes!
What You Will Learn
The cheapest state and cities to live in Nigeria
Why Taraba is an underrated budget-friendly paradise
How much you need to live comfortably in Taraba
Where to find the cheapest land in Nigeria
The best states to make money while keeping expenses low
Table of Contents - Thinking of Relocating? These Are Nigeria’s Most Affordable Cities
Cheapest Places to Live in Nigeria: The Big Reveal
Why Taraba State Should Be on Your Radar
Cost of Living in Taraba: A Breakdown
Best Cities in Taraba for Affordable Living
Where to Buy Cheap Land in Nigeria
Best States to Make Money in Nigeria
FAQs on Cheap Living in Nigeria
Final Thoughts
Who Should Read This?
Nigerians looking to relocate for a cheaper cost of living
Remote workers earning in foreign currency
Business owners who want low operational costs
People planning for retirement in a peaceful and cheap location
Cheapest Places to Live in Nigeria: The Big Reveal
Let’s not waste time—Taraba State is one of the most affordable states to live in Nigeria. And no, I’m not just hyping it for nothing.
While most people rush to Lagos and Abuja thinking they’ll “make it,” they forget that their rent alone could feed a family of five in places like Jalingo, Wukari, or Takum.
Why Taraba State Should Be on Your Radar
Taraba is like that fine babe wey people never notice. Peaceful, rich in natural beauty, and incredibly cheap.
Here’s why you should consider moving here:
Rent dey cheap die: A decent two-bedroom flat in Jalingo costs between ₦120k – ₦300k per year. Compare that to Lagos where you’ll pay that for just a room and parlour.
Food is fresh and ridiculously affordable: You can cook a solid pot of soup with ₦2,000 - ₦3,500 that will last a week.
No mad traffic wahala: Forget the madness of Lagos traffic. Here, life is soft.
Security is improving: While every state has its issues, Taraba is safer than many overhyped places.
Cost of Living in Taraba: A Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of what you’ll spend per month in Taraba:
Rent (2-bedroom apartment) – ₦10k to ₦25k monthly
Food (3 meals daily) – ₦20k to ₦50k
Transportation – ₦5k to ₦15k
Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) – ₦5k to ₦10k
Internet & Miscellaneous – ₦10k to ₦30k
Total: ₦50k to ₦130k per month (depending on lifestyle)
Best Cities in Taraba for Affordable Living
If you’re considering relocating, here are the top cities in Taraba where your money will go far:
Jalingo – The capital city, good amenities, and still affordable.
Wukari – Known for agriculture, peaceful, and cost of living is super low.
Takum – Close to Cameroon, beautiful landscapes, and cheap living.
Bali – Good for retirees or people who want a quiet life.
Gembu – If you like cool weather, this is the place for you!
Where to Buy Cheap Land in Nigeria
If your dream is to own land, here’s the good news—Taraba has some of the cheapest lands in Nigeria.
Jalingo outskirts – ₦300k to ₦1.5m per plot
Wukari & Takum – ₦500k to ₦2m per plot
Gembu & Bali – ₦400k to ₦1.2m per plot
Forget Lagos and Abuja—Taraba is where the real investment opportunities are!
Best States to Make Money in Nigeria
While Taraba is affordable, where is the best place to make money?
Lagos & Abuja – If you can handle the high cost of living, these are the money hubs.
Ogun & Rivers – Industrial states with growing economies.
Kaduna & Kano – Great for business owners looking for cheap labor and big markets.
But here’s the trick: Earn in a high-income state or abroad and live in Taraba—you’ll be rich in no time!
FAQs on Cheap Living in Nigeria
What is the cheapest place to live in Nigeria?
Taraba State is one of the most affordable states to live in, with cheap housing, food, and a low cost of living.
Which state is the cheapest state in Nigeria?
Taraba, Kogi, and Bauchi are among the cheapest states.
Which city is cheapest to live in?
Jalingo, Wukari, and Takum in Taraba are very affordable.
Where can I get the cheapest land in Nigeria?
Taraba, Benue, and Niger states have some of the cheapest lands.
Final Thoughts - Escape the Lagos Madness! The Best Budget-Friendly Cities in Nigeria
If you’re tired of spending all your money on expensive rent and daily stress, maybe it’s time to move to Taraba. It’s cheap, peaceful, and honestly, a hidden paradise waiting to be explored.
So, what do you think? Would you consider relocating to Taraba, or are you still stuck on Lagos wahala? Let’s gist in the comments!
Simon Taki Zaku
Founder, CEO, IbiFoundry Limited
For the IbiFoundry.com.ng E-magazine.
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