Based on the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for January 2026, Nigeria has seen a significant moderation in inflation, dropping to 15.10%.
This cooling effect has been most visible in certain states where aggressive agricultural interventions and local economic policies have driven down the cost of essential goods.
Here is the detailed report of the most affordable states in Nigeria as of January 2026.Economic Overview: The Tide is Turning The January 2026 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report reveals a tenth consecutive monthly decline in headline inflation.
This shift is largely attributed to a stabilized Naira, which averaged approximately ₦1,416/$ in the official market, and a dramatic drop in food inflation to 8.89%.
While states like Borno and Bauchi continue to face price pressures, a new tier of “affordability leaders” has emerged across the Southeast, South-South, and Northern belts.The Top 10 Most Affordable States
1. Ebonyi — 8.72% (Food Inflation: 1.7%)Ebonyi takes the crown as the most affordable state in Nigeria. With a staggering food inflation rate of just 1.7%, the state has benefited from massive local production of staples like rice and yam, coupled with low housing and utility costs.
2. Katsina — 8.94% (Food Inflation: 5.8%)Despite security challenges in the region, Katsina has maintained its spot near the top. Subsidized agricultural inputs and mechanized farming initiatives have kept food prices among the lowest in the North.
3. Imo — 10.61% (Food Inflation: 3.7%)Imo State has emerged as a surprise affordability hub in the Southeast. A significant drop in non-food costs and high availability of local farm produce have helped residents stretch their Naira further than in previous years.
4. Enugu — 11.04% (Food Inflation: 5.8%)Enugu continues its “disinflationary” trend. Improved rural-to-urban logistics and a decline in housing rent in suburban areas have made the coal city a top pick for affordable living.
5. Kaduna — 11.41% (Food Inflation: 5.1%)Kaduna’s inclusion is driven by its role as a major agricultural transit hub. Efficient market structures have ensured that staples remain accessible despite national transport fuel fluctuations.
6. Abia — 11.67% (Food Inflation: 3.2%)With a strong focus on local manufacturing and food security, Abia has managed to keep its inflation well below the national average.
7. Ogun — 12.86% (Food Inflation: 7.9%)Proximity to Lagos usually drives prices up, but Ogun has managed to maintain affordability through a robust internal supply chain and competitive housing markets in areas like Mowe and Ibafo.
8. Ondo — 13.20% (Food Inflation: 5.5%)Ondo remains the most affordable state in the Southwest (excluding the industrial hubs), thanks to its vast cocoa and timber-driven economy which supports a lower cost of basic services.
9. Delta — 13.58% (Food Inflation: 6.6%)Delta State’s stability in the South-South is fueled by moderate transportation costs and a steady supply of seafood and local staples, making it more affordable than neighboring oil-rich hubs.
10. Gombe — 13.74% (Food Inflation: 8.8%)Rounding out the list, Gombe has improved significantly from 2025. While food inflation is slightly higher than others on this list, the overall cost of services and utilities remains very low.
🇳🇬💸The latest January 2026 NBS data is out, and it’s good news! National inflation has dropped to 15.10%, and food prices are finally cooling down.
If you’re looking to relocate or save more this year, here are the Top 10 Most Affordable States to live in Nigeria right now:
1️⃣ Ebonyi (The champion of affordability at 8.72% inflation!)
2️⃣ Katsina
3️⃣ Imo
4️⃣ Enugu
5️⃣ Kaduna
6️⃣ Abia
7️⃣ Ogun
8️⃣ Ondo
9️⃣ Delta
🔟 Gombe Why are these states cheaper?
✅ High local food production (Food inflation in Ebonyi is just 1.7%!).
✅ Lower housing and utility costs compared to Lagos and Abuja.
✅ Strategic government agricultural interventions
Source: Nairametrics
