Often ranked among Nigeria’s most affordable states, with some of the lowest overall cost of living and housing costs in the country — this includes cheap rent options in both Sokoto city and surrounding towns.

➡️ Why cheap? Lower demand and less pressure on housing compared with South-West megacities.

Nairametrics

Ogun State’s capital has one of the most affordable residential markets among major cities — with basic rooms and shared houses often available under ₦200k/year, especially in older neighbourhoods. 

➡️ Bonus: Proximity to Lagos can still give commuter access for work opportunities without Lagos rent.

Ogun’s secondary towns (like Ijebu-Ode) have very low housing costs compared with Lagos, particularly for bachelor units and 1-room flats.

Ibadan consistently shows up as one of the cheapest large cities in Nigeria, with house rents often below ₦100k–₦180k in less central neighbourhoods — even for mini-flats.

Nicknamed the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Makurdi and nearby towns routinely have very low rent — sometimes ₦60,000–₦120,000/year.

One of Nigeria’s largest urban markets but also one of the cheapest for housing — shared flats or self-contain units often go well under ₦100,000/year. 

Minna and other urban centres in Niger State have very low rent options, with simple apartment units often in the ₦60,000-₦120,000/year range.

Osun is another low-cost state with affordable housing markets, especially outside the heart of Osogbo city — perfect for rent under ₦200k.

Known for affordable urban living in the Southeast, houses and apartments here are cheaper than in megacities — many under ₦200k/year in suburban/older zones. 

Prices in Ekiti are often very low compared with neighboring states — rent under ₦100k–₦150k is common in less dense areas. 

Here’s the pattern behind the low rent:

✔ Lower demand & slower urban growth — fewer people competing for homes. 

✔ Lower inflation and cost of living overall — especially in states like Sokoto and Benue. 

✔ Proximity to agricultural zones — cheaper food and utility costs feed into lower housing expenses. 

✔ Distance from big economic centers — yields cheaper land values and rent values.

✔ Look in suburbs and secondary towns — core city centres usually cost more.

✔ Negotiate direct with landlords — cutting agents can significantly reduce total cost.

✔ Search local housing platforms & community groups — direct listings are often cheaper.

✔ Consider shared housing/roommates — splitting costs makes even expensive units cheap.

NB: If your goal is affordable rent — especially below ₦200,000/year — choose cities or towns with lower living costs and moderate population pressure like Sokoto, Ogun State towns, Ibadan, Kano, Niger State and others. These patterns align with national cost-of-living rankings seen across Nigeria.