The metropolitan city of Abuja also doubles as Nigeria’s state capital. It is home to the Nigerian seat of government as the Presidential Villa, and the National Assembly are located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Several government offices and international embassies are also present in Abuja. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport services the city, available for local and international flights.
High economic activities and the presence of multinational companies makes Abuja one of the most expensive places to reside in Nigeria.
However, you should know that the average salary of the residents of Abuja is 180,000 Naira ($498)per month. This is why it is necessary to rent affordable accommodations to live within your budget.
In this article, we shall be looking at the cheapest places to live in Abuja, taking into consideration the cost of renting accommodation in these places.
The Cheapest Places to Live in Abuja
These are some of the cheapest places to live in Abuja for the middle class and low-income earners, in no particular order:
1. Kubwa
Located about 20 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja, it is majorly a residential area. The main road is the Murtala Mohammed Expressway. Banks, such as Zenith Bank and Access Bank, eateries, shops and even the NYSC Orientation Camp, are present in Kubwa. All these, as well as schools, contribute to the daily economic and social activity of Kubwa.
Residents enjoy decent power supply, and water is readily available. Rent in Kubwa ranges from 150,000 to 1,500,000 Naira($415-$4,155) per annum for a three-bedroom flat.
2. Lugbe
Located about 15 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja, it is a residential area. Home to the Voice of Nigeria Transmission Station National Space Development and Research Agency and the famous Gateway Mall is one of the more affordable districts in Abuja.
Due to the Airport road, inhabitants experience heavy traffic in the early hours of the morning. Several banks and markets are present as well as a mall, as stated above, these all make Lugbe a bubbling district with commercial and social activities.
Price of houses ranges from 350,000 to 2,000,000 Naira ($969-$5,540) per annum for a three-bedroom flat, with water supply as well decent power supply. Some of the estates present in Lugbe provide security.
3. Kuje
Popularly referred to as the “food basket of Abuja”. Kuje is a suburb of Abuja, with a significant market where a lot of goods and services can be purchased.
It is still a developing area, although new infrastructures and housing projects are in the pipeline, and work has already commenced on some.
Prices of a three-bedroom flat with water and decent power supply. range from 250,000 to 700,000 ($692-$1,939) Naira per annum.
4. Dawaki
Dawaki is under the administration of the Bwari Area Council and is mainly a residential area. Located about 20 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja. The Murtala Mohammed Expressway is the major road in Dawaki.
It has a decent supply of water and electricity. It is a fast-growing district that has attracted a lot of persons looking for affordable accommodation.
Real estate developers are also investing in properties in Dawaki, meaning that more affordable houses will be made available. They are providing homes to low-income earners as well as middle-class citizens.
Prices of three-bedroom flat costs between 350,000 to 800,000 ($969-$2,216) naira per annum.
5. Karu Urban Area
Located on the boundary between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, although most of the area is in Nasarawa State. It is one of the fastest-growing regions in Nigeria, and the population explosion in Abuja made most people seek for affordable accommodation in the neighbouring towns. Several banks and other businesses are present, making the place an economic hub. A major highway connects Karu Urban Area to Abuja.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 250,000 to 700,000 naira ($692-$1,939) per annum.
6. Jikwoyi
Jikwoyi is one of the fastest-growing satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. It has experienced a tremendous population growth because inhabitants of the city and new folks who just recently relocated to Abuja seek affordable homes.
Jikwoyi is about 17 minutes drive from the Central Business District of Abuja. Jikwoyi Phase 1, Jikwoyi Phase 1 Extension, Jikwoyi Phase 2, and Jikwoyi Phase 3 are in Jikwoyi.
Commercial banks, for example, GTB, schools, colleges, hotels, eateries, and many small scale businesses, contribute to the socio-economic activities of Jikwoyi. However, residents experience incessant traffic gridlock because of the inadequate road networks. The power supply is abysmal as well.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 250,000 to 700,000 naira ($692-$1,939) per annum.
7. Lokogoma
Lokogoma is about 17 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja. The Lokogoma Expressway is the major road servicing the area and connects with other neighbourhoods, for example, Jabi.
Lokogoma is a neighbourhood dominated by the middle class. It is mainly a residential area with a large number of estates and new ones in the pipeline. The population growth in the city centre led to the development of this area, and the government pledged to improve the infrastructure present.
It has several commercial and social hubs like supermarkets, recreational parks, hotels and nightclubs.
Its proximity to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport has made it one of the top preferential residential area, as the Airport is just 20 minutes away.
Lokogoma is one of the busiest areas of Abuja even though it is still under construction.
Houses here are relatively cheap when compared with the priciest neighbourhoods in Abuja.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 500,000 to 1,500,000 naira ($1,385-$4,155) per annum.
8. Galadimawa
Last but not the least on our list is middle class dominated Galadimawa district, located about 17 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja.
Residents enjoy high social and economic activities because of its proximity to several commercial and social establishments like malls, eateries, hotels and businesses. Schools such as Baze University and African University of Science and Technology are also situated close to Galadimawa.
It is still a developing district, so the infrastructures are basic. The absence of necessary structures has not discouraged people from moving in because of the relatively affordable accommodation, for the middle class.
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 550,000 to 2,500,000 naira ($1,523-$6,925) per annum
A three-bedroom flat with electricity and water supply costs between 550,000 to 2,500,000 naira ($1,523-$6,925) per annum.
Conclusion
We have considered some of the cheapest places to live in Abuja.
This list will help new inhabitants of the city, as well as current residents who are looking to move into cheaper houses.
If you know anyone is moving to Abuja, you should share this article. You could be of great help.
Go on to read the best hotels in Abuja.
Standard of living? Or cost of living?
Kubwa is truly the cheapest place to live in Abuja though standard of living there is somehow high