Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation’s” hub, and beyond its agricultural influence, it is also one of the more affordable Nigerian state capitals to live in. Compared to cities like Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt, the cost of living in Makurdi is relatively low, making it attractive for students, families, and young professionals seeking a balance of comfort and affordability.

In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of living in Makurdi—covering rent, transport, food, and daily expenses—so you can better plan your move or investment.

Why Makurdi is More Affordable Than Other Cities

While major Nigerian cities face skyrocketing rent, expensive transport fares, and high food costs, Makurdi maintains an affordable lifestyle for most residents. Some of the reasons include:

• Abundant Food Supply – Being in the heart of an agricultural state keeps food prices lower than in urban cities.
• Less Congestion – Reduced traffic compared to Lagos or Abuja means lower transportation stress and costs.
• Simpler Lifestyle – Families and students enjoy a lifestyle that prioritizes essentials over luxury.
• Affordable Housing – Rent in Makurdi is significantly cheaper compared to larger Nigerian cities.

👉 Related: Top 5 Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Makurdi.

Cost of Rent in Makurdi

Rent is usually the biggest expense for most households. Fortunately, Makurdi offers options for every budget, whether you’re a student, a small family, or a professional.

Average Rent Prices (2025 Estimate)

• Self-contained apartments (single room with kitchen/bathroom): ₦70,000 – ₦150,000 per year
• One-bedroom flat: ₦120,000 – ₦250,000 per year
• Two-bedroom flat: ₦200,000 – ₦400,000 per year
• Three-bedroom flat: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000 per year
• Duplex in high-end areas (Old GRA, Welfare Quarters, Nyiman): ₦800,000 – ₦2,000,000 per year

Popular Residential Areas for Rent

• Students & Young Professionals – Wadata, Wurukum, North Bank
• Middle-Class Families – Modern Market Axis, Welfare Quarters, High-Level
• Affluent Households – Old GRA, Nyiman Axis

Cost of Transportation in Makurdi

Transportation in Makurdi is cheaper than in most Nigerian cities, thanks to the widespread use of motorcycles (popularly called okada) and commercial buses.

Transport Options and Costs

• Motorcycles (Okada): ₦100 – ₦300 for short trips within town.
• Tricycles (Keke NAPEP): ₦150 – ₦400 depending on distance.
• Commercial Buses: ₦100 – ₦200 per drop for most intra-city routes.
• Private Taxi or Bolt: ₦1,500 – ₦3,500 depending on distance (less commonly used compared to Lagos/Abuja).

Key Benefits

• Fast and convenient movement with okadas.
• Less traffic congestion keeps fares steady.
• Students and low-income earners find buses and kekes very affordable.

👉 Read also: Living in High-Level Axis, Makurdi: Cost, Amenities, and Lifestyle.

Food and Daily Expenses

Food is one of the biggest cost savers in Makurdi compared to other major cities. With Benue State’s reputation as Nigeria’s “Food Basket,” residents enjoy fresh produce at affordable prices.

Cost of Food Items (2025 Averages)

• Bag of rice (50kg): ₦50,000 – ₦55,000
• Tubers of yam (medium size): ₦1,000 – ₦1,500 each
• Basket of tomatoes: ₦10,000 – ₦15,000 (season-dependent)
• Palm oil (25 liters): ₦35,000 – ₦40,000
• Beans (50kg): ₦65,000 – ₦70,000

Eating Out

• Local restaurants (Mama Put): ₦500 – ₦1,500 per plate.
• Mid-range restaurants: ₦3,000 – ₦6,000 for a meal.
• Street food (suya, roasted yam, akara): ₦300 – ₦1,000.

Utility Costs

Utility bills in Makurdi are modest compared to Lagos or Abuja.

• Electricity (monthly average): ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 depending on usage.
• Water (local supply or borehole): ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 per month.
• Internet: ₦10,000 – ₦20,000 for decent monthly data packages (MTN, Airtel).
• Cooking gas (12.5kg): ₦13,000 – ₦15,000.

Some areas like Welfare Quarters and High-Level Axis enjoy more reliable power supply, while other neighborhoods rely more heavily on generators or solar backup.

👉 Related: How to Verify Land and Property Documents in Benue State.

Education and Healthcare Costs

For families, education and healthcare are key considerations in the cost of living.

Education

• Public schools: ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 per term.
• Private schools: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 per term (depending on standard).
• Tertiary institutions (Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State University): ₦60,000 – ₦150,000 per session.

Healthcare

• Consultation at private hospitals: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000.
• Basic treatment/medications: ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 per visit.
• Health insurance (HMO): ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 annually per person.

Entertainment and Lifestyle

While Makurdi isn’t as fast-paced as Abuja or Lagos, it has a growing lifestyle scene.

• Cinema tickets: ₦2,000 – ₦3,000.
• Gym memberships: ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 per month.
• Bars and lounges: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 for a night out.
• Football viewing centers: ₦200 – ₦500 per match.

Families can also enjoy weekend visits to recreational spots like River Benue banks, resorts, and cultural centers.

Comparison with Other Major Cities

To put things in perspective:

• Rent in Makurdi is often 50–70% cheaper than in Abuja or Lagos.
• Transportation is significantly more affordable since okadas and buses dominate.
• Food costs remain low due to Benue’s agricultural abundance.
• Utilities are modest, though power supply may vary by neighborhood.

Practical Tips for Managing Expenses in Makurdi

• Rent annually instead of monthly to save costs.
• Use commercial buses or kekes for regular movement instead of taxis.
• Buy food in bulk from Modern Market to save on groceries.
• Consider areas like Welfare Quarters if you want reliable electricity at a fair rent.
• Engage local connections to find cheaper but safe housing.

👉 Read also: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a House in Makurdi.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Makurdi is considerably cheaper than in other Nigerian cities, making it an excellent choice for families, students, and professionals who want affordability without compromising on comfort. With relatively low rent, affordable food prices, and cheap transportation, Makurdi offers a lifestyle that balances peace, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Whether you’re planning to relocate or invest, understanding the cost of living helps you budget wisely and make informed decisions.