Ebonyi vs. Abia – Cost of living comparison in Nigeria

Ebonyi vs. Abia – Cost of living comparison in Nigeria

How extensively have you explored options for finding a more budget-friendly or favorable residence location? This article will provide information about the cost of living in two Nigerian states, Ebonyi and Abia, emphasising rent, food prices, transportation costs, and more.

These two states are situated in the southeastern region of Nigeria but exhibit distinctive economic attributes. We will assess the cost-effectiveness and ease of access to different products and services in these states to assist readers in making well-informed choices regarding their potential residence.

Cost of Living in Ebonyi State

Ebonyi state is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, including lead, limestone, zinc, and marble. It’s important to note that the cost of living in this state is highly economical. Key statistics include:

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is priced at NGN 190,000 monthly, while a three-bedroom apartment costs NGN 375,000 monthly.
• The average monthly net salary, post-tax, amounts to NGN 60,000.
• Regarding groceries, a loaf of bread is priced at NGN 500, and 1kg of rice costs NGN 1,200.
• For local transportation, a one-way ticket costs a mere NGN 100.

Related: Examples of States With Low cost of Living in Nigeria 2023

Cost of Living in Abia State (Aba)

Aba, in Abia State, is a prominent commercial hub in southeastern Nigeria. While it offers affordability, it’s known for providing reduced-quality goods. Key data points include:

• Rent & Utilities: A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs $232, and utility bills for one person are $17.1.
• Transportation: A local transport ticket is just $0.26.
• Groceries: Prices are remarkably low, with items like 1kg of rice at $2.04 and a loaf of bread at $1.02.

Also See: Cost of Living in Kogi State,  Lokoja, Price of Food, Rent, Transportation, Etc

Comparison

Both states offer affordable living, but Abia State, specifically Aba, stands out for its low-cost goods and services. It’s a hotspot for budget-conscious shoppers. However, Ebonyi State provides competitive living costs and a slightly higher average monthly net salary.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Gusau, Zamfara State, Price of Food, Rent, Transportation, Etc

Ebonyi vs Abia – Cost of living comparison Table, Year 2023

Category	Ebonyi State, Nigeria (NGN)	Aba, Abia State, Nigeria (NGN)
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	190,000 (USD 200)	232,000 (USD 244)
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	155,000 (USD 163)	140,000 (USD 147)
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	375,000 (USD 395)	385,000 (USD 405)
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	260,000 (USD 274)	234,000 (USD 246)
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	6,666.67 (USD 7.02)	17,100 (USD 18)
Internet plan	Not specified in NGN	18,900 (USD 19.89)
Markets
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	500 (USD 0.53)	Not specified in NGN
Eggs (regular) (12)	1,200 (USD 1.26)	1,155 (USD 1.21)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	200 (USD 0.21)	323 (USD 0.34)
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	1,500 (USD 1.58)	4,500 (USD 4.74)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	200 (USD 0.21)	608 (USD 0.64)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	250 (USD 0.26)	Not specified in NGN
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	200 (USD 0.21)	866 (USD 0.91)
Apples (1kg)	2,500 (USD 2.63)	2,560 (USD 2.69)
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)	2,500 (USD 2.63)	2,560 (USD 2.69)
Oranges (1kg)	700 (USD 0.74)	997.5 (USD 1.05)
Potato (1kg)	800 (USD 0.84)	608 (USD 0.64)
Rice (white), (1kg)	1,200 (USD 1.26)	1,941 (USD 2.04)
Tomato (1kg)	1,000 (USD 1.05)	247.5 (USD 0.26)
Onion (1kg)	600 (USD 0.63)	247.5 (USD 0.26)
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	1,500 (USD 1.58)	2,584 (USD 2.72)
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	100 (USD 0.11)	247.5 (USD 0.26)
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	999,999.99 (USD 1,052)	Not specified in NGN
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	50 (USD 0.05)	2,205 (USD 2.32)
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	1,500 (USD 1.58)	Not specified in NGN
Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	5,000 (USD 5.26)	Not specified in NGN
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store	7,000 (USD 7.37)	Not specified in NGN
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	15,000 (USD 15.79)	Not specified in NGN
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	19,500 (USD 20.53)	Not specified in NGN
Restaurants
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	300 (USD 0.32)	2,445 (USD 2.57)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	250 (USD 0.26)	703 (USD 0.74)
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	700 (USD 0.74)	Not specified in NGN
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	200 (USD 0.21)	180.5 (USD 0.19)
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	150 (USD 0.16)	Not specified in NGN
Cappuccino (regular)	1,500 (USD 1.58)	940.5 (USD 0.99)
Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	5,000 (USD 5.26)	6,117.5 (USD 6.44)
Childcare
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	19,000 (USD 20)	Not specified in NGN
Others
Gym Membership, 1 month	5,000 (USD 5.26)	6,117.5 (USD 6.44)
Cinema Ticket, 1 person	Not specified in NGN	4,916 (USD 5.18)
Doctor’s visit	Not specified in NGN	19,095 (USD 20.1)
Haircut, simple	Not specified in NGN	1,556 (USD 1.64)
Brand Jeans	Not specified in NGN	9,690 (USD 10.2)
Brand Sneakers	Not specified in NGN	35,951 (USD 37.9)

Please note that the rates were converted using a USD/NGN exchange rate of 1 USD = 950 NGN as of 14th September 2023 (using Abokifx).

Conclusion

Both Ebonyi and Abia states offer highly affordable living options. Ebonyi stands out for its affordability and abundant resources, while Aba, located in Abia State, is known for its affordability in terms of goods and services.

The decision between these two options hinges on individual preferences and priorities. If there are any price alterations within both states, kindly utilize the comment box to make note of them.