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• Muna Tengi
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Cost Of Living In Edo State

Edo State, located in the southern region of Nigeria, is an important cultural and economic hub. With its capital, Benin City, known for its rich history and influence in the arts, Edo has evolved over the years into a region with a diverse economy and growing population. The cost of living in Edo State is influenced by various factors, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and entertainment. This blog post provides an in-depth analysis of the cost of living in Edo State, offering insights into the lifestyle and expenses residents and visitors should expect.

1. Housing and Accommodation Costs

Housing in Edo State, particularly in Benin City, accounts for a significant portion of the overall cost of living. The price of rent or purchasing property varies depending on the location, infrastructure, and amenities available.

• High-End Housing: In prime areas of Benin City, such as GRA (Government Reservation Area), Etete, and Ugbor, the cost of renting a two- or three-bedroom apartment can range from ₦600,000 to ₦1.5 million per year. These areas offer well-developed infrastructure, security, and access to good roads and utilities.

• Mid-Range Housing: For residents looking for affordable housing in less exclusive but still developed areas like Uselu, Ugbowo, and Ekenwan, rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges between ₦300,000 and ₦600,000 annually. These areas are popular with students and professionals due to their proximity to the University of Benin and other institutions.

• Low-Cost Housing: In more suburban or rural parts of Edo State, housing is much more affordable. A two-bedroom apartment in areas like Oluku, Sapele Road, or Evbuotubu can cost between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000 per year. However, access to modern amenities may be limited in these regions.

For those looking to purchase property, prices vary widely. In Benin City, land in well-developed areas like GRA and Ugbor can cost between ₦3 million and ₦10 million per plot, while less developed areas offer land for ₦500,000 to ₦2 million per plot.

2. Transportation Costs

Edo State has a fairly developed road network, especially within Benin City, making transportation relatively easy and affordable. Public transport is the most commonly used mode of transportation.

• Public Transport: The most popular public transport options include buses, taxis, and tricycles (commonly called "Keke"). A bus ride within Benin City typically costs between ₦50 and ₦200, depending on the distance. For longer trips within the city, taxis are available, with fares ranging from ₦300 to ₦500. Tricycles are a cheaper option for shorter distances, charging between ₦100 and ₦300.

• Private Transport: For residents who own cars, the cost of fuel is a significant consideration. With petrol prices averaging ₦617 per liter, commuting daily can become expensive. A small car with a fuel consumption of 10 liters per 100 kilometers would cost around ₦6,170 for every 100 kilometers traveled, making private transportation a costlier option compared to public transport.

• Interstate Transport: For those traveling to other parts of Nigeria, there are several transport companies operating buses and cars from Benin City to other states. A trip from Benin to Lagos typically costs between ₦4,000 and ₦6,000, while a trip to Abuja can range from ₦8,000 to ₦12,000.

3. Food and Grocery Prices

The cost of food in Edo State is moderate, with prices of both local and imported food items being influenced by transportation and seasonal factors.

• Local Markets: Edo State is known for its agricultural produce, and local markets are the best place to buy fresh and affordable food. Basic staples like rice, beans, yam, and garri are available at relatively affordable prices. A bag of rice costs between ₦35,000 and ₦40,000, while a tuber of yam sells for ₦700 to ₦1,000 depending on size and season. Vegetables, fruits, and fish are also available at reasonable prices, with a bunch of plantains costing around ₦800 to ₦1,200, and fresh fish priced between ₦1,000 and ₦3,000 depending on the size.

• Supermarkets: For those who prefer shopping at supermarkets, the prices tend to be slightly higher than in local markets. A liter of vegetable oil costs between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000, while a carton of noodles can be bought for ₦3,000 to ₦4,000. Supermarkets often offer convenience, but the cost of packaged and branded goods can add up.

• Dining Out: Eating out in Edo State is relatively affordable. At local restaurants (bukas), a meal can cost between ₦300 and ₦500, while at mid-range eateries, meals are priced between ₦1,000 and ₦2,500. In more upscale restaurants or hotel dining areas, a meal can range from ₦3,000 to ₦7,000 depending on the dish and location.

4. Utilities and Services

The cost of utilities in Edo State, like in most parts of Nigeria, is influenced by the erratic power supply, leading many residents to rely on alternative energy sources like generators.

• Electricity: The electricity tariff in Edo State ranges from ₦25 to ₦35 per kWh, similar to the national average. However, due to frequent power outages, many households and businesses supplement their power supply with generators. Monthly fuel costs for a household using a small generator can range from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 depending on usage.

• Water Supply: Access to clean water is an issue in some parts of Edo State. In urban areas, many homes rely on boreholes or water delivery services. The cost of water delivery can range from ₦3,000 to ₦5,000 per month, depending on the household’s water usage.

• Waste Management: Waste management services are available in Benin City and cost between ₦500 and ₦2,000 per month, depending on the size of the household and the frequency of waste collection.

• Internet and Communication: Internet access in Edo State is affordable, with mobile data plans from providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo. A monthly data plan for moderate usage costs around ₦3,000 to ₦5,000. For heavy users, broadband services are available, though less common, with costs ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 per month.

5. Education Costs

Edo State is home to a number of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including the University of Benin. The cost of education varies widely depending on the type of school.

• Primary and Secondary Education: Public schools in Edo State are relatively affordable, with fees ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 per term. Private schools, however, are more expensive, with tuition fees ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 per term depending on the quality and reputation of the school.

• Tertiary Education: At the University of Benin and other public institutions, tuition fees for undergraduate programs range from ₦40,000 to ₦100,000 per year, depending on the course of study. Private universities in Edo State, such as Igbinedion University, are considerably more expensive, with annual tuition fees ranging from ₦600,000 to over ₦1 million.

6. Healthcare Costs

Healthcare in Edo State is available through both public and private providers, with significant differences in cost and quality of service.

• Public Healthcare: Government hospitals offer affordable healthcare services, with consultation fees as low as ₦500. However, the quality of service and facilities in public hospitals can vary, and there are often long waiting times.

• Private Healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics offer better services but at a higher cost. A consultation in a private hospital typically costs between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000, with additional fees for tests and treatments.

7. Entertainment and Leisure

Edo State offers a variety of entertainment options, from cultural festivals to modern leisure activities.

• Cinemas and Events: Cinema tickets in Benin City cost between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000, while attending local cultural events such as the Igue Festival or the National Festival of Arts and Culture can cost between ₦500 and ₦5,000 depending on the event.

• Outdoor Activities: Edo State is home to several tourist attractions, such as the Oba's Palace, Okomu National Park, and the Benin Moat. Visits to these sites are relatively inexpensive, with entrance fees ranging from ₦500 to ₦2,000.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Edo State is generally moderate compared to other major Nigerian states like Lagos or Abuja. While housing, transportation, and food are affordable for the average resident, utilities and private healthcare can add to the overall cost. Whether you're a resident, a student, or planning to relocate, understanding the cost of living in Edo State will help you manage your expenses effectively and plan for a comfortable lifestyle.