The Cost Of Living In Ekiti State

Ekiti State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, is known for its hilly terrain, rich cultural history, and predominantly agrarian economy. The state's capital, Ado-Ekiti, serves as the political and economic hub. While Ekiti is not as industrialized as some other Nigerian states, its cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various factors that contribute to the cost of living in Ekiti State, such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and utilities, while providing insights into how much residents can expect to spend in their day-to-day lives.

1. Housing and Accommodation

Housing is one of the most significant components of the cost of living, and Ekiti State offers affordable accommodation options compared to Nigeria's larger cities like Lagos or Abuja.

• Ado-Ekiti: As the capital and largest city in the state, Ado-Ekiti has a moderate housing market. Renting a standard two-bedroom apartment within the city typically costs between ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 annually, depending on the location, quality, and proximity to essential amenities. Neighborhoods close to the city center or government institutions tend to be more expensive.

• Other Towns and Villages: Outside Ado-Ekiti, in smaller towns such as Ikere-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti, and other rural areas, housing is significantly cheaper. A two-bedroom apartment can cost as little as ₦50,000 to ₦120,000 per year. These areas are ideal for those looking for a more tranquil lifestyle but with limited access to modern conveniences.

For those who prefer to build their homes, land prices in Ekiti are relatively affordable compared to other states. The cost of land in urban areas can range from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million per plot, while land in rural areas is much cheaper, making it a viable option for prospective homeowners.

2. Food and Groceries

Food is relatively affordable in Ekiti State, thanks to its agrarian economy and the availability of locally grown produce. The state produces a variety of food crops, including yam, cassava, maize, rice, and vegetables, which helps keep food prices low.

• Local Markets: Most residents purchase food items from local markets, such as Oja Oba Market in Ado-Ekiti. Basic staples like yam tubers cost between ₦200 and ₦500, depending on size, while a bag of rice (50 kg) costs around ₦25,000 to ₦35,000. Vegetables and other locally grown produce are even more affordable, with a bunch of leafy greens costing as little as ₦50.

• Supermarkets: For those who prefer shopping in supermarkets, especially for imported goods, the prices are generally higher. A loaf of bread costs around ₦400 to ₦600, while processed foods such as pasta and canned goods are significantly more expensive than locally sourced options.

Overall, a family of four in Ekiti State can expect to spend between ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 monthly on food, depending on their dietary preferences and shopping habits.

3. Transportation

Transportation costs in Ekiti State are relatively low due to the state’s smaller size and less congested roadways. Public transportation is the primary mode of movement for most residents, with buses, taxis, and motorcycles (okadas) being the most common.

• Intra-City Transport: Within Ado-Ekiti and other major towns, the cost of public transport is affordable. A short bus or taxi ride within the city costs between ₦50 and ₦100, depending on the distance. Motorcycles (okadas) are another popular and affordable option for getting around, with fares typically ranging from ₦50 to ₦200.

• Inter-City Transport: Traveling between towns or cities in Ekiti is also affordable. A trip from Ado-Ekiti to nearby towns like Ikere-Ekiti or Iworoko-Ekiti costs around ₦200 to ₦500 by public transport, while longer journeys, such as to Lagos or Ibadan, cost between ₦1,000 and ₦2,500, depending on the type of vehicle and distance.

• Private Transportation: For those who own private vehicles, the cost of transportation is higher due to fuel and maintenance costs. Petrol prices in Nigeria have fluctuated between ₦190 and ₦250 per liter in recent years. Monthly fuel costs for a car owner in Ekiti State can range from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 depending on usage and distances traveled.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare in Ekiti State is relatively affordable, especially when compared to more urbanized and industrialized regions of the country. The state has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with public hospitals offering more affordable options.

• Public Healthcare: Public hospitals and clinics, such as the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), provide basic healthcare services at subsidized rates. A routine consultation can cost between ₦500 and ₦1,500, while common treatments for illnesses like malaria are affordable, typically costing between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000.

• Private Healthcare: For those seeking faster or higher-quality healthcare, private hospitals offer better services but at higher costs. A consultation in a private clinic can range from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000, and more complex treatments or surgeries can be significantly more expensive.

While healthcare is generally affordable, the quality and accessibility of medical services can vary, with rural areas often lacking specialized medical facilities.

5. Education

Education is an important aspect of the cost of living, and in Ekiti State, residents have access to both public and private schools at various price points.

• Public Schools: Public primary and secondary schools are affordable and often have minimal or no tuition fees, thanks to government subsidies. However, parents may still need to cover costs for uniforms, books, and other school supplies.

• Private Schools: Private schools are more expensive but often offer a higher standard of education with better facilities. Annual tuition fees for private primary and secondary schools in Ekiti range from ₦50,000 to ₦300,000, depending on the school’s location and reputation.

• Tertiary Education: Ekiti State is home to several higher education institutions, including Ekiti State University (EKSU) and the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. Tuition fees for public universities and polytechnics are affordable, ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 per year, while private universities charge higher fees, sometimes exceeding ₦500,000 annually.

6. Utilities

Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, are essential components of daily living costs in Ekiti State.

• Electricity: The cost of electricity in Ekiti is similar to the national average. Households typically spend between ₦5,000 and ₦15,000 monthly on electricity, depending on usage. Power supply in the state is relatively stable, but many residents still rely on generators during outages, which increases fuel costs.

• Water: Access to clean water can be a challenge in some parts of Ekiti State, especially in rural areas. Many residents rely on boreholes or water vendors, with monthly water costs ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000 for households that purchase water.

• Internet: Internet access is available in most parts of Ekiti, but the cost varies depending on the service provider and type of connection. Mobile data plans range from ₦2,000 to ₦10,000 monthly, while broadband services, though less common, can cost between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000 per month.

7. Miscellaneous Expenses

Other living expenses in Ekiti State include clothing, entertainment, and personal care items. These costs vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle.

• Clothing: The cost of clothing in Ekiti is affordable, with locally made garments costing significantly less than imported or designer clothes. A basic outfit from local tailors or markets can cost between ₦2,000 and ₦10,000.

• Entertainment: Entertainment options in Ekiti State are limited compared to larger cities. However, residents still enjoy going to local cinemas, bars, and restaurants. A movie ticket costs around ₦1,000 to ₦1,500, while a meal in a mid-range restaurant can range from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000 per person.

Conclusion

In summary, the cost of living in Ekiti State is relatively affordable compared to more urbanized Nigerian states. With lower housing costs, affordable food prices, and moderate healthcare and transportation expenses, Ekiti offers a more budget-friendly lifestyle for residents. The state's agrarian economy, peaceful environment, and access to essential services make it a good place for individuals and families looking for a more relaxed and affordable way of life.

However, as with any region, lifestyle choices, location, and personal preferences can significantly impact how much one spends. While urban centers like Ado-Ekiti may offer more conveniences at a slightly higher cost, rural areas provide a much cheaper cost of living, albeit with fewer modern amenities.