The Cost Of Living In Plateau State

Plateau State, located in the north-central region of Nigeria, is known for its cool climate, scenic beauty, and peaceful atmosphere. With its capital in Jos, Plateau State is home to a diverse population, thriving agriculture, and an increasing number of residents relocating from other parts of Nigeria due to its relatively affordable cost of living. Understanding the cost of living in Plateau State is crucial for anyone considering relocating to the region or planning to engage in business or education there.

In this post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the cost of living in Plateau State, breaking down key aspects such as housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and utilities.

1. Housing and Accommodation

The cost of housing in Plateau State varies significantly depending on the area, with the capital city, Jos, offering a range of options for both middle-class and lower-income residents. Housing in Jos and surrounding areas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The types of accommodations range from apartments to stand-alone houses.

• In Jos, the rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment in the city center or prime locations ranges between ₦200,000 to ₦500,000 annually. The closer one is to the city center or high-demand residential areas like Rayfield and Old Government Residential Area (GRA), the more expensive the rental prices.

• In semi-urban areas such as Bukuru and other suburban towns near Jos, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment drops to between ₦150,000 to ₦300,000 annually, depending on the quality of the property and its proximity to major roads or infrastructure.

• Rural areas in Plateau State offer much more affordable housing, with the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment as low as ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 annually. However, the availability of modern amenities and infrastructure in rural areas may be limited.

For individuals interested in purchasing property, the cost of land in Jos and other parts of the state has been steadily rising, driven by increasing demand and population growth. A plot of land in prime areas can range from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, while in more remote locations, land can be acquired for as low as ₦500,000.

2. Food and Groceries

Food is relatively inexpensive in Plateau State, thanks to the state’s rich agricultural sector. Plateau is known for producing a variety of crops, including potatoes, tomatoes, maize, and vegetables, which helps keep the cost of groceries low, especially for locally sourced products.

• Local food markets are popular in Jos and other towns, with basic food items like vegetables, fruits, grains, and tubers being sold at affordable prices. For example, a basket of tomatoes can cost between ₦1,000 to ₦2,500, depending on the season, while a tuber of yam costs between ₦300 to ₦600.

• A 50 kg bag of rice, which is a staple in many Nigerian households, costs between ₦30,000 to ₦35,000, while a bag of beans ranges from ₦25,000 to ₦35,000. Prices can fluctuate depending on supply, demand, and market conditions.

For those who prefer to eat out, the cost of dining is also affordable in Plateau State. A basic meal at a local restaurant can range from ₦300 to ₦600. Mid-range restaurants offer more elaborate dishes at prices ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 per meal, with popular Nigerian dishes like rice and stew, fufu, and pounded yam commonly available.

3. Transportation

Transportation in Plateau State is relatively inexpensive, particularly when compared to larger Nigerian cities like Lagos or Abuja. The road network is well-connected within Jos and between other towns and rural areas, although there are occasional challenges with road maintenance.

• Intra-city transport: Within Jos, public buses, motorcycles (okadas), and keke napep (tricycles) are the most popular means of transportation. A bus ride within the city costs between ₦50 to ₦100, while a trip using a motorcycle or keke costs around ₦100 to ₦200, depending on the distance.

• Inter-city transport: For longer trips between Jos and other parts of Plateau State, buses are the primary mode of transport. A trip from Jos to Abuja costs around ₦2,000 to ₦3,500, depending on the type of bus and level of comfort. Traveling from Jos to nearby towns like Pankshin or Langtang can cost between ₦500 to ₦1,500.

• For private car owners, the price of petrol fluctuates between ₦200 to ₦300 per liter, depending on the national market conditions. The monthly cost of fuel for a private car ranges from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000, depending on the frequency of use and distance covered.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare in Plateau State is accessible and affordable, though the quality of care can vary significantly between public and private facilities. There are several public hospitals, clinics, and health centers throughout the state, but private hospitals are often the preferred choice for those who can afford better care.

• In public hospitals, the cost of basic healthcare services such as consultation fees ranges from ₦500 to ₦2,000, with treatments for common ailments like malaria costing around ₦1,500 to ₦5,000.

• Private hospitals charge higher fees, with consultation costs ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000. Treatment for more severe conditions or specialist care can cost significantly more, and patients may need to pay out of pocket for more advanced medical treatments or diagnostic tests.

For those employed in government or formal sectors, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers a portion of medical expenses, making healthcare more affordable. However, individuals without insurance will need to cover the full cost of their treatment.

5. Education

The cost of education in Plateau State is moderate, with both public and private schools available for primary, secondary, and tertiary education.

• Public schools are the most affordable, with fees ranging from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 per term for primary and secondary education. Public schools are generally funded by the government, but the quality of education and infrastructure varies, with some schools lacking adequate facilities.

• Private schools offer better facilities and teaching standards but come at a higher cost. Annual fees for private primary and secondary schools range from ₦50,000 to ₦300,000, depending on the reputation and location of the school.

• For higher education, Plateau State is home to several institutions, including the University of Jos and Plateau State Polytechnic. Tuition fees at public universities are relatively affordable, with annual fees ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦100,000 depending on the course of study. Private universities, on the other hand, can charge tuition fees ranging from ₦300,000 to ₦1 million annually.

6. Utilities

The cost of utilities, including electricity, water, and internet services, is moderate in Plateau State, but the availability of consistent services can be a challenge.

• Electricity bills vary between ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 per month for an average household, but power outages are frequent, especially in rural areas. Many households rely on generators as backup, which adds to the cost of living.

• Water supply is generally affordable, with monthly costs ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 for households with access to municipal water systems. However, in some areas, residents may need to buy water from private suppliers or drill boreholes, which increases the overall cost.

• Internet access is available, but speeds can vary, especially in rural parts of the state. Mobile data plans from providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo are the most common, with monthly costs ranging from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000, depending on the data usage.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Plateau State is generally affordable, making it an attractive destination for those looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly lifestyle. The state's agricultural wealth ensures that food prices remain low, while the housing market provides a variety of options for different income levels. Transportation and healthcare are accessible, though the quality of services varies between urban and rural areas. Education costs are manageable, particularly for those using public institutions, while utilities can be inconsistent but affordable.

Overall, Plateau State offers a balanced cost of living, especially for individuals and families seeking to avoid the high expenses associated with larger Nigerian cities. However, prospective residents should be mindful of the state’s infrastructure challenges, particularly in terms of utilities and healthcare, and plan accordingly for these contingencies.