In this post, we shall talk about the top four cheapest places to live in Abuja based on the cost of rent in these places. The metropolitan city of Abuja doubles as the Capital of Nigeria. It is known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and houses the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly. Many government offices, ministries, agencies, parastatals, and international agencies have their headquarters in Abuja.
The capital city is a hub for many economic activities. It is one of the most expensive cities to reside in Nigeria due to the presence of so many multinational companies and government agencies. The capital city has attracted so many people from different parts of the country and the world at large. About 45% of the population are civil servants. While a large portion of the people work in private firms or running their small and medium scale business.
The average salary of government workers ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 Naira. The cost of accommodation in Abuja is excessively high; therefore, it is of utmost importance to look out for affordable housing within your level of income or cash flow.
The Top Four Places to live in Abuja
- KUBWA
Kubwa is one of the cheapest places to live in Abuja. It is mainly a residential area and is about 30 minutes from the Central Business Area of Abuja. The Murtala Muhammed Expressway is the major road that leads to Kubwa. Banks such as Access Bank and Zenith bank are all present in this location. The average rent in Kubwa ranges from 200,000 Naira to 2, 000, 000 Naira yearly for a three-bedroom flat.
You can also get a two-bedroom apartment for an average of between 100,000 to 1,000, 000 Naira. This depends on the condition of the house and the specific area it is located. There are so many factors that influence the rent of a home. But depending on your budget and preference, you can get a decent apartment for 200,000 Naira and above. You can also get for lesser prices than that.
The main residents found in Kubwa include civil servants, artisans, commercial motorcycle riders, businessmen and women and entrepreneurs alike. Kubwa is a residential district in Bwari. It is a well-known outskirt within the metropolitan city of Abuja.
Numerous businesses such as shops, supermarkets, general markets (such as the Kubwa market and the site 2-phase 1 market) dominate this location. This district is highly populated by middle-class people. You can get almost everything you need in this area in the different markets scattered around the neighbourhood. It is cheap and easy to navigate other parts of the capital city through this area.
- KARU URBAN AREA
The Karu Urban area is located on the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory and Nassarawa State. In reality, this region is in Nassarawa State (Central Nigeria). Over the years, this area has attracted do many people working in the Federal capital territory. Due to the high cost of accommodation within the FCT, most workers are forced to look for housing within the outskirts of Abuja.
Karu is one of the cheapest places to live in Abuja. It has a population of over two million people. A recent survey by a team of professional real estate developers reveals that Karu is one of the fast-growing urban regions in the world with a growth rate of 50 per cent recorded per annum. From the west to the east, the urban centre comprises of towns like New Nyanya, Kurunduma, New Karu, Masaka, Ado, Mararaba, and the latest towns such as One Man Village.
Compared to other parts of Abuja, it is relatively cheaper to get a flat in Karu Urban region. There are several businesses and banks located in this area; a major high way connects Karu Urban Area and the Federal Capital Territory. The cost of living and transportation in this urban area is quite affordable for an average Nigerian. With about 250,000 to 700,000 Naira per annum, you can get a decent three-bedroom apartment with water and electricity supply.
- LUGBE
Lugbe is located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It is one of the most popular residential areas in Abuja. It is densely populated and is mainly a residential area. It is about 15 minutes drive to the Abuja Airpot and about 20 minutes drive from the Central Business District of Abuja. lugbe is located along the airport road. It comprises of five major districts namely Lugbe North, Lugbe South, Lugbe East, Lugbe West and Lugbe Central.
This makes the region accessible especially for working-class residents. One of the primary reasons why the area is so popular is because of its closeness to the Abuja airport and city centre. This has greatly influenced the development of the region within a short time. The area is fast developing and is viable for real estate investments. The region is mostly populated by Corpers who can’t afford the high house rent in the capital city.
- KUJE
Kuje is mostly referred to as the “food basket of Abuja”. It is a district of Abuja with a prominent market where different good and services can be purchased. the region is still developing and is one of the cheapest places you can live in Abuja. You can get a decent three-bedroom apartment with reliable water and power supply for about 250,000 to 700,000 Naira per annum.
Kuje is largely a market town with a collection of roadside shops selling pharmaceutical supplies, ironmongery, tools, music CDs, building materials, home appliances, and lots more. A peculiar future projection of the town is a colourful market held every four days with stalls selling fresh meat, smoked fish, fruits, vegetables, provisions, and other stuff.
Kuje is experiencing rapid expansion in terms of residential buildings due to its closeness to Abuja and the removal of illegal structures along the airport road. Enting a house in Kuje is affordable for average income earners.
Conclusion
We have looked at some of the cheapest places to live in Abuja. We believe that this information will help all those moving into Abuja for the first time as well as existing inhabitants who are looking for cheaper and affordable houses.
