Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased slightly to 15.06% in February 2026, down from 15.10% in January 2026, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Although the decline is marginal, it signals a modest stabilization in overall price pressures across the country.
However, national averages do not fully reflect the reality experienced by households.
Cost-of-living conditions vary significantly from state to state due to differences in security situations, supply chains, transportation costs, agricultural output, and market dynamics. In some states, inflationary pressures remain elevated, while others are experiencing relatively lower price increases.
Based on state-level headline inflation data for February 2026, the following are the Top 10 most affordable states to live in, ranked by the lowest headline inflation rates and supported by food inflation figures, which directly impact household spending.
Katsina emerges as the most affordable state in Nigeria for February 2026. With a headline inflation rate of just 7.78% and food inflation at 5.1%, the state demonstrates significantly lower price pressures compared to the national average. This remarkable stability positions Katsina as the most cost-friendly environment among all states reviewed.
In 2026, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has implemented a multifaceted strategy to combat inflation and reduce the cost of living, focusing heavily on agricultural investment, food security initiatives, and infrastructural development.
The 2026 “Building Your Future III” budget allocates significant resources to agriculture (N78.6 billion), aiming to increase food production and lower prices. This includes providing free fertilizers, improved seeds, and machinery to farmers.
The government established designated consumer shops for selling food items at reduced prices to civil servants and vulnerable households to alleviate high food costs.
The government allocated N7.68 billion in the 2026 budget for grain procurement to cushion households against food shortages and inflation.
The data highlights several important economic insights. Regional disparities in the cost of living remain pronounced, with many northern states ranking among the most affordable, suggesting variations in economic structure and price dynamics across the country. Food inflation continues to play a decisive role in overall affordability, reflecting the significant share of household income spent on basic food items.
States recording lower inflation rates are likely benefiting from factors such as stronger local agricultural production, more efficient supply chains, or relatively stable market conditions. However, despite the slight moderation in the national inflation rate, the persistence of double-digit price growth across many states underscores the continued pressure on households and the broader economy.
