Abuja is a city known for its high living costs, this is why finding an affordable place to call home can be a big challenge. However, there are still some neighbourhoods where you can enjoy the comfort of a decent home without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the affordable places to live in Abuja while focusing on factors such as cost of rent , available essential amenities, and overall quality of life in the area.
Mpape
Mpape is no doubt one of the best and most affordable places to live in Abuja. Located in the Bwari Area council, it is close to major parts of the city like Minister’s Hill, Jabi, and Wuse. Mbape is an area with good-quality housing options that won’t leave a dent in your wallet.Whether you need a self-contained room in Mpape or a two-bedroom, three-bedroom, or duplex, you can find it here. Popular places in the area include Grange Hill Hotel & Resort, Maitama Hills and Mpape Market .
Dawaki
Another affordable area in Abuja is Dawaki, also located under the administration of the Bwari Area Council. The area is 20 minutes away from the Central Business District of Abuja and offers a peaceful and residential environment. Dawaki is experiencing rapid growth, and real estate developers are investing heavily in properties to provide housing for both low-income earners and middle-class citizens.
Jikwoyi
Jikwoyi is one of Abuja’s fastest-growing satellite towns. The growth is driven by its affordability and closeness to the city’s Central Business District. Just 24 minutes drive away, Jikwoyi has witnessed significant population growth, attracting both long-time residents and newcomers seeking affordable housing options.
The are many commercial banks, schools, hotels, eateries, and small-scale businesses in the area. But, you’re likely to experience occasional traffic jam during rush hour in the morning and closing times in the evening. Jikwoyi has various phases for you to choose from, such as Jikwoyi Phase 1, Jikwoyi Phase 1 Extension, Jikwoyi Phase 2, and Jikwoyi Phase 3, you’ll find different type of houses within your taste and budget in the area.
Lokogoma
Located just 25 minutes away from Abuja’s Central Business District and the area offers a comfortable living environment dominated by the middle class. It is mainly a residential area with many estates and many ongoing constructions. This neighbourhood has various commercial and social amenities, including supermarkets, hotels, and nightclubs. It is also close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, just 25 minutes away. While Lokogoma is still developing , it remains a good residential area for the middle class due to its relatively affordable accommodations.
Galadimawa
Galadimawa is about 15 minutes from the Central Business District of Abuja, and it is another affordable place to live in Abuja catering to the middle class. The area is still developing but it enjoys social and economic activities due to its closeness to commercial establishments like malls, eateries, hotels, and businesses.
Guzape
Guzape, often referred to as Asokoro’s extension offers a more affordable option to the extremely high cost of buying or renting property in Asokoro. The area is bordered by Asokoro to the North, Apo to the South, Gudu to the West, and Garki to the North-West. Guzape houses several foreign embassies and features notable places of interest like Myra Event Centre, Africa Community School, Channels TV, and African Independent Television and Common Wealth Zion Assembly (Coza).
Kubwa
Kubwa, located about 30 minutes away from Abuja’s Central Business Area, and is a prime example of affordable living in the outskirts of the city. Kubwa is home to a community of civil servants, artisans, entrepreneurs, and more. The area has shops, supermarkets, and markets that makes it easy to access basic essential goods and services .The Murtala Muhammed Expressway provides easy access to Kubwa, which makes it an easy choice for those looking for an affordable place to live in Abuja. Rent in Kubwa is relatively affordable when compared with most areas in Abuja. You can find an apartment for as low as ₦350,000 in this area.
Karu Urban Area
The area is located on the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory and Nassarawa State. Most people who work in Abuja choose to live here due to the affordability of housing compared to the FCT. The areas is currently experiencing a boom in population and still expected to increase in coming years with more real estate development in the area.Cost of rent in Karu can be considered as one of the cheapest in Abuja, You can get an apartment in Karu for as low as ₦200,000 per year.There are also many businesses , Schools, factories and banks in the area and cheap transportation options for those moving in and out of Abuja
Lugbe
Lugbe is located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). It is a popular residential area known for its affordability. The area is just a 15-minute drive from the Abuja Airport and a 20-minute drive from the Central Business District. The area houses a high number of the middle-class population in Abuja.The district consists of five major zones: Lugbe North, Lugbe South, Lugbe East, Lugbe West, and Lugbe Central. In Lugbe, rent prices cater to a wide range of budgets. You can get a one bedroom flat in Lugbe for as low as ₦300,000.
Kuje
Kuje is a local government area in the FCT with a population of over 100,000 residents. While the area is mainly popular because of the prison, it is often referred to as the food basket of Abuja. Kuje has a major market where a variety of goods and services can be found. While it continues to develop, Kuje remains one of the more affordable places to live in Abuja.Renting a three-bedroom apartment in Kuje typically costs between ₦250,000 to ₦600,000 Naira per annum depending on your taste.The area is a cheaper option for middle-income families.