Skyline of Aba
Cost of Living: 80 1,050,000

Aba, Nigeria

A major commercial and industrial center in southeastern Nigeria, famous for its shoe and garment manufacturing.

Updated August 30, 2026

Overview

Aba is a city in Abia with a population of 1,050,000. A major commercial and industrial center in southeastern Nigeria, famous for its shoe and garment manufacturing. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 18.0.

Last updated: August 30, 2026

Cost of Living 80

Below Average vs Nigeria Avg (100)

Housing Index 75

Affordable

Median Income ₦ 1,500,000

Household income

Unemployment 13.5%

Job market health

Aba vs Nigeria Average

Cost of Living
Aba: 80
Nigeria Avg: 100
Housing Index
Aba: 75
Nigeria Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 7.5%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: ₦ 1,500,000
  • Unemployment: 13.5%
  • Population: 1,050,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 185/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 68°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b

Housing

  • Median Home: ₦17,000,000
  • 1BR Rent: ₦170000/mo

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Cost of Living

Aba's cost of living index is 80 (Nigeria average = 100).

CategoryAbaNational AverageDifference
Overall80100-20.0%
Housing75100-25.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price₦17,000,000
Median Rent (1BR)₦170000/mo
Median Rent (2BR)₦212,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft₦11,333

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

₦
%
$90,000 down
%
%
₦

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Aba:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity₦15000
Heating & CoolingN/AEstimated based on local climate.
Cooling (AC)₦13Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water₦5000Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)₦10000Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities₦30013Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Aba scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 80
Rent
— ₦170000
Sunny Days
— 185
Tax
— None
Unemployment
— 13.5%
Climate
— 88°F / 68°F
Safety
— 4.7 homicides/100k
Population
— 1,050,000
Internet Speed
— 25 Mbps

Climate

Aba has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January88°F68°F2.5"
April73°F83°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F86°F2.2"
USDA Zone 7b

Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Aba faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Niger River delta and coastal flooding.

Heat Wave High Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.

Drought Moderate Risk

Northern Nigeria experiences drought.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in northern regions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 7.5%
  • Property Tax: ~0.1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 13.5%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Academic Year September to July
Term System Trimester — 1st (Sep-Dec), 2nd (Jan-Apr), 3rd (May-Jul)
Summer Break July to September (8 weeks)
Winter Break December to January (4 weeks)
Spring Break Easter holiday in March/April (2 weeks)

Many schools operate in shifts. Breaks for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Demographics

The population of Aba is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Hausa
30.0%
Igbo
18.0%
Other
32.0%
Yoruba
20.0%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
20.0%
High school graduate
25.0%
Less than high school
40.0%
Some college
15.0%

Religion

Christian
40.0%
Folk
10.0%
Muslim
50.0%

City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.

Data source: National Population Commission (2006)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Aba, Nigeria?

The cost of living index in Aba is 80, which is Lower the Nigeria national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Aba?

The median home price in Aba is ₦17,000,000. The housing index is 75.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Aba is approximately ₦170000/mo.

Does Aba, Abia have income tax?

Aba is in Abia, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Aba?

Aba enjoys approximately 185 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.