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Makurdi, Nigeria
Capital City

Follows Nigeria Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$530
Retiree Score
53.0
Safety Index
52.4
Healthcare
—

With a population of just 170,925, Makurdi may seem like a sleepy backwater, but the reality on the ground is far more chaotic. Bureaucratic headaches abound, as the Tiv and Hausa communities vie for influence in this colonial-era town. Makurdi's position along the Benue River has drawn an eclectic mix of ethnic groups, resulting in persistent tensions - as evidenced by the violent 1946 riots. While the climate is generally warm, the harmattan winds from November to January provide some relief. Overall, Makurdi is a challenging environment, best suited for those with a high tolerance for red tape and cultural friction.

Can I afford Makurdi?

$

Makurdi

You could save

2,470/mo

Savings Rate82%

Monthly Costs

Rent $180
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$350

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
82/100
Retiree Score
(i)
53/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
29/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Nigeria Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
52
Safety
0
Healthcare
30
Walkability
5
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) *$3
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) *$2
Rice (1kg) *$1
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$0
Meal (Mid-range) *$10
Cappuccino *$1
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) *$48
Mobile Plan (mo) *$8
Gym (mo) *$13
Cinema Ticket *$4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $144
1BR Outside (mo) *$401
3BR Center (mo) $320
3BR Outside (mo) *$875

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Limited
Expat Community
None
Top Neighborhoods
Makurdi Town
Best For
NGO workers, agricultural development workers

Expat Life Notes

Makurdi is the capital of Benue State in central Nigeria, on the Benue River. It is primarily an agricultural and administrative city with minimal expat presence.

Pros

  • ✓ Low cost of living
  • ✓ Benue River setting
  • ✓ Agricultural hub

Cons

  • ✗ Security concerns in Benue State
  • ✗ No expat community
  • ✗ Very limited English services

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
—
Annual Rainfall
1071 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Makurdi

Click any question to expand the answer.

Makurdi has a population of approximately 170,925 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $450 per month in Makurdi, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $180/month.

The nearest airport to Makurdi is ENU, approximately 174km away.

Makurdi is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 52.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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