Looking for the best NYSC states to save money? Discover the cheapest Southern and Middle Belt states with low cost of living and extra income opportunities for corps members. Learn where you can live comfortably, hustle smart, and still save your NYSC allowance.
One of the biggest questions every prospective corps member asks is: “Which state is best for NYSC if I want to save money?” Let’s be honest — the NYSC allowee is not exactly a salary, so your survival depends on how wisely you spend and how smartly you hustle.
While some states will swallow your allowee in one week, others will let you eat well, live comfortably, and still save at least ₦15,000 to ₦30,000 monthly — especially if you have small side hustles or your PPA pays extra.
So if you want to enjoy NYSC life without going broke, here are the best Southern and Middle Belt states where you can live cheap and still make extra income.
Why this Guide is Important
Whether you are currently serving or about to serve, one thing you have to keep in mind is that the time-frame is short-if you do not have saving, by the time you are done serving, you might be hit with frustration.
It is essential you know the best states to serve to aid you in your savings journey. After your service year, to start up a career path, you will need have some spare cash-either for business startup of starting up life while waiting for your salary from a new job.
1. Oyo State
Oyo, especially Ibadan, is one of the cheapest major cities in Nigeria. You can rent a self-contained apartment for ₦80k – ₦120k per year, or even share a room for less than ₦50k.
Why Oyo is great for saving:
Food is very cheap — ₦100 amala can fill you up.
Transport within town is between ₦100–₦200.
Secondary schools & private lesson centers pay well — you can earn ₦10k–₦30k monthly from tutoring.
Plenty of online freelance and tech hubs if you’re digital-skilled.
Best for: Teachers, content creators, fashion designers, graphics designers, and online freelancers.
2. Osun State
Osogbo and Ile-Ife are quiet but affordable. House rents are between ₦60k–₦100k yearly, and foodstuff is very cheap compared to Lagos or Abuja.
Why Osun is good for NYSC savings:
Churches and schools often pay corpers extra ₦5k–₦15k.
Many corpers do hairdressing, makeup, tailoring, photography on weekends.
No peer pressure — nobody is competing with anybody.
Best for: Those who love peace, simplicity, and steady savings without distractions.
3. Ekiti State
Ekiti is known for being education-friendly, so schools and universities pay corpers extra allowances, sometimes up to ₦20k–₦30k, depending on your department.
Why Ekiti helps you save:
Cement floors and market women still sell garri in cups — meaning food is affordable.
Transport is minimal, especially within small towns.
Many corpers live inside PPA quarters for free, which helps in saving rent.
Best for: Corps members willing to work in schools, polytechnics, hospitals or churches.
4. Kwara State
Kwara, especially Ilorin, offers a mix of urban and rural life. Rents are ₦80k–₦150k, food is relatively cheap, and there are good opportunities for home lessons, MC jobs, and small businesses.
Why Ilorin is a great NYSC location:
Private schools and mosques/churches often pay stipends.
You can sell things to fellow corpers or students — wigs, thrift clothes, perfumes, etc.
If you’re into photography or music, weekends are profitable.
Best for: Smart hustlers who love mild city enjoyment without Lagos stress.
5. Benue State
This is one state where you will not go hungry. Food is INSANELY cheap — yams, beans, tomatoes, pepper — everything is grown locally.
Why Benue helps you save money:
You can eat like a king without spending much.
Many PPAs are willing to give farm produce instead of salary, which reduces expenses.
Side hustles like farming, selling foodstuff back home, or lesson teaching are available.
Best for: Those who love food abundance and quiet lifestyle.
6. Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom is one of the most organized and peaceful states in Southern Nigeria. Even better, NYSC state allowance is sometimes paid, especially in teaching and health sectors.
Why Akwa Ibom is great:
Clean environment, good roads, cheap transportation.
Fish and garri are plentiful and affordable.
Many big churches hire corpers as media or admin staff.
Best for: Those who love beauty, orderliness, and decent earnings.
7. Delta (Rural Areas)
Warri and Asaba can be expensive, but smaller towns like Oleh, Ozoro, Obiaruku, or Agbor are very affordable.
Why Delta rural areas favor savings:
House rent can be as low as ₦50k yearly.
Oil company staff often hire corpers as lesson teachers for their kids.
Seafood is cheap, and locals are generous to corpers.
Best for: Those who don’t mind village vibes with small steady income.
Bonus Tips: How to Save More Money During NYSC
Avoid peer pressure — NYSC is not a fashion parade.
Cook your meals instead of buying food.
Learn one small skill (hairdressing, makeup, baking, graphics) — *you’ll earn!
Form a “contribution group” with fellow trusted corpers to save consistently.
Sell something small — snacks, thrift wear, printouts, phone accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which NYSC state pays the highest allowance in the South?
Some states like Akwa Ibom and Anambra sometimes pay extra allowances depending on your PPA. However, don’t rely on that — focus on states where the cost of living is low.
2. Can I save ₦200,000 during NYSC?
Yes! If you stay in a cheap state and earn small income from tutoring or business, you can save ₦15k–₦30k monthly, which equals ₦180k–₦360k yearly.
3. Is it better to serve in a village or city?
Village = More savings. City = More enjoyment but more expenses. If your goal is to save, choose semi-urban areas — peaceful but still connected.
4. Which NYSC states should I avoid if I want to save?
Avoid Lagos, Abuja, Rivers (Port Harcourt), and Anambra (Awka, Onitsha area) — expensive lifestyle, high pressure, and little savings unless you have serious connections.
If you truly want to save money during NYSC, don’t chase flashy cities. Choose simple states where life is cheap, locals are friendly, and hustle opportunities exist.
Whether you’re posted to Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Benue, Akwa Ibom, or rural Delta, you can enjoy NYSC and still leave with serious savings if you’re disciplined
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