Looking for an affordable apartment near Abuja in 2025? If you’ve been searching for what ₦800,000 rent can get you around Abuja, this post gives you a real, honest breakdown of my apartment-hunting experience in Mararaba, Nasarawa State — one of the most popular outskirts of Abuja.
From the true cost of rent, to hidden fees, to a last-minute ₦1 million rent-payment scare, this is everything you need to know before renting near Nigeria’s capital.
Why I Chose Mararaba (Abuja Outskirts)
Mararaba, located in Nasarawa State, is widely considered one of the closest and most affordable alternatives to living directly in Abuja. Many people working in Abuja choose Mararaba because:
- Rent is significantly cheaper than within Abuja city
- It’s close to major Abuja districts
- Transportation is relatively accessible
- You get more space for your money
For anyone relocating to Abuja but trying to stay within a realistic budget, Mararaba is often a top option.
What ₦800,000 Rent Got Me in Mararaba (2025)
My rent for this apartment was ₦800,000 per year — and it’s important to be clear about what that covered.
✅ Included:
- Annual rent: ₦800,000
- Decent living space suitable for a small family or single parent
- Location within Mararaba, close to Abuja access routes
❌ Not Included:
- Water fees
- Security fees
- Agency fees
- Light fees
- Waste Fees
This is a common reality when renting in Abuja outskirts, and it’s something many first-time renters don’t expect.
Hidden Costs of Renting Near Abuja
If you’re budgeting for an apartment in Mararaba or similar Abuja suburbs, your rent is not the final amount.
You should plan for:
- Agency and agreement fees
- Security contributions
- Water or facility fees
- Moving costs
These additional costs can quickly add up, so it’s wise to have extra funds set aside beyond your rent.
The ₦1 Million Rent-Payment Scare (Cowrywise Experience)
Just when everything seemed settled, I experienced a serious rent-payment scare.
I had saved my rent money using the Cowrywise savings app, but when it was time to pay, I couldn’t immediately access my savings. At that moment, I was staring at a potential ₦1 million problem — rent due, agent waiting, and no access to my funds.
It was stressful, emotional, and a strong reminder that:
- Emergency access to savings matters
- You should always plan withdrawal timelines
- Having a backup option is crucial when dealing with rent payments
Thankfully, the situation was resolved — but not without anxiety.
A Refreshing Experience With a Kind Agent
One positive highlight of this journey was meeting an exceptionally kind, patient, and considerate real estate agent.
In a market where many renters have had unpleasant agent experiences, working with someone who was:
- Understanding
- Transparent
- Not aggressive or exploitative
made a huge difference.
Good agents still exist — and when you find one, it can completely change your renting experience.
Is Mararaba Worth It in 2025?
If you’re asking whether Mararaba is worth considering, here’s my honest take:
Mararaba is worth it if:
- You want affordable rent near Abuja
- You’re okay living outside the city center
- You want more space for your budget
- You’re a young family, single parent, or professional
It may not be ideal if:
- You want luxury finishes at a low price
- You dislike commuting
- You prefer living strictly within Abuja city
Final Thoughts: Renting Near Abuja Without Losing Your Mind
Apartment hunting near Abuja can be overwhelming — especially when you’re balancing budget, location, agents, and unexpected financial hiccups.
My Mararaba apartment journey reminded me that:
- Affordable options still exist near Abuja
- Hidden costs are real and unavoidable
- Savings apps are helpful but require planning
- A good agent can make all the difference
If you’re currently house hunting near Abuja, take your time, ask questions, and plan beyond just the rent amount.
Related Searches This Post Covers:
- ₦800,000 rent in Mararaba
- Affordable apartments near Abuja
- Cost of living near Abuja 2025
- House hunting in Abuja outskirts
- Renting in Mararaba Nasarawa State
If you enjoyed this post, you can also watch the full apartment hunting vlog where I share the visuals, emotions, and real-time decisions behind this move.
More lifestyle, motherhood, and Abuja-Nigerian living stories coming soon.
