Rapid urbanization and population growth in Nigeria have led to a severe housing deficit and increased construction costs, particularly in rapidly developing urban centers such as Abuja. Conventional building materials, especially sandcrete blocks, contribute significantly to housing costs and often exhibit inconsistent quality due to poor production practices. This study evaluates the structural and economic performance of low-cost housing materials in Gwagwalada, Abuja, with a focus on sandcrete blocks, laterite blocks, recycled material blocks, and bamboo as alternative sustainable construction materials. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the compressive strength, water absorption, and bulk density of the selected materials in accordance with relevant Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) and ASTM testing procedures. In addition, market surveys and structured questionnaires were administered to construction stakeholders, including block manufacturers, builders, and engineers, to assess material availability, cost, and usage patterns. A comparative cost analysis and life cycle cost assessment were also performed to evaluate the economic feasibility of alternative materials for affordable housing. The results indicate that recycled material blocks exhibited superior compressive strength and lower water absorption compared to conventional sandcrete and laterite blocks, while laterite blocks demonstrated lightweight characteristics and cost advantages. Recycled blocks were found to reduce walling costs by approximately 65% compared to sandcrete blocks, highlighting their potential for large-scale affordable housing development. The findings suggest that alternative low-cost materials are technically feasible and economically viable for low-rise residential construction in Nigeria, provided appropriate quality control and stabilization measures are implemented. This research contributes empirical data and policy-relevant insights to the discourse on sustainable construction materials and affordable housing in developing countries. The study also supports circular economy principles by promoting the reuse of waste materials in construction and provides recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and housing developers.