The cost of living in Ghana: planning your monthly budget  

The cost of living in Ghana varies sharply by city and lifestyle: a single person typically needs around €800 to 1,600 per month, a couple €1,300 to 2,500, and a family €2,500 to 5,000 or more, especially in Accra if you choose premium housing, international schools, private healthcare, and imported goods. Ghana offers a dynamic combination of modern cities, Atlantic beaches, historic communities, and welcoming social traditions, and English is the official language, which makes the country particularly accessible to international professionals, families, expatriates, and digital nomads planning a move. 

Most international residents settle in Accra, where they can find the widest selection of employment opportunities, international schools, private hospitals, restaurants, and modern accommodation. Kumasi offers a different experience centred around Ashanti culture, while Takoradi attracts professionals working in energy, logistics, and related industries. 

Ghana can be affordable when local accommodation, markets, and public transport are used, but an international lifestyle in Accra can be surprisingly expensive. To help you plan realistically, this guide breaks down accommodation, food, transport, healthcare and insurance, education, internet, comparisons with the UK, and practical relocation tips, so you can budget properly and make informed decisions before living in or moving to Ghana. 

How much will you need each month?  

Accra is the country’s most expensive city, particularly in neighbourhoods such as Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Labone, Osu, and East Legon. Housing in Kumasi, Cape Coast, Tamale, and other regional cities is generally more affordable.  

Ghana uses the Ghanaian cedi. Exchange-rate movements can have a noticeable effect on residents earning or holding savings in euros, pounds, or US dollars. Premium rents and international school fees may also be quoted in US dollars.  

A single person may need between €800 and 1,600 per month, including rent. A couple can expect to spend approximately €1,300 to 2,500, while a family may require €2,500 to 5,000 or more.  

Families using premium international schools can spend considerably more, as tuition alone may exceed €20,000 per child each year.  

Some of the main attractions of living in Ghana include:  

• English as the official language   
• A welcoming and community-focused culture   
• Affordable local food and services   
• A growing business and technology sector   
• Atlantic beaches and diverse natural landscapes   
• Direct flight connections with Europe and North America   

Ghana offers several different lifestyles, from energetic city living in Accra to quieter and more affordable regional communities.  

Understanding the main cost of living in Ghana  

Finding the right home and neighbourhood  

Accommodation is likely to be your largest monthly expense. Accra’s rental market varies enormously, with a substantial difference between local neighbourhoods and areas popular with diplomats, executives, and international families.  

A furnished one-bedroom apartment in Accra generally costs between GH¢4,000 and 10,000 per month, equivalent to approximately €300 to 740. Modern properties in Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Labone, or premium parts of East Legon may cost between GH¢10,000 and 25,000. Those planning to buy apartment units in prime areas should expect much higher upfront costs.  

A three-bedroom apartment or house commonly costs between GH¢8,000 and 25,000 per month. Luxury homes in secure compounds or diplomatic areas can cost considerably more.  

Housing in Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, and Tamale is generally less expensive. A one-bedroom apartment may cost between GH¢2,500 and 6,000 per month, depending on its condition, furnishings, and location. Prices can vary depending on the landlord, neighbourhood, and whether the property is furnished.  

An important feature of Ghana’s rental market is advance payment. Some landlords request six months or even one or two years of rent before the tenant moves in. This can create a substantial initial expense, even when the monthly rent appears affordable. Rent in Ghana is about 67.6% lower than in Australia.  

Before signing a rental agreement, confirm whether the price includes utilities and other housing costs such as:  

• Electricity and water 
• Internet 
• Generator or backup electricity 
• Security 
• Air conditioning 
• Parking 
• Compound maintenance 
• Furnishings 
• Pest control 

Basic utility costs fluctuate based on usage, and utility bills for electricity and water together often total about €22 – €44 per month. 

Reliable water storage and backup power can be important, particularly in areas affected by interruptions. 

Shopping locally or choosing imported food  

Food costs vary depending on where you shop. Traditional markets provide affordable fruit, vegetables, rice, meat, fish, and other local ingredients, while international supermarkets and specialist shops in the city charge much more for imported products. 

Local markets usually offer cheaper prices than city supermarkets. 

One person should generally budget between GH¢1,500 and 4,000 per month for groceries, equivalent to approximately €110 to 300, with an average of about €20-€45 a month. A couple may spend between GH¢3,000 and 6,000, while a family can spend GH¢6,000 to 12,000 or more. 

For example, a bag of rice typically costs around €7 – €9. 

Imported cheese, cereal, wine, processed food, and international brands can cost two or three times their European or North American prices, as Ghana imports over half of its food supply and depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi pushes those prices higher. 

A meal at a local restaurant or chop bar generally costs between GH¢20 and 60. Popular options include waakye, jollof rice, banku, kenkey, grilled tilapia, and rice with stew, so everyday eating can stay relatively affordable. 

A meal at a mid-range restaurant commonly costs between GH¢100 and 300 per person. A dinner for two at an international restaurant in Accra can cost between GH¢350 and 800 or more. Dining at upscale restaurants can be as expensive as in Europe. 

Several factors shape household spending on food, and food carries roughly 43% of Ghana’s Consumer Price Index weighting, which helps explain why these costs matter so much to budgets. 

Choosing local food can reduce your monthly expenses while providing a much stronger connection to Ghanaian culture. 

Travelling through Accra and beyond  

Ghana offers several transportation options, including buses, shared minibuses known as tro-tros, taxis, ride-hailing services, and private cars.  

Tro-tros are the most affordable option, but routes and stops can initially be confusing. Public buses operate on selected urban and intercity routes, and public transport typically costs the equivalent of €1 – €2 per ride, with shared taxis typically costing about €1 per ride. 

A regular public transport user may spend between GH¢300 and 800 per month. Someone relying on taxis, Uber, or Bolt may spend between GH¢800 and 2,000 or more. Transport accounts for about 10% of Ghana’s Consumer Price Index weight.  

A typical ride-hailing journey across part of Accra may cost between GH¢40 and 120, depending on traffic, distance, and demand.

Traffic congestion is a major consideration in Accra. Choosing accommodation close to your workplace or children’s school can reduce both travel time and monthly transport costs.  

Gas prices in August 2026 generally ranged from approximately GH¢14.50 to 16.30 per litre, depending on the provider, and gasoline prices fluctuate regularly. Diesel was more expensive, with prices at some stations exceeding GH¢19 per litre.  

Car owners must also budget for:  

• Vehicle purchase or import 
• Registration 
• Insurance 
• Fuel 
• Maintenance and spare parts 
• Parking 
• A driver, if required 

A private vehicle can provide convenience, but imported cars and replacement parts may be expensive.  

Long-distance buses connect Accra with Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Cape Coast, and other destinations. Domestic flights are useful for travelling between Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi. 

Planning for medical treatment and insurance  

Ghana has public, private, and faith-based healthcare facilities. The National Health Insurance Scheme provides access to a range of basic services, although eligibility and registration requirements depend on residency, personal circumstances, and local tax rules.  

Public healthcare is affordable, but facilities can experience long waiting times, shortages, and pressure on available resources.  

Most international residents use private clinics and hospitals, particularly in Accra. Private facilities generally offer shorter waiting times, modern equipment, and greater access to English-speaking specialists.  

A consultation with a private general practitioner usually costs between GH¢150 and 500. Specialist appointments and diagnostic tests can cost more.  

When comparing insurance policies, remember that costs vary by age and health status, and check whether they include:  

As part of your relocation, having suitable health coverage is essential. At Global Health, we provide international health insurance solutions that support you in Ghana and worldwide, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. 

Learn more about healthcare costs in our International Health Insurance in Ghana guide

Calculating school and university expenses  

Ghana provides public and private education. Public basic education is available without standard tuition, although families moving from their home country may still need to budget for childcare, uniforms, books, transport, meals, and other school-related expenses.  

Private Ghanaian schools vary considerably in cost and quality. Some charge only a few thousand cedis per term, while premium bilingual and international institutions can be far more expensive.  

International schools are concentrated in Accra and Tema. They may follow British, American, Cambridge, Montessori, or International Baccalaureate programmes. Most expatriates prefer international schools for their children.  

Annual tuition fees can range from approximately €3,400 to more than €26,000 per child. Ghana International School, for example, charges approximately €14,000 to €27,000 per year, depending on the student’s age.  

Families may also need to budget for:  

• Application and enrolment fees 
• Development levies 
• Books and stationery 
• Uniforms 
• School transport 
• Meals 
• Technology 
• Extracurricular activities 

These additional expenses can raise the total annual cost considerably above the advertised tuition.  

Ghana has several established universities, including the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the University of Cape Coast.  

International university tuition commonly ranges from €2,600 to 7,000 per year, although medicine, engineering, and specialist programmes may cost more.  

Students generally require between €400 and 900 per month for accommodation, food, transport, insurance, and personal expenses. 

Staying connected at home and at work  

Internet access has improved significantly, particularly in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Fibre broadband is available in many urban neighbourhoods, while mobile data remains the main option in other areas.  

Home broadband generally costs between GH¢130 and 1,000 per month, depending on the speed, data allowance, and provider. In June 2026, some 100 Mbps unlimited fibre packages were available for approximately GH¢299 per month.  

Installation and router charges may apply. Fibre availability should always be checked for the exact property rather than the general neighbourhood.  

Mobile data packages are widely available from operators such as MTN, Telecel, and AT. Costs depend on the volume of data and validity period.  

Connection speeds can be less consistent outside the major cities. Power cuts can also interrupt fibre service unless the router and network equipment have backup electricity.  

With the right setup, Accra and other major cities can provide reliable connectivity for international work.  

Ghana and the United Kingdom: cost comparison  

Cost category	Ghana	United Kingdom
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment	€185 – 1,850 / GH¢2,500–25,000	GBP 850 – 2,700 / €985–3,130
Groceries per month	€110 – 300 / GH¢1,500–4,000	£200 – 350 / €230–405
Transportation per month	€20 – 150 / GH¢300–2,000	£50 – 170 / €60–200

Exchange rates used: €1 ≈ GH¢13.47 and £1 GBP ≈ 1.16 EUR. Exchange rates fluctuate, so these figures should be treated as estimates.  

Is Ghana affordable compared with other countries?  

Ghana can be highly affordable when residents use local accommodation, markets, public transport, and Ghanaian services. For a more local way of life, some basic monthly expenses may fall in the 500 to 1,000 cedi range, and housing and food outside premium parts of Accra generally cost much less than in Europe or North America.  

However, maintaining an international lifestyle can be expensive. Modern furnished housing in diplomatic neighbourhoods, imported groceries, private vehicles, international schools, and worldwide health insurance can produce a budget comparable with some Western cities, even though Ghana still offers many things not easily found elsewhere in the world.  

Accra is generally more expensive than Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, and other regional centres. Takoradi can also command higher rents because of demand from the energy and industrial sectors.  

Compared with other African cities, Accra can be less expensive than premium areas of Lagos, Johannesburg, or Cape Town. Nevertheless, the price difference narrows considerably when comparing similar international-standard housing and services.  

Exchange-rate movements are another important factor. Inflation has also been a recurring cost driver in Ghana and reached 24% in 2008. Residents paid in cedis may experience rapid changes in purchasing power, while those earning in euros, pounds, or US dollars may find their local budget changes from one year to the next. 

What to prepare before relocating  

Moving to Ghana requires careful planning beyond the monthly budget. Immigration, housing, healthcare, transport, and climate can all affect your experience.  

Before relocating, consider:  

• Visa and work permit requirements   
• Advance rent payments   
• Health insurance and evacuation coverage   
• Travel time between home, work, and school   
• Backup electricity and water storage   
• Internet and mobile coverage   
• Malaria prevention and recommended vaccinations   
• Access to international schools   
• Exchange-rate fluctuations   

Ghana has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity in many regions. Air conditioning can increase electricity expenses considerably.  

Malaria is present, so preventive measures such as mosquito nets, repellents, appropriate clothing, and medical advice are important. New residents should consult a travel health professional before moving.  

English makes communication relatively straightforward, although learning common expressions in Twi or another local language can help build stronger relationships.  

Moving to Ghana is not only a financial decision. It is an opportunity to participate in a growing economy, experience a rich cultural environment, and become part of a famously welcoming society. With the right preparation, Ghana can provide an exciting and rewarding new home.