Is living in Ghana expensive? February 2023

The cost of life in Ghana is higher than newcomers might expect. Accra, the capital of Ghana, was ranked as the 87th most expensive city for ex-pats to reside in the 209 locations that the Mercer Cost of Living Survey looked at in 2021. An expat’s housing expenses in Ghana will take up the majority of their money.

Additionally expensive are communications technologies and household utilities. However, even for those who decide to drive, transportation costs in Ghana are not excessive.

Foreigners migrating to Ghana often choose private healthcare and must get a comprehensive international health insurance policy because the quality of public healthcare there is subpar. Fortunately, a lot of expats in Ghana have their employers pay for this price.

The average monthly salary in Ghana for an employee is GHS 5,070. The lowest average wage is GHS 1,280, while the highest is GHS 22,600. (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher). This is the typical monthly wage, which also includes housing, transportation, and other amenities.

Cost of accommodation in Ghana

Due to the high cost of accommodation, especially in Accra, rent will consume a large portion of an expat’s budget in Ghana. As Ghana develops and more multinational companies have headquarters in Accra, the country’s capital, the foreign community is growing significantly. Although there is a large housing shortage for expats, there is a great demand for houses. As a result, prices increase.

Cost of transport in Ghana

Trains, buses, and tro-tros (informal minibus taxis), the majority of the country’s public transportation options, can be unpredictable and chaotic. Due of this, the majority of expats in Ghana choose to drive or hire a driver for everyday transportation.

The cost of buying a dependable car is quite high compared to rental rates, and gas prices are continuously changing. Despite this, these prices are still quite affordable when compared to those in other nations.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ghana

The price of entertainment and eating out in Ghana varies depending on the likes and tastes of each expat. While international fare is more expensive, dinner for two at a restaurant serving local cuisine is rather reasonable.

However, Ghana is extremely pricey for entertainment, such as movie and theater tickets, even if there are frequently discounts and special offers if one knows where to search.

Cost of healthcare in Ghana

Although public healthcare in Ghana is inexpensive, it is unlikely that the level of care that most expats are used to will be provided by public hospitals in Ghana. We suggest trying to negotiate some sort of provision toward the cost of health insurance into the employment contracts of persons moving to Ghana for employment.

For foreigners in Ghana, private healthcare is frequently the best choice. Newcomers should check that their health insurance policy covers them for emergency or essential travel outside of Ghana as well as medical care.

Cost of education in Ghana

The majority of foreigners opt to send their children to an international school, even though English is the language of instruction in Ghana’s public schools. International school tuition is famously expensive, however foreigners traveling to Ghana for employment may be able to get an allowance from their employer for educational costs.

Cost of living in Ghana chart

Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Accra for November 2021.

Accommodation (monthly rent)
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre	GHS 4,500
One-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre	GHS 1,000
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre	GHS 7,500
Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre	GHS 2,000
Groceries
Milk (1 litre)	GHS 11
Dozen eggs	GHS 12
White bread	GHS 6
Chicken breasts (1kg)	GHS 25
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro)	GHS 12
Eating out
Big Mac Meal	GHS 50
Coca-Cola (330ml)	GHS 5
Cappuccino	GHS 13
Bottle of local beer	GHS 7
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant	GHS 200
Utilities
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month)	GHS 300
Mobile call rate (per minute – mobile to mobile)	GHS 0.40
Utilities (average per month for standard household)	GHS 400
Hourly rate for domestic help	GHS 48
Transport
City centre bus/train fare	GHS 3.50
Taxi rate per km	GHS 6