The cost of living in Ghana is higher than new arrivals may expect. Ghana's capital city, Accra, ranked as the 87th most expensive expat destination out of the 209 cities analysed in the 2021 Mercer Cost of Living Survey. 

Accommodation in Ghana is particularly expensive and will take up most of an expat's budget. Household utilities and communication technology are also costly. Transport expenses in Ghana are fairly low, however, even for those who choose to drive.

As the standard of public healthcare is poor, foreigners moving to Ghana typically opt for private healthcare and will need to invest in a comprehensive international health insurance policy. Luckily, many expats in Ghana have this expense covered by their employer.

Cost of accommodation in Ghana

Accommodation is expensive in Ghana and rent will account for a large proportion of an expat’s budget, especially in Accra. As the country is developing and more international companies are setting up offices in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, the foreign population is growing quite rapidly. The demand for accommodation is high but there is a short supply of quality and secure housing for expats. This pushes up prices.

Cost of transport in Ghana

Most modes of public transport in Ghana, including trains, buses and tro-tros (informal minibus taxis), can be erratic and unreliable. For this reason, most expats living in Ghana opt to drive or hire a driver to transport them daily.

Compared to rental prices, the cost of purchasing a reliable car is fairly high and petrol prices are constantly flutuating. That said, these costs are still relatively low when compared with other countries. 

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Ghana

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Ghana vary according to an individual expat's tastes and preferences. Dinner for two at a restaurant serving local cuisine is highly affordable, while international fare is more expensive. 

That said, Ghana is quite expensive when it comes to entertainment such as cinema and theatre tickets, although there are often promotions and deals available if one knows where to look.

Cost of healthcare in Ghana

The cost of public healthcare in Ghana is low, but the quality of treatment offered by public hospitals in Ghana is unlikely to meet the standard that most expats are accustomed to. We advise that those moving to Ghana for work should try to negotiate some kind of allowance towards the cost of health insurance into their employment contracts.

Private healthcare in Ghana is often the best option for expats. New arrivals should ensure that the health insurance policy they purchase covers them emergency or necessary transport and treatment outside of Ghana.

Cost of education in Ghana

While English is the medium of education at Ghanaian public schools, most foreigners prefer to send their children to an international school. International school fees are notoriously pricey, but expats moving to Ghana for work may be able to negotiate an allowance for education expenses from their employer.

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

Petrol/gasoline per litre

GHS 5.20

Further reading

►For more on money matters, read Banking, Money and Taxes in Ghana

Expat Interviews

"Imported groceries are expensive. However, locally grown fruit and vegetables are very affordable. Ghana has wonderful bananas, pineapples and avocados." Get some insights into living costs in Ghana from an Australian perspective in Chris' expat interview.

"My housing is cheap as are utilities, but I don’t have air conditioning and other fancy amenities. Many things here are expensive. Ghana is no longer the cheap place I moved to." Read our interview with Trish for more on expenses and other aspects of life in Ghana.

Are you an expat living in Ghana?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Ghana. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.