The cost of living in Accra ranks among the critical considerations for anyone planning to relocate to Ghana’s vibrant capital. Whether you are moving for work, returning to your roots, or exploring investment opportunities in one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, understanding what it actually costs to live comfortably in Accra empowers informed decisions and smooth transitions.
Accra offers a moderate-to-high cost of living compared to other West African cities, with expenses varying significantly based on lifestyle choices, neighborhood selection, and consumption preferences. Housing typically represents your largest monthly expense, followed by food, transportation, and utilities. This guide breaks down essential cost categories with current 2025 price ranges to help you budget realistically.
Housing Costs Drive Your Monthly Budget
Accommodation costs in Accra vary dramatically depending on location, property type, and amenities. Premium neighborhoods like Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, and Labone command top prices. One-bedroom apartments in these upscale areas range from GH₵3,000 to GH₵5,000 ($200-$330 USD) monthly, while three-bedroom family homes reach GH₵15,000 to GH₵26,000 ($1,000-$1,700 USD).
Mid-range neighborhoods including Spintex, Achimota, and Madina offer excellent value with reasonable proximity to business districts. Expect to pay GH₵3,000 to GH₵8,000 ($200-$530 USD) monthly for one to two-bedroom apartments. Three-bedroom properties typically range GH₵5,000 to GH₵10,000 ($330-$660 USD), making these areas popular among middle-class professionals and young families.
Budget-friendly neighborhoods like Kasoa, Adenta, Teshie-Nungua, and Dansoman provide the most affordable options. Shared apartments start as low as GH₵800 to GH₵2,000 ($53-$132 USD) monthly, while two-bedroom apartments cost GH₵2,000 to GH₵4,000 ($132-$264 USD).
Ghana’s rental market traditionally operates differently from Western norms. Most landlords request one to two years’ rent paid upfront, though recent regulatory changes under the Rent Act encourage shorter advance payment periods, legally capped at six months for residential leases. This upfront requirement means relocating families need substantial liquid capital, potentially GH₵36,000 to GH₵180,000 ($2,400-$12,000 USD) depending on property choice.
Food and Groceries Offer Flexibility
Your food costs fluctuate significantly based on shopping location. Local markets like Makola, Madina Market, and community markets offer fresh produce at the lowest prices. Tomatoes, onions, plantains, yams, and seasonal fruits cost 30-50% less than supermarkets. Weekly grocery budgets shopping primarily at local markets run GH₵500 to GH₵800 ($33-$53 USD) for one person.
Supermarkets like Shoprite, Game, and Palace Shopping Mall stock imported goods at premium prices due to import duties. Weekly supermarket shopping costs GH₵800 to GH₵1,200 ($53-$79 USD) per person. Smart shoppers combine both approaches, purchasing produce and proteins at local markets while obtaining specific imported items from supermarkets only when necessary.
Monthly food budgets for singles eating primarily home-cooked meals range GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,500 ($132-$231 USD). Families of four typically spend GH₵6,000 to GH₵10,000 ($396-$660 USD) monthly on groceries.
Local restaurants and street food vendors serve authentic Ghanaian dishes like waakye, jollof rice, and banku with tilapia for GH₵20 to GH₵50 ($1.32-$3.30 USD) per meal. Mid-range restaurants charge GH₵80 to GH₵150 ($5.28-$9.90 USD) per person, while upscale establishments command GH₵150 to GH₵400 ($9.90-$26.40 USD) per person.
Transportation Options Fit Every Budget
How you move around Accra significantly impacts monthly expenses. Trotros, Accra’s iconic minibuses, remain the most affordable option. Short routes cost GH₵5 to GH₵8 ($0.33-$0.53 USD), medium routes run GH₵8 to GH₵15 ($0.53-$0.99 USD), and long routes charge GH₵15 to GH₵25 ($0.99-$1.65 USD). Monthly commuting via trotro typically totals GH₵300 to GH₵600 ($20-$40 USD).
Ride-hailing services including Uber, Bolt, and Yango offer convenient, air-conditioned transport. A typical 5-10 km ride costs GH₵30 to GH₵60 ($2-$4 USD). Daily use accumulates quickly, requiring budgets of GH₵1,500 to GH₵3,000 ($99-$198 USD) monthly.
Private vehicle ownership involves comprehensive costs including fuel (currently around GH₵15.50 per liter), monthly fuel consumption of GH₵1,200 to GH₵2,500 ($79-$165 USD) for moderate city driving, vehicle maintenance and servicing of GH₵500 to GH₵1,500 monthly, plus insurance and registration fees. Total monthly vehicle ownership costs realistically range GH₵2,000 to GH₵4,000 ($132-$264 USD).
Utilities Require Careful Planning
Utility costs fluctuate based on usage patterns and property size. Ghana’s electricity tariffs increased 14.75% in the second quarter of 2025, with monthly bills varying dramatically. Small apartments with minimal air conditioning usage cost GH₵400 to GH₵800 ($26-$53 USD), medium apartments with moderate AC use run GH₵800 to GH₵1,500 ($53-$99 USD), and large family homes with extensive AC usage reach GH₵1,500 to GH₵2,500+ ($99-$165+ USD).
Accra’s tropical climate makes air conditioning essential for comfortable sleep, particularly during hot dry seasons and humid rainy periods. Strategic AC usage, cooling bedrooms only during sleep hours rather than running throughout the day, significantly reduces costs.
Monthly water bills typically range GH₵150 to GH₵400 ($10-$26 USD) for residential properties. Water tariffs increased 4.02% in the second quarter of 2025.
High-speed broadband services from providers like MTN, Vodafone, and Airtel typically cost GH₵200 to GH₵500 ($13-$33 USD) monthly depending on speed. Combined utility costs range GH₵1,200 to GH₵2,400 ($79-$158 USD) for singles and GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,500 ($132-$231 USD) for families.
Healthcare and Education Add Significant Costs
Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme provides affordable coverage for basic healthcare services. Annual premiums range from GH₵150 to GH₵500 ($10-$33 USD) depending on income level. Private healthcare facilities offer shorter wait times and modern equipment. Private consultations typically cost GH₵150 to GH₵500 ($10-$33 USD) per visit, while specialized consultations run GH₵300 to GH₵800 ($20-$53 USD).
Monthly healthcare budgets should account for GH₵500 to GH₵1,000 ($33-$66 USD) for singles and GH₵1,500 to GH₵3,000 ($99-$198 USD) for families.
For families with children, international schools command premium fees. Ghana International School charges GH₵75,000 to GH₵240,000 ($5,000-$16,000 USD) annually depending on grade level. Lincoln Community School runs GH₵180,000 to GH₵390,000 ($12,000-$26,000 USD) annually. Families should budget GH₵2,000 to GH₵8,000+ ($132-$528+ USD) monthly when amortizing annual tuition.
Total Monthly Budget Estimates
Single person budgets range GH₵7,500 to GH₵18,000 ($495-$1,188 USD) monthly, including housing (GH₵3,000-GH₵6,000), food (GH₵2,000-GH₵3,500), transportation (GH₵1,000-GH₵2,000), utilities (GH₵1,200-GH₵2,400), healthcare (GH₵500-GH₵1,000), and entertainment (GH₵800-GH₵2,000).
Family of four budgets total GH₵20,000 to GH₵48,000 ($1,320-$3,168 USD) monthly, including housing (GH₵5,000-GH₵15,000), food (GH₵6,000-GH₵10,000), transportation (GH₵2,500-GH₵5,000), utilities (GH₵2,000-GH₵3,500), healthcare (GH₵1,500-GH₵3,000), education (GH₵2,000-GH₵8,000), and entertainment (GH₵1,500-GH₵3,000).
These ranges reflect moderate-to-comfortable lifestyles. Budget-conscious individuals living in affordable neighborhoods, cooking at home, and using public transport live on significantly less, while luxury lifestyles require substantially more.
Practical Money-Saving Strategies
Choose your neighborhood strategically. Living in Madina instead of East Legon, or Tema Community 25 instead of Airport Residential, reduces housing costs by 40-60% while maintaining reasonable access to amenities.
Embrace local markets and Ghanaian cuisine. Shopping at local markets instead of supermarkets cuts food costs by 30-50%. Enjoying local dishes rather than exclusively Western cuisines significantly reduces dining expenses.
Optimize transportation by living closer to work or school, minimizing commute costs and time lost in traffic. Use trotros for routine travel and reserve ride-hailing for specific situations.
Manage utilities wisely by using air conditioning strategically, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and installing LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
Negotiate rent terms. While landlords traditionally request one to two years upfront, the Rent Act legally caps advance residential rent at six months. Negotiate payment terms, particularly with private landlords.
Your Smooth Transition Starts Here
Understanding Accra’s cost structure represents just one element of successful relocation. Choosing the right neighborhood that balances budget, lifestyle, and proximity to essential services dramatically impacts both finances and quality of life.
Landmark Homes Ghana specializes in guiding relocating families and professionals through every aspect of settling in Accra. Our comprehensive services include neighborhood consultation matching your budget and lifestyle priorities, property search and negotiation support, connection to reputable service providers, relocation logistics coordination, and ongoing local expertise.
Planning a move to Accra? Contact Landmark Homes Ghana at +233 501 622 422 for expert guidance on choosing the right neighborhood and managing your living expenses to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling life in Ghana’s vibrant capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to relocate to Accra comfortably?
Singles need minimum monthly income of GH₵10,000 ($660 USD) for modest comfortable living in mid-range areas. Families typically require GH₵20,000 to GH₵30,000 ($1,320-$1,980 USD) monthly for similar standards, plus substantial upfront capital for rental deposits.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Accra?
Budget-friendly areas include Kasoa, Adenta, Teshie-Nungua, and Dansoman, where two-bedroom apartments cost GH₵2,000 to GH₵4,000 monthly. These neighborhoods offer significant savings while maintaining access to essential services.
Why do landlords require upfront rent payments?
Traditional practice in Ghana’s rental market involves one to two years’ rent paid upfront. The Rent Act legally caps advance residential rent at six months, but enforcement varies. Negotiate payment terms where possible.
How does Accra’s cost of living compare to other West African cities?
Accra ranks moderate-to-high compared to regional peers. Premium neighborhoods match prices in Lagos and Abidjan, but budget options remain more accessible. Political stability and infrastructure quality justify premium pricing.
What utilities cost the most in Accra?
Electricity represents the highest utility expense, particularly with air conditioning use during hot seasons. Monthly bills range GH₵400 to GH₵2,500+ depending on property size and usage. Strategic AC use significantly reduces costs.