How Much Does It REALLY Cost to Live in Ghana? (My $450/Month Breakdown)

Living in Ghana can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it—it all comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and what “comfort” means to you.

If you’re planning your move or even just curious about what life here costs, this guide will give you a realistic starting point based on my personal experience living in Ghana.

Use this as a blueprint to estimate your own expenses and begin creating a lifestyle that works for you.

#1 Rent

Rent in Accra varies widely depending on location, amenities, and whether the apartment is furnished.

One thing many people don’t realize is that most apartments in Ghana come unfurnished—meaning no refrigerator, stove, or wardrobe. Apartments that include these are considered semi-furnished and usually cost more.

If you’re looking to save money, consider living outside the main city center.

Average Monthly Rent:
1 Bedroom Apartment: $100–$250/month

2 Bedroom Apartment: $200–$350/month

These prices are typically found in the outskirts of Accra.

I Pay $250/month for my apartment which includes a Stove, Refrigerator, Wardrobe, & TV with stand.

If you prefer to live in central areas or want a fully/semi-furnished apartment:

City Center Apartments: $600–$1600/month

*Important to Note!
Rent in Ghana is paid minimum 6 months upfront, but most landlords require 1-2 years in advance! Monthly payments are not common and reserved for fully furnished, short term rentals.

Be sure to define your must-haves before searching so you don’t overspend.

Before renting an apartment in Ghana, here's what you need to know!
Check Out: What To Look For In An Apartment In Ghana to help you out!

#2 Utilities- Electricity & Water

Utilities in Ghana are pay-as-you-go, meaning you load your meter and monitor your usage.

Electricity

Your cost depends heavily on whether you use air conditioning.

Fan-based living (like mine): ~$20/month
Heavy AC use: $60–$120/month

Living near the ocean helps keep things naturally cool, which can significantly reduce your bill.

Water

Water is often included in rent up to a limit (usually about 2 tanks/month).

Extra water: ~$8 per tank

💡 Being mindful of your usage helps you stay within budget.

#3 Gas for Cooking

Gas is used strictly for cooking and is surprisingly affordable.

I spend about $20 every 6 months ($3.50/month)

This works because I cook simple meals and don’t use the oven often.

If you cook daily, prepare larger meals, or cooking for more than 1 person, expect your gas to last around 3–5 months instead.

So you can estimate about $3.50-$7.00/month

#4 Food & Grocery

Food costs depend on where and how you shop.
The best way to save money is by combining:

Local markets (fresh produce)
Grocery stores (packaged goods)

Eating Ghanaian food regularly will also help keep your costs low.

Average Monthly Costs:
Grocery Store: $60–$100
Local Markets: $30–$50

Personally, I spend about $100/month total, including:

Food
Hair products
Soap
Cleaning supplies, etc

#5 Transportation

Getting around in Ghana is flexible—you have multiple options depending on your budget and comfort level.

Uber (Convenience)

15-minute ride: ~$3.50
1-hour ride: $10–$20
Best for: convenience, unfamiliar areas, longer trips

Taxi

(Budget-Friendly Alternative)

15-minute ride: ~$0.55-$1.00

1-hour ride: ~$30-$35

Taxis often operate from designated “taxi ranks,” and prices are usually fixed between locations. Drivers may overcharge for longer distances, best to use for short distances.

TroTro

(Most Affordable)

15-minute ride: ~$0.40

1-hour ride: ~$3.10

TroTros are the most common form of transport in Ghana but require some familiarity with routes and may involve walking.

Tip: Estimate how often you’ll travel each week to build an accurate monthly transportation budget.

#6 Entertainment

Beach

Your lifestyle will determine this category, but Ghana offers both affordable and luxury experiences.

Beach Access
Entry: ~$2

Restaurants

Local spots: ~$5-$10 per meal

Mid-range/tourist areas: $10–$35 per meal

You can easily control your spending by choosing when to indulge and when to keep it simple.

💰 My Monthly Cost of Living

On average, I spend about:

$450/month

This includes all my basic living expenses and a comfortable lifestyle.

Your total may be higher or lower depending on your:

Housing choice
Travel habits
Lifestyle preferences

📊 Plan Your Move the Smart Way

If you’re serious about moving to Ghana, guessing your budget isn’t enough—you need a clear plan.

That’s exactly why I created tools to make this process simple for you:

Use Our

Budget Planning Calculator

Easily map out your monthly expenses and see:

How much you’ll spend
How long your money will last
Where you can adjust your lifestyle

Available for purchase or FREE inside the Builder’s Membership

“How Much Do I Need to Move to Ghana?” Calculator

This tool helps you calculate a safe savings goal before moving based on your lifestyle.

Available for purchase or FREE inside the Settler’s Membership

🌍 Ready to Relocate to Ghana?

Moving to Ghana is more than just numbers—it’s a life transition.

At Relocate Ghana, we don’t just give you information… we guide you through the entire journey.

We help you with:

Finding housing

Understanding costs

Navigating relocation logistics

Settling into your new life with confidence

Whether you’re just exploring or ready to make the move, our memberships and services are designed to support you every step of the way.