Verified Facts

Official NameRepublic of Ghana
CapitalAccra
Population33.7 million
Area238,533 km² (92,098 sq mi)
LanguagesEnglish
CurrencyGhanaian cedi (₵)
TimezoneUTC
RegionAfrica / Western Africa
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Economic Indicators

GDP per Capita (PPP)$8,020 (2024)
Inflation Rate22.9% (2024)
Health Spend per Capita$70 (2023)
Out-of-Pocket Health Spend26.7% (2023)
Education Spend (% GDP)2.9% (2022)
Source: World Bank Open Data

Quick Facts

Cost LevelAffordable
Daily Budget (Backpacker)$30-50 USD
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)$60-100 USD
Daily Budget (Comfort)$150-250 USD
CurrencyGHS
Tipping Customnot expected

How Expensive Is Ghana?

Ghana is considered an affordable country to live in or visit, especially when compared to Western countries. The cost of living in Ghana is relatively low, with prices for accommodation, food, and transportation being significantly lower than in many other parts of the world. Compared to its neighbors, Ghana is slightly more expensive than Togo and Burkina Faso, but less expensive than Ivory Coast. Overall, Ghana offers a great balance of affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for tourists, expats, and business travelers.

The cost of living in Ghana can vary depending on the location, with cities like Accra and Kumasi tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. However, even in the larger cities, prices are generally lower than in many other major cities around the world. With a little planning and research, it's possible to live comfortably in Ghana on a moderate budget. Whether you're looking to explore the country's rich culture, try new foods, or simply relax on the beach, Ghana has something to offer for every budget and preference.

Accommodation Prices

TypePrice Range (USD/night)Notes
Hostel/Budget$10-20Shared rooms, basic amenities
Mid-Range Hotel$40-80Private rooms, air conditioning, TV
Luxury/Resort$150-300High-end amenities, pool, gym
Apartment Rent (monthly)$200-500City center, 1-2 bedrooms, furnished
Apartment Rent (monthly)$100-300Outside city center, 1-2 bedrooms, furnished

Food & Dining Prices

Meal TypePrice Range (USD)
Street Food / Local Eatery$3-5
Casual Restaurant$10-20
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)$20-30
Fine Dining$50-100
Beer (local)$2-5
Coffee$1-3
Water (1.5L bottle)$1-2

Transport Costs

TransportCost (USD)
Local bus/metro ride$0.50-1.00
Taxi (per km)$1-2
Domestic flight$100-200
Fuel (per liter)$0.80-1.20

Monthly Budget Breakdown

CategoryBudget ($)Mid-Range ($)Comfortable ($)
Rent200400800
Food200400600
Transport50100200
Utilities50100150
Entertainment100200300
Total60012002050

Money-Saving Tips

  • Consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse instead of a hotel to save on accommodation costs
  • Eat at local eateries or street food stalls to try traditional Ghanaian cuisine at a lower cost
  • Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to reduce transportation costs
  • Shop at local markets or supermarkets for groceries and other essentials
  • Avoid exchanging money at airports or hotels, as the rates tend to be unfavorable
  • Learn some basic Ghanaian phrases, such as "akwaaba" (welcome) and "medase" (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local culture