How much does it cost to live comfortably in Accra, Ghana as an expat?

Living comfortably in Accra as an expat typically costs $1,500-3,000 per month for a single person, depending on your lifestyle and housing choices. This is significantly lower than most Western countries but higher than some African neighbors.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Budget Lifestyle ($1,000-1,500):

• Rent (1BR in budget area): $400-600
• Utilities + Internet: $80-120
• Groceries (local markets): $200-300
• Transportation (Uber/Bolt): $50-100
• Dining/Entertainment: $150-250
• Health Insurance: $50-100
• Total: ~$930-1,470

Comfortable Lifestyle ($2,000-3,000):

• Rent (1-2BR expat area): $800-1,500
• Utilities + Internet: $120-200
• Groceries (mix of local and imported): $300-500
• Transportation: $150-300
• Dining/Entertainment: $300-600
• Health Insurance: $150-300
• Total: ~$1,820-3,400

Luxury Lifestyle ($3,500-5,500+):

• Rent (East Legon/Airport compound): $1,500-2,500
• Utilities: $200-300
• Groceries (mostly imported): $500-700
• Transportation (hired driver): $300-500
• Dining/Entertainment: $600-1,000
• Health Insurance: $300-600
• Total: ~$3,400-5,600+

Major Cost Factors:

1. Housing (Biggest Expense):

Accra's rental market requires 1-2 years rent paid upfront - this is the biggest shock for newcomers.

Popular expat neighborhoods:

• East Legon: $1,350-3,600/month (most infrastructure)
• Airport Residential: $1,080-3,150/month (quiet, secure)
• Osu/Labone: $450-1,350/month (more vibrant, mixed)
• Budget areas (Madina, Adenta): $135-450/month (less expat infrastructure)

2. Food:

• Local markets: 50-70% cheaper than supermarkets
• Local restaurants: $3-6 per meal
• Mid-range restaurants: $7-14 per meal
• Expat restaurants: $14-32 per meal
• Imported goods: 2-3x more expensive than home countries

3. Transportation:

• Uber/Bolt: $1.20-5.60 for typical 10-30 minute rides
• Tro-tros (local transport): $0.18-0.90 per trip
• Car ownership: $400-800/month (payment, fuel, insurance)
• Hired driver: $275-550/month + fuel

4. Utilities:

• Electricity: $18-73/month (varies widely with AC usage)
• Water: Usually included or minimal
• Internet: $18-45/month for fiber
• Mobile data: $9 for 30GB

Hidden Costs to Budget For:

• Rent advance: Need $5,000-30,000 upfront for 1-2 years
• Generator/Inverter: $300-2,000 (power outages)
• Health insurance: International coverage essential
• Visa/work permit: $80-250 annually

Money-Saving Tips:

• Negotiate rent advance - some landlords accept 6 months for expats
• Shop at local markets instead of Shoprite/Marina Mall
• Use Uber/Bolt instead of owning a car (unless you travel a lot)
• Eat local food - delicious and 60-80% cheaper
• Live in mid-range neighborhoods - East Legon infrastructure without the premium

Compared to Other Locations:

• 69% cheaper than New York City
• 6% more expensive than Johannesburg
• 30-40% cheaper than Lagos, Nigeria
• Similar to or slightly cheaper than Nairobi, Kenya

Income Recommendations:

• Minimum for basic comfort: $2,000-2,500/month
• Comfortable expat lifestyle: $3,000-4,000/month
• Luxury lifestyle: $5,000+/month

Important Note: The upfront rent requirement (1-2 years) means you need substantial savings even if monthly costs are manageable. Budget $10,000-20,000 in liquid savings for initial setup.