Living in Accra, Ghana
Accra is one of the Ghana destinations covered by GoWira's fiscal and lifestyle database, refreshed quarterly. A one-bedroom apartment in the Accra city center rents for around GHS 9,200/month, while the same layout in the suburbs averages GHS 6,300/month — a typical center-vs-suburbs gap for a city this size. Everyday expenses run about GHS 1,800 for groceries (single person) and GHS 360 for a monthly public transport pass. On our cost-of-living index (100 = highest benchmark city), Accra scores 32, which makes it one of the more affordable destinations.
If you're planning a move, a realistic first-year budget in Accra starts at roughly GHS 11,360/month for a single person in a central studio, before taxes, insurance or discretionary spending. Dining tends to cost GHS 140 for a mid-range meal and GHS 12 for a coffee at a local café, with a beer at a bar around GHS 23. Owning a car adds approximately GHS 2,500/month between fuel, parking and insurance — many residents in Accra skip this in favour of public transport or the GHS 360/month pass mentioned above.
Healthcare, schools and essentials
Ghana offers a public healthcare system that residents access through social security contributions. Private health insurance for a single expat in Accra costs around GHS 400/month, with a family plan at GHS 1,200. An out-of-pocket private GP visit runs about GHS 330, while specialists charge around GHS 590. Families should budget GHS 7,900/month for international schooling, or GHS 4,300/month for a local private school.
Who does Accra suit best?
Accra works especially well for senior professionals and families who can absorb top-tier European rent in exchange for infrastructure.
All figures are medians (p50), reviewed quarterly. Hit the calculator below for a number tailored to your salary and residency situation.