Living in Ghana can be a wonderful experience. However, it can also be expensive. The cost of living in Ghana is high and it's not uncommon to spend more than you earn. If you're considering moving to or visiting Ghana, then you'll want to know how much things will cost before you go.
In this blog post, I'm going to talk about the cost of living in Ghana and the prices for groceries and other items such as clothing, transportation, and entertainment. You'll also find out how much daily expenses will run so that you can make smart financial choices while living in Ghana.
Ghana is one of the most sought after destinations by expats and tourists. They visit Ghana for different reasons, but there's no question that this beautiful country is an amazing place to live. You can find many things in Ghana that you can't find anywhere else in the world. But it's not without its challenges.
One of the biggest challenges Ghanaians face is high inflation rates. In 2008, it was reported that inflation was as high as 24 percent. Prices for food and other products have gone up significantly since then and some people are struggling to keep up with their bills. The cost of living in Ghana is higher than many other countries because of these factors (inflation rates, etc.), but you'll find that it's still possible to live here comfortably if you're prepared financially .
The cost of living in Ghana is high and it's not uncommon to spend more than you earn. Understand that it costs more to live in Ghana than most other countries in the world. You'll need a lot more money than you think, so plan accordingly.
Most daily expenses are between 500 - 1,000 cedi (or $100-$200 US) per month. This includes your rent, groceries, and utilities.
For example, if your rent is $500/month, then you can expect to spend about $30-$50/week on groceries. If you don't have a car then gas will be about $250-$300/month for public transit or taxis. Utilities like electricity and water will cost about $25-$50/month depending on what city you're living in and how much you use them.
Your monthly expenses will depend on your housing situation (whether you rent or own), whether or not you have a car, and how much electricity and water you use. Other common daily expenses include internet service, cell phones (though their pricing is competitive with the U.S.), laundry detergent for clothes washing, toiletries like shampoo and soap, etc.
The cost of living in Ghana can vary depending on the category that you're looking at.
Groceries: The average monthly cost for groceries is around $25-$50. This could vary depending on your daily diet or if you're cooking simple meals at home.
Clothing: The average cost for clothing ranges from $25 to $100 per item, depending on the quality and store.
Transportation: Public transportation (buses) costs a little over a dollar per ride. A taxi will cost about $1-$6 a ride and a shared taxi is cheapest at $0.70 per ride.
Entertainment: If you go clubbing, the average price is about $3-$5 and most drinks are around $2-3 each. See below for more detailed information on prices in this category.
The cost of groceries in Ghana is also expensive. This can be difficult for people from other countries who are used to eating more affordable, traditional food. The cost of food in Ghana is higher because imported foods such as wheat and sugar are more expensive.
A bag of rice that might cost $2 in the United States might cost $8-$10 in Ghana. You'll find that the price range for most items is between $5-10 even though they are cheaper than what you would pay at a grocery store back home.
Transportation can be very pricey in Ghana.
There are various ways to get around, including taxis, buses, and tro-tros. Taxis are the most expensive option and a one-way ride will cost you around $5. If you're looking for a more affordable transportation option then I recommend using a bus or tro-tro, as they're around $1-$2 per ride. It's worth noting that these prices are for the big cities; if you live outside of the city then expect to pay less for transportation.
The clothing industry in Ghana is booming. Africa's clothing imports increased by 62 percent between 2005 and 2014. Clothing in Ghana is expensive though. There are some clothes that can cost up to $50 USD, especially if you're looking for designer brands like Gucci.
For the most part, jeans cost about $10 USD and a t-shirt costs about $5 USD. However, if you want something to fit properly then you'll have to spend more money.
If you're looking to have a good time while living in Ghana, you'll need to budget around 5,000 cedis (1 USD = 6.75 cedis) per night for entertainment. This is the cost of going to a club or bar for the evening. You can also spend about 3,500 cedis for dinner and drinks with friends at a restaurant. If you want to see some live music in Ghana, then you should plan on spending around 5,000 cedis.
In addition to daily expenses, there are other expenses that you'll need to account for. For example, if you're moving to Ghana or just visiting for a short period of time, then you may want to purchase an international cell phone plan (Ghana's dialing code is 00233), as well as a SIM card if your phone isn't unlocked. You can also purchase an unlocked phone in the country if you already have a GSM-compatible phone.
If you plan on staying in Ghana for more than three months, then you will need to apply for a tax identification number and carry it with you at all times. You'll also need your passport when applying for this ID and will be required to pay a fee with cash.
You may also want to rent or purchase furniture before arriving in Ghana depending on how long your stay is anticipated to be. Furniture prices vary from store-to-store so make sure you know what the going rate is before making any purchases.
Additionally, many people take out loans in Ghana because banks are not easy to find--especially outside of major cities like Accra and Kumasi. Residents mostly use the mobile banking app called Airtel Money or MTN Mobile Money which can be used anywhere even without internet service. You'll want to find out about this option before coming, so that you can prepare accordingly and not waste money on unnecessary bank fees while living in Ghana.
When you are considering a move to Ghana, it’s important to know that the cost of living is much lower than what you would find in North America. For example, if you are accustomed to eating out in your home country, eating out in Ghana will be much cheaper. If you are accustomed to renting a house in your home country, the cost of living in Ghana will make renting a house here more affordable.
But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to prepare for. The cost of living by category is just one way to help you plan for your move. And there are many other things to consider – like the cost of utilities or how to find a school for your children.
However, when all is said and done, if you are moving to Ghana with the right expectations – knowing what to expect before you arrive – the cost of living shouldn’t be one of them.
