Cost Of Living in Ghana 2024
Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Ghana
Whether you're living in Ghana or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.
Average Monthly Expenditure
Currency: GHS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single
Currency: GHS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple
Currency: GHS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family
Currency: GHS
Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student
Currency: GHS
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.
Singles
The average monthly expense for a single person living in Ghana is 3,500 GHS. Expenses can range from 490 GHS at the minimum level to 24,000 GHS at the highest end.
Couples
The average monthly spending of couples in Ghana is 5,900 GHS. Expenditure can range from 2,000 GHS to 31,000 GHS per month.
Families
The average cost of living for families in Ghana is 7,900 GHS per month. Families spend anywhere from 2,700 GHS to 51,000 GHS.
Students
The average monthly expenditure for students in Ghana is 2,600 GHS. Students spend from 390 GHS to 17,000 GHS per month.
Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Ghana
Dining, food, and beverages costs
Fast food combo meal
Restaurant meal for one
Fine dining meal for one
Cappuccino or latte
Grocery and market costs
Milk large bottle
12 eggs
Fresh whole chicken
Pack of beef
Medium bag of rice
Bag of tomatos
Bag of apples
Commute, travel, and transportation costs
20 minutes taxi ride
Average car full tank
Average car 1-day rental
Average car price
| 13,000 GHS | 25,000 GHS | 34,000 GHS |
Bus ticket one way
Car Service
Utility cost (monthly)
Utility Bill - Individual
Utility Bill - Couple
Utility Bill - Family
| 140 GHS | 390 GHS | 2,600 GHS |
Internet and cable
Mobile phone charges
Leisure and activities costs
Movie ticket
One month gym membership
Cloths and accessories costs
Pair of jeans or pants
Woman dress
Woman shoes
Men's shoes
Men suit
Regular t-shirt
Housing costs / monthly rent
Studio apartment
| 420 GHS | 640 GHS | 1,700 GHS |
1-bedroom apartment
| 640 GHS | 1,000 GHS | 2,500 GHS |
2-bedroom apartment
| 850 GHS | 1,300 GHS | 3,400 GHS |
Housing costs / Buying
Studio apartment
| 85,000 GHS | 130,000 GHS | 250,000 GHS |
1-bedroom apartment
| 100,000 GHS | 170,000 GHS | 640,000 GHS |
2-bedroom apartment
| 170,000 GHS | 510,000 GHS | 1M GHS |
Furniture Costs
King Size Bed
Double Bed
Single Bed
Living Room
| 570 GHS | 730 GHS | 2,500 GHS |
Dining Table
Sofa or Couch
| 340 GHS | 460 GHS | 1,000 GHS |
Electronics and House Appliance Costs
TV Set
| 340 GHS | 510 GHS | 1,000 GHS |
Fridge or Freezer
Washing Machine
| 390 GHS | 570 GHS | 1,000 GHS |
Stove or Cooker
Mobile Phone
Laptop or Computer
| 460 GHS | 570 GHS | 1,000 GHS |
Expenditure to Income Ratio in Ghana
One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.
Spending to Income Ratio
87%
81% to 96%
( expenditure / income ) x 100
Expense to income distribution levels
| Spending To Income Ratio | % People |
|---|
| < 50% | 4% |
| 50% - 60% | 9% |
| 60% - 70% | 15% |
| 70% - 80% | 25% |
| 80% - 90% | 20% |
| 90% - 100% | 11% |
| 100% - 110% | 6% |
| 110% - 120% | 4% |
| 120% - 130% | 3% |
| 130% - 140% | 2% |
| > 140% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
The average spending-to-salary ratio in Ghana is 87%
This means that on average, people spend around 87% of their income for living.
According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.
How can spending be more than income?
A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.
Individual
78%
Spending-Income-Ratio
73%
86%
Couple
83%
Spending-Income-Ratio
77%
91%
Family
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%
How do people spend their money in Ghana?
We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.
The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.
Housing Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)
| LOW | $9.2 120 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $120 1,500 GHS |
| HIGH | $1,200 15,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
People living in Ghana typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,500 GHS with expenditure ranging from 120 GHS to 15,000 GHS. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)
| LOW | $1.5 20 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $20 260 GHS |
| HIGH | $200 2,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Ghana ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 260 GHS with 20 GHS and 2,600 GHS being the upper and lower limits.
Transport, Fuel, Commute7%
7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.1 39 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $40 510 GHS |
| HIGH | $400 5,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 39 GHS to 5,100 GHS on commuting with 510 GHS being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.
Food and Groceries Cost28%
28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)
| LOW | $7.7 98 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $100 1,300 GHS |
| HIGH | $1,000 13,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
The average outlay on groceries in a month in Ghana is 1,300 GHS. The cost of groceries can range between 98 GHS to 13,000 GHS. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.
Healthcare and Medical Services10%
10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)
| LOW | $2.2 27 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $28 360 GHS |
| HIGH | $280 3,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
People in Ghana allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 27 GHS to 3,600 GHS with 360 GHS being the norm.
Leisure and Shopping4%
4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)
| LOW | $1.2 16 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $16 200 GHS |
| HIGH | $160 2,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 16 GHS to 2,000 GHS with 200 GHS being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.
Education and Schooling5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $1.8 24 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $24 310 GHS |
| HIGH | $240 3,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 310 GHS per month with 24 GHS being the minimum spent amount and 3,100 GHS being the maximum.
Other Expenses14%
14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $4 51 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $52 660 GHS |
| HIGH | $520 6,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
How much money can you save in Ghana every month?
We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.
What percentage of people in Ghana manage to save money from their income every month?
Almost 55% of the surveyed people in Ghana said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 45% said that aren't saving anything.
Percentage of people saving money by population group in Ghana
| Group | Savers | Non Savers |
|---|
| Singles | 57% | 43% |
| Couples | 52% | 48% |
| Families | 47% | 53% |
Savings-to-Income Ratio
The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
120 GHS
$9.1 | 1,500 GHS
$120 | 15,000 GHS
$1,200 |
For most people, 9% to 29% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 15% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 1,500 GHS on average with savings ranging from 120 GHS to 15,000 GHS.
57% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 52% of couples said the same. 47% of families confirmed their ability to save money.
How much money do people actually save in Ghana?
The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.
Singles
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
120 GHS
$9.1 | 1,000 GHS
$82 | 7,000 GHS
$550 |
Savings to income distribution levels for singles
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Singles |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 32% |
| 10% - 20% | 25% |
| 20% - 30% | 16% |
| 30% - 40% | 13% |
| 40% - 50% | 10% |
| > 50% | 4% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 12% to 31% of their monthly income to savings, with 19% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,000 GHS with 120 GHS and 7,000 GHS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Couples
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
580 GHS
$45 | 1,700 GHS
$140 | 9,300 GHS
$730 |
Savings to income distribution levels for couples
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Couples |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 36% |
| 10% - 20% | 27% |
| 20% - 30% | 19% |
| 30% - 40% | 8% |
| 40% - 50% | 7% |
| > 50% | 3% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 10% to 30% of their monthly income, with 17% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 1,700 GHS with 580 GHS and 9,300 GHS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Families
Saving to Income Ratio
Average Monthly Saved Amount
810 GHS
$64 | 2,300 GHS
$180 | 15,000 GHS
$1,200 |
Savings to income distribution levels for families
| Saving To Income Ratio | % Families |
|---|
| 0% - 10% | 39% |
| 10% - 20% | 30% |
| 20% - 30% | 20% |
| 30% - 40% | 5% |
| 40% - 50% | 4% |
| > 50% | 2% |
Interpretation and Analysis
Families in Ghana can save anywhere between 8% to 27% of their monthly income, with 15% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 2,300 GHS with 810 GHS and 15,000 GHS being the minimum and maximum respectively.
Saving Challenges in Ghana
Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money
We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Ghana. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.
| Reason | % People |
|---|
| Low Income | 5% |
| High Expenses | 8% |
| Debt and Loans | 13% |
| Lack of Budgeting Skills | 12% |
| Impulsive Spending | 12% |
| Financial Emergencies | 7% |
| Living the moment | 5% |
| Will do it later | 21% |
| Inflation | 13% |
| Social Pressure | 3% |
| Market Instability | 2% |
Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.
Typical saving choices for people in Ghana
Where do people choose to put their savings?
| Saving Type | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Funds | 12% |
| Gold | 13% |
| Savings Accounts | 17% |
| Retirement Accounts | 10% |
| Cash Savings | 21% |
| Real Estate | 9% |
| Investment | 5% |
| Stocks | 4% |
| Bonds | 5% |
| Mutual Funds | 2% |
| Certificates of Deposit | 3% |
A typical and healthy budgeting structure
The 50/30/20 rule
Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle,
location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule,
which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.
50% for needs and financial obligations
This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.
30% for wants and discretionary spending
This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.
20% for savings and emergency fund
This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.
About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting
The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.
Affordable living in Ghana
Income and cost of living compatibility
We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.
Is it affordable or economical to live in Ghana?
Around 48% of surveyed residents think that living in Ghana is affordable with proper budgeting while 52% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.
Low-cost alternatives in Ghana
People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:
Plenty of low-cost options55%
Few low-cost options45%
Based on the survey, 55% of the people living in Ghana have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 45% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.
Emergency Funds
An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Ghana whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.
Yes47%
No53%
Based on the survey, 53% of the people living in Ghana said that they don't have an emergency fund while 47% said that they do.
Financial Literacy in Ghana
Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.
Financial Leteracy43%
We asked residents of Ghana whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 57% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 43% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.
Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning
We wanted to understand whether residents of Ghana have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 51% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 49% said that they have everything under control.
Struggles with finance51%
Easily manages finances49%
Financial goals of people in Ghana
In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Ghana, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.
| Financial Goal | % People |
|---|
| Emergency Fund | 8% |
| Debt Reduction | 43% |
| Retirement Savings | 10% |
| Education Funding | 7% |
| Homeownership | 18% |
| Investing | 6% |
| Travel or Lifestyle | 7% |
| Healthcare Expenses | 14% |
| Financial Independence | 5% |
Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.
Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Ghana
What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Ghana and how much retirement savings are required?
Retirement age
The retirement age for most employees in Ghana is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.
Retirement planning and savings
There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.
The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 5x monthly salary at age 25 |
| 30 | 10x monthly salary at age 30 |
| 35 | 15x monthly salary at age 35 |
| 40 | 25x monthly salary at age 40 |
| 45 | 32x monthly salary at age 45 |
| 50 | 48x monthly salary at age 50 |
| 55 | 56x monthly salary at age 55 |
| 60 | 64x monthly salary at age 60 |
| 65 | 78x monthly salary at age 65 |
The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Ghana:| Age | Amount |
|---|
| 25 | 13,000 GHS |
| 30 | 26,000 GHS |
| 35 | 46,000 GHS |
| 40 | 66,000 GHS |
| 45 | 99,000 GHS |
| 50 | 140,000 GHS |
| 55 | 170,000 GHS |
| 60 | 210,000 GHS |
| 65 | 240,000 GHS |
Retirement Income Distribution
We asked residents of Ghana about their retirement income sources and below are the results.
| Source | % People |
|---|
| Pensions | 12% |
| Savings | 23% |
| Investments | 12% |
| Social Security | 7% |
| Annuities | 7% |
| Part-time Job | 15% |
| Real Estate | 18% |
| Dividends and Interest | 7% |
Retirement Monthly Expenses in Ghana 290 GHS
$23 | 2,600 GHS
$210 | 17,000 GHS
$1,400 |
Debt, loans, and mortgages in Ghana
Percentage of people who are in debt
According to the survey, 30% of the people in Ghana have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 70% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.
Debt-to-income ratio in Ghana
Debt to income ratio
32%
24% to 41%
( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100
Interpretation
The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 32% of the people's monthly income in Ghana goes to debt settlement.
Debt levelsMonthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income
| Debt-to-income ratio | % People |
|---|
| > 60% | 3% |
| 50% - 60% | 18% |
| 40% - 50% | 15% |
| 30% - 40% | 17% |
| 20% - 30% | 10% |
| 10% - 20% | 12% |
| 0% - 10% | 25% |
According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Ghana pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.
Distribution by type of debt in Ghana
| Debt | % People |
|---|
| Real Estate Mortgage | 8% |
| Auto Loan | 15% |
| Student Loan | 4% |
| Credit Card | 30% |
| Personal Loan | 43% |
8% of debtors in Ghana confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Ghana.
About credit score and debt managementManaging debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.
Good debt vs. Bad debt
Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.
Loan Affordability Index in Ghana
Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Ghana how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.
Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.
| Frequency | % People |
|---|
| Never | 50% |
| Once a year | 24% |
| Twice a year | 13% |
| Three times a year | 9% |
| Four times a year | 4% |
Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Ghana
Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Rent Cost in Ghana
Monthly Rent Prices
Studio apartment monthly rent cost
| 420 GHS | 640 GHS | 1,700 GHS |
1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 640 GHS | 1,000 GHS | 2,500 GHS |
2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 850 GHS | 1,300 GHS | 3,400 GHS |
3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost
| 1,000 GHS | 1,700 GHS | 4,600 GHS |
Furnished apartment monthly rent cost
| 2,000 GHS | 5,100 GHS | 10,000 GHS |
Townhouse monthly rent cost
| 1,700 GHS | 2,500 GHS | 7,300 GHS |
House monthly rent cost
| 2,000 GHS | 5,100 GHS | 10,000 GHS |
Villa monthly rent cost
| 2,500 GHS | 6,400 GHS | 10,000 GHS |
The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Ghana ranges between 420 GHS and 1,700 GHS, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 640 GHS to 2,500 GHS. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 850 GHS and 3,400 GHS per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,000 GHS to 4,600 GHS. The average rent of a townhouse in Ghana is around 2,500 GHS while house rental costs can be as high as 5,100 GHS per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,500 GHS to 10,000 GHS per month.
Apartment and house prices in Ghana
Cost of buying a property
Studio apartment price
| 85,000 GHS | 130,000 GHS | 250,000 GHS |
1-bedroom apartment price
| 100,000 GHS | 170,000 GHS | 640,000 GHS |
2-bedroom apartment price
| 170,000 GHS | 510,000 GHS | 1M GHS |
3-bedroom apartment price
| 570,000 GHS | 850,000 GHS | 2.5M GHS |
Townhouse price
| 730,000 GHS | 1.7M GHS | 6.4M GHS |
| $57,000 | $130,000 | $500,000 |
House price
| 850,000 GHS | 5.1M GHS | 7.3M GHS |
| $67,000 | $400,000 | $570,000 |
Villa price
| $80,000 | $440,000 | $670,000 |
The average price of a studio apartment in Ghana can range from 85,000 GHS to 250,000 GHS depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 100,000 GHS to 640,000 GHS. A villa can cost you 5.7M GHS on average with prices ranging from 1M GHS to 8.5M GHS.
If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Ghana will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.
House / apartment prices to income ratio
Property price to income ratio
( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100
| 30 | x85 monthly income | 191 |
Property prices in Ghana can be x85 to x191 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x85 multiples of the average monthly salary in Ghana.
Rent to income ratio
Rent to income ratio
( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100
The average rent-to-income ratio in Ghana is around 28%. This means that people pay 28% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 18% to 38% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.
The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.
Housing affordability index
The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.
Housing Affordability Index
26% Property Taxes
Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.
Home Maintenance Costs
Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.
| 7.9 GHS | 100 GHS | 1,000 GHS |
Urban vs. rural living costs
Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.
Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Ghana
Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.
Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Ghana
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple
Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family
| 140 GHS | 390 GHS | 2,600 GHS |
Internet and cable cost
Mobile phone bill and charges
Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.
The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Ghana ranges between 30 GHS and 1,400 GHS with average being 210 GHS, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 270 GHS with 79 GHS and 1,700 GHS being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 390 GHS. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 25 GHS to 68 GHS with 51 GHS being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 34 GHS but can range between 20 GHS and 100 GHS depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.
Energy / Utility expense to income ratio
( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average utility-to-income ratio in Ghana is around 7%. This means that people pay 7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 4% to 11% depending on salary and location.
Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Ghana
Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.
Prices and cost of goods and services in Ghana
Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.
Fast food combo meal price
The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Ghana is approximatly 10 GHS with meal cost ranging from 5.1 GHS to 17 GHS. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.
Restaurant meal for one price
If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 17 GHS and 51 GHS with 25 GHS being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Ghana.
Fine dining meal for one price
The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 34 GHS to 200 GHS with the average cost being 51 GHS for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Ghana.
Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..
The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Ghana is around 6.8 GHS. Price ranges between 4.2 GHS and 10 GHS depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.
Grocery and market costs
Large bottle of milk price
The average price of a large bottle of milk in Ghana is 4.1 GHS. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 5.1 GHS and the minimum being 3.4 GHS depending on the brand of milk and other properties.
12 eggs price
A dozen eggs costs around 3.4 GHS on average with 2.5 GHS and 5.1 GHS being the lower and upper limits respectively.
Fresh whole chicken price
The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Ghana is between 5.8 GHS and 11 GHS depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 7.5 GHS.
Pack of beef price
The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 10 GHS. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.
Medium bag of rice price
A bag of rice in Ghana costs around 3.7 GHS on average with prices rangeing between 2.7 GHS and 5.3 GHS depending on the brand and quality.
Bag of tomatos price
A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1 GHS to 2.5 GHS. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Bag of apples price
A bag of apples costs 2.4 GHS on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.
Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio
( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100
The average grocery-to-income ratio in Ghana is around 27%. This means that people spend 27% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 19% to 33% depending on salary and location.
Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group
A single person living alone spends approximately 570 GHS per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 79 GHS and 3,800 GHS depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 820 GHS per month. That number can be get as low as 270 GHS or a high as 4,400 GHS. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 490 GHS to 9,200 GHS with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.
SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Ghana
Housing cost for a single person29%
29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)
| LOW | $14 180 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $100 1,300 GHS |
| HIGH | $670 8,500 GHS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile9%
9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)
| LOW | $2.3 30 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $17 210 GHS |
| HIGH | $110 1,400 GHS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)
| LOW | $3.1 40 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $22 280 GHS |
| HIGH | $150 1,900 GHS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)
| LOW | $6.2 79 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $44 570 GHS |
| HIGH | $300 3,800 GHS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost12%
12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)
| LOW | $3.5 45 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $25 320 GHS |
| HIGH | $170 2,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Expenditure2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)
| LOW | $1.9 25 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $14 180 GHS |
| HIGH | $92 1,200 GHS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $0.78 9.9 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $5.5 71 GHS |
| HIGH | $37 470 GHS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses22%
22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)
| LOW | $7 89 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $50 640 GHS |
| HIGH | $330 4,200 GHS |
| Per Month |
CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Ghana
Housing cost for a couple26%
26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)
| LOW | $52 670 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $160 2,000 GHS |
| HIGH | $840 11,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile8%
8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $6.2 79 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $21 270 GHS |
| HIGH | $140 1,700 GHS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)
| LOW | $18 240 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $55 710 GHS |
| HIGH | $300 3,800 GHS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)
| LOW | $22 270 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $65 820 GHS |
| HIGH | $350 4,400 GHS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost14%
14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)
| LOW | $17 220 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $51 650 GHS |
| HIGH | $270 3,500 GHS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost3%
3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $9.2 120 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $28 350 GHS |
| HIGH | $150 1,900 GHS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost1%
1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)
| LOW | $3.1 39 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $9.2 120 GHS |
| HIGH | $49 630 GHS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses21%
21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)
| LOW | $26 330 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $79 1,000 GHS |
| HIGH | $420 5,300 GHS |
| Per Month |
FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Ghana
Housing cost for a family25%
25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)
| LOW | $69 880 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $200 2,500 GHS |
| HIGH | $1,300 16,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%
6% of total expenses on average (4% to 9%)
| LOW | $11 140 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $31 390 GHS |
| HIGH | $200 2,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Expenses5%
5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)
| LOW | $22 270 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $62 790 GHS |
| HIGH | $400 5,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Cost21%
21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)
| LOW | $39 490 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $110 1,400 GHS |
| HIGH | $720 9,200 GHS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Expenses11%
11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)
| LOW | $19 250 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $62 790 GHS |
| HIGH | $320 4,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)
| LOW | $11 140 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $31 390 GHS |
| HIGH | $200 2,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost13%
13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)
| LOW | $30 380 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $86 1,100 GHS |
| HIGH | $560 7,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses16%
16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)
| LOW | $17 220 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $49 630 GHS |
| HIGH | $320 4,100 GHS |
| Per Month |
StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Ghana
Housing costs for Student17%
17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)
| LOW | $7.4 94 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $49 630 GHS |
| HIGH | $330 4,200 GHS |
| Per Month |
Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, and Mobile Expenses7%
7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)
| LOW | $1.2 16 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $8.2 100 GHS |
| HIGH | $55 700 GHS |
| Per Month |
Transport and Fuel Cost4%
4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)
| LOW | $2.2 27 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $14 180 GHS |
| HIGH | $96 1,200 GHS |
| Per Month |
Food and Groceries Expenditure23%
23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)
| LOW | $6.2 79 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $41 520 GHS |
| HIGH | $270 3,500 GHS |
| Per Month |
Healthcare Cost9%
9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)
| LOW | $1.8 24 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $12 160 GHS |
| HIGH | $82 1,000 GHS |
| Per Month |
Leisure and Shopping Cost2%
2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)
| LOW | $1.5 20 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $10 130 GHS |
| HIGH | $68 870 GHS |
| Per Month |
Education Cost18%
18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)
| LOW | $5.9 75 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $39 500 GHS |
| HIGH | $260 3,300 GHS |
| Per Month |
Other Expenses19%
19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)
| LOW | $4.6 59 GHS |
| AVERAGE | $31 390 GHS |
| HIGH | $210 2,600 GHS |
| Per Month |
