Daily costs per person in US dollars. Accra is affordable for budget travellers but has a growing upscale scene — these ranges cover the spectrum from street food and tro-tros to boutique hotels and fine dining.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: GHS (Cedi) (Cards accepted at hotels, cash elsewhere)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10–25 | $30–70 | $100+ | Hostels → guesthouses → boutique hotels |
| Food | $5–12 | $15–30 | $40+ | Street food → chop bars → restaurants |
| Transport | $3–8 | $10–20 | $30+ | Tro-tros → Bolt/Uber → private car |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 | $50+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guides |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–10 | $10–15 | Museums and sites have modest fees |
| Daily Total | $25–65 | $75–170 | $230+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Eat at chop bars
Traditional chop bars serve generous portions of authentic Ghanaian food for 10–25 GHS ($1–3). Restaurant prices in Osu and Cantonments are 5–10x higher for similar dishes.
Use tro-tros for transport
Tro-tros (shared minibuses) cost 2–5 GHS for journeys across Accra. Bolt/Uber rides are 15–30 GHS for the same routes. Tro-tros are slower but much cheaper and an authentic experience.
Stay in guesthouses
Accra has excellent budget guesthouses in Osu and Adabraka for $15–30/night. International hotels charge $100+ for the same area. Ask for fan rooms instead of A/C to save more.
Bargain at markets
Prices at Makola and the Arts Centre are always negotiable — start at 30–40% of the asking price. Walk away politely if the price does not come down — the vendor will often call you back.
Drink sachets and tap beer
Pure Water sachets cost 0.50 GHS versus 5+ GHS for bottled water. Draft beer at local spots is 5–10 GHS versus 20+ GHS at tourist bars.
Book day trips locally
Arrange Cape Coast and Kakum trips through local operators in Accra rather than international tour companies — the same experience costs 50–70% less.
