Daily costs per person in US dollars. Accra is affordable for budget travellers but has a growing upscale scene, so 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, so start at 30–40% of the asking price. Walk away politely if the price does not come down, and 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, as the same experience costs 50–70% less.
