Daily costs per person in US dollars. Kumasi is very affordable and offers some of Ghana's best value — these ranges cover the spectrum from budget backpacker to comfortable mid-range.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: GHS (Cedi) (Cards at some hotels, cash elsewhere)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–18 | $25–55 | $70+ | Hostels → guesthouses → business hotels |
| Food | $3–10 | $12–25 | $30+ | Chop bars → local restaurants → hotel dining |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–15 | $25+ | Shared taxis → charter taxis → private car |
| Activities | $3–10 | $10–30 | $40+ | Self-guided → guided tours → private cultural experiences |
| Entry Fees | $2–5 | $5–10 | $10–15 | Palace, museums, village visits |
| Daily Total | $18–48 | $57–135 | $175+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → upscale |
Money-saving tips
Stay near Kejetia
Budget guesthouses in Adum and around Kejetia cost $10–20/night and put you in the heart of the city. Mid-range hotels in Amakom are slightly quieter and still walkable.
Eat at chop bars
Kumasi's chop bars serve the best food in Ghana — fufu, banku, waakye — for 10–20 GHS. Restaurant prices in hotel areas are 3–5x more for the same dishes.
Use shared taxis
Shared taxis (dropping) are cheap and cover all Kumasi routes — 2–5 GHS per trip. Charter (private) taxis cost 15–30 GHS for the same journey.
Buy crafts from makers
Visit Bonwire (kente) and Ntonso (Adinkra) directly — buying from the artisans saves 30–50% compared to Kumasi market prices and ensures your money reaches the makers.
Bargain firmly but fairly
Kejetia Market prices are always negotiable — start at 30–40% of asking price. Walk away politely if the price stays too high. The vendor usually calls you back.
Combine day trips
Bonwire and Ntonso are close together — visit both in one day by shared taxi. Lake Bosomtwe can be a half-day trip if you leave early.
