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, so 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, so visit both in one day by shared taxi. Lake Bosomtwe can be a half-day trip if you leave early.
