How Much Does Accra Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Accra's costs swing widely: local chop bars and shared transport are inexpensive, but international-standard hotels and imported goods can be pricey. A realistic per-person daily budget is about $76 / GHS 850 (budget), $176 / GHS 1,961 (mid-range), and $351+ / GHS 3,921+ (luxury), with December typically the most expensive period.
Is Accra expensive to visit?
Accra is mid-priced for West Africa—plan on roughly $76–$361 / GHS 850–GHS 4,026 per person per day depending on comfort level and how many day tours you do.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Accra
$76
per person /day
$176
per person /day
$361
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $228 | $527 | $1,082 |
| 5-Day Trip | $381 | $878 | $1,803 |
| 7-Day Trip | $533 | $1,230 | $2,525 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to keep a 15% budget buffer to cover the 1% Tourism Development Levy added to hotel bills and the 10% service charges common in upscale dining. These extra costs, along with the ~$1.76 / GHS 20 airport drop-off fees, can add up quickly over a week-long stay.
How Does It Compare?
See how Accra stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Accra
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Covers a standard local dish like Jollof rice or Fufu in a decent local eatery. ~$6.44 / GHS 72. | $5.95 GHS 66 |
| Local Beer (0.5L Bottle) Large bottle of Club or Star beer. Costs ~$3.16 / GHS 35 in bars; ~$1.76 / GHS 20 in shops. | $3.15 GHS 35 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Found in upscale cafes in Airport Residential or Cantonments. ~$4.92 / GHS 55. | $4.95 GHS 55 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airport Metered Taxi (Base Fare) Official airport rate; most drivers will still try to negotiate a flat fee of ~$14–$23 / GHS 157–GHS 261 to the city center. | $0.9 GHS 10 |
| Airport Metered Taxi (Distance Rate) Applies after the first kilometer. Very affordable (~$0.01 / GHS 0.13 per 100m) if the meter is used. | $0.01 GHS 0.13 |
| STC Intercity Bus (Accra to Cape Coast) Reliable air-conditioned bus service. Cost is approximately ~$9.37 / GHS 105 one-way. | $9.46 GHS 106 |
| Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt) Across Town Safest and most convenient way for tourists to navigate. Cost is ~$4.92–$6.79 / GHS 55–GHS 76. | $5.86 GHS 65 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 5-Star Hotel Average Rate Includes luxury amenities; rates often fluctuate based on business conferences. Expect to pay ~$382 / GHS 4,261 per night. | $351 GHS 3,918 |
| 4-Star Hotel Nightly Rate Standard for business travelers in Airport Residential or Osu. Approximately ~$225 / GHS 2,509 per night. | $207 GHS 2,313 |
| 3-Star Hotel Nightly Rate Good value in areas like East Legon. Approximately ~$98 / GHS 1,098 per night. | $90 GHS 1,007 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Entry Includes access to the museum and mausoleum. ~$9.02 / GHS 101. | $9 GHS 101 |
| National Museum Non-Ghanaian Adult Standard fee for the main museum in Accra. ~$7.2 / GHS 80. | $7.2 GHS 80 |
| Kakum National Park Canopy Walk Foreign adult fees total around $15 / GHS 170 (gate + canopy walkway combined). Fees can change; bring cash. | $15 GHS 165 |
| Makola Market Guided Tour (2 hours) Highly recommended for first-timers to navigate the maze-like market. ~$41 / GHS 452. | $41 GHS 452 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| MTN Data Zone Bundle (High Usage) Approx 800MB valid for 24 hours. Very cheap data (~$0.54 / GHS 6.01). | $0.54 GHS 6.01 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape ranges from street-side stalls serving Jollof rice for about $5.95 / GHS 66 to upscale cafes where a cappuccino costs $4.95 / GHS 55. While local beer is affordable at $3.15 / GHS 35 for a 0.5L bottle, high-end restaurants in Osu and Labone often add a 10% service charge to the final bill.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Auntie Muni Waakye
$2.71–$5.41 / GHS 30–GHS 60Labone · Street food area
Arrive before 11:00; it's a legendary breakfast/lunch spot that often runs out. Expect to pay ~$4.1 / GHS 46 for a full plate.
Buka Restaurant
$7.66–$14 / GHS 85–GHS 151Osu · Local chain
Great mid-range introduction to West African food in a beautiful setting. ~$11 / GHS 120 per meal.
Chez Clarisse
$5.41–$9.91 / GHS 60–GHS 111Osu · Local chain
Famous for Ivorian-style grilled tilapia and acheke. Very busy on weekends. ~$7.2 / GHS 80 per person.
Bush Canteen
$2.25–$4.51 / GHS 25–GHS 50East Legon · Food court
The ultimate local 'chop bar' experience for workers; very authentic and safe. ~$3.16 / GHS 35.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is most efficient via ride-hailing apps, with cross-town trips typically costing $4.92–$6.79 / GHS 55–GHS 76. While official airport taxis use a base fare of $0.9 / GHS 10, most drivers prefer negotiating flat rates of $14–$23 / GHS 157–GHS 261 for trips into the city center.
Accommodation Overview
Luxury 5-star hotels average around $382 / GHS 4,261 per night, while 4-star options in central business districts cost approximately $225 / GHS 2,509. For better value, 3-star hotels in residential areas like East Legon offer comfortable stays for roughly $98 / GHS 1,098 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Accra
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for $4.92–$6.79 / GHS 55–GHS 76 instead of street taxis to ensure transparent pricing and avoid 'tourist rates'.
- 2 Purchase an MTN Data Zone bundle for high usage at only $0.54 / GHS 6.01 for 24 hours to stay connected without expensive roaming fees.
- 3 Dine at reputable local spots like Auntie Muni Waakye in Labone or Bush Canteen in East Legon for meals priced around $5.95 / GHS 66.
- 4 Visit during February to take advantage ofpleasant weather and hotel savings of $59–$117 / GHS 654–GHS 1,307 per night compared to the expensive December peak.
- 5 Travel to Cape Coast using the reliable STC intercity bus for $9.46 / GHS 106 rather than hiring a private driver, which can cost significantly more.
- 6 Secure a standard visa before departure to avoid the expensive $162 / GHS 1,804 visa-on-arrival fee, which also requires prior clearance.
- 7 Buy large 0.5L bottles of local beer (Club or Star) from small shops for $1.76 / GHS 20 instead of paying $3.16 / GHS 35 or more at hotel bars.
- 8 Fill up on breakfast at your hotel to avoid the $4.95 / GHS 55 cost of coffee and light meals at upscale cafes in the morning.
- 9 Always carry small denominations of cash to pay the $1.76 / GHS 20 airport drop-off fee or entry fees for parks like Kakum National Park.
- 10 Join a guided tour of Makola Market for $41 / GHS 452; while it has an upfront cost, the guide helps navigate the maze and ensures you pay fair prices for goods.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan
+30-50%
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
-20-30%
Feb, Jul, Aug, Nov
December is extremely expensive due to the 'Return' events and music festivals. Visit in February for pleasant weather and ~$59–$117 / GHS 654–GHS 1,307 savings per night on hotels.
Events to Watch
- ● Detty December (Late Dec): +100% hotel prices
- ● Chale Wote Festival (August): +30% Osu area hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Independence Square: Explore the massive ceremonial grounds and the iconic Black Star Gate at no cost.
- 2 Jamestown Street Art: Walk through the historic Jamestown neighborhood to view vibrant murals and colonial-era architecture.
- 3 Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Grounds: While the museum and mausoleum cost $9 / GHS 101, viewing the statues and park architecture from the exterior is common.
- 4 Accra Arts Center: Entry to browse the labyrinth of textiles, drums, and carvings is free, though vendors are very persistent.
- 5 University of Ghana, Legon: Walk through the beautiful gardens and enjoy the historic architecture of the Balme Library and Great Hall for free.
- 6 Osu Night Market: Experience the sensory overload of a traditional Ghanaian night market with no entry fee.
- 7 James Fort Exterior: View the massive white walls of this 17th-century fort located in the heart of Jamestown.
- 8 Ghana State House: Admire the modernist architecture and the Black Star motifs of the government buildings from the public perimeter.
- 9 Rawlings Park: A central landmark in the Makola district perfect for observing the bustling trade activity of the city.
- 10 Jamestown Beach: Visit the public shoreline to watch local fishermen bring in their daily catch on traditional wooden boats.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Skybar 25 Rooftop Dinner
Highest point in Accra with breathtaking views and excellent cocktails. Expect to spend ~$108 / GHS 1,202 for a full dinner for two.
Private Day Tour to Cape Coast & Kakum
Avoid the stress of public transport; includes private driver, lunch, and all entrance fees. ~$238 / GHS 2,653.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Accra
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Accra and what they cost
Cape Coast & Elmina Castles
$19 / GHS 211 by STC Bus + Local Taxi
$14 / GHS 161
$59 / GHS 654
Akosombo / Royal Senchi
$45 / GHS 503 by Private Driver
$32 / GHS 352
$135 / GHS 1,508
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
1 $ ≈ 11 GH₵
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels, malls (Accra Mall), and Airport Residential area; cash is essential for markets and tro-tros.
10% is standard in restaurants. Small service tips of ~$0.47–$0.94 / GHS 5.23–GHS 10 for porters or parking attendants are appreciated.
Ecobank and Stanbic are the most reliable for international cards. Avoid local bank ATMs in remote areas. Limit is usually ~$176–$293 / GHS 1,961–GHS 3,268 per withdrawal.
Mandatory in Makola Market and for street-side taxis. Start at 50% of the asking price and settle around 70%. Never bargain in supermarkets or established pharmacies.
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$29 for 5GB-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$18 / GHS 131–GHS 196 (includes 10GB data and registration)
WiFi: Excellent in Osu/Airport cafes, but patchy in residential areas.
Buy a local MTN SIM card at the airport (Terminal 3) for the best coverage and lowest data rates (~$0.59 / GHS 6.54/GB).
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Accra.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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