Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ghana Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Accra's property market is included in our pack
Everything you need to know about living in Accra as an expat in 2026 is right here, from housing costs and healthcare to safety, visas, and daily life.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data, exchange rates, and on-the-ground realities in Accra.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Accra.
Is Accra a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Accra is mixed but cautiously improving, with macro reforms bringing more currency stability after years of high inflation, though everyday comfort still depends heavily on your income level.
The most notable improvement in Accra over the past two to three years has been the stabilization of the Ghanaian Cedi, which dropped from around 15-16 GHS per USD in late 2024 to roughly 10.9 GHS per USD in early 2026, making budgeting more predictable for expats.
However, traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge in Accra, with many residents spending 2 to 4 hours daily commuting, which significantly impacts daily routines and work-life balance for anyone not living close to their workplace.
Are hospitals good in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospital quality in Accra is adequate for routine care at the right facilities, but it does not yet match Western European or North American standards for complex procedures, which is why many expats maintain evacuation coverage.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Accra include Nyaho Medical Centre for its US-trained doctors and 24/7 emergency services, Lister Hospital for its private suites and fertility specialists, and 37 Military Hospital for its strong trauma and emergency care reputation.
A standard private GP consultation in Accra in 2026 typically costs between 400 and 900 GHS, which translates to roughly 37 to 83 USD or 34 to 76 EUR, though specialist visits and bundled lab work can push costs higher.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Accra because the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers limited services, and most foreigners prefer the shorter wait times and better facilities offered by private providers.
Are there any good international schools in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, Accra has over a dozen international schools offering British, American, IB, and hybrid curricula, and the top-tier options provide facilities and teaching standards comparable to international schools in other major African cities.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Accra include Ghana International School, which is the only school in Ghana accredited by both CIS and NEASC, Lincoln Community School, an IB World School popular with diplomatic families, and Galaxy International School, known for its science focus and multicultural student body from over 37 countries.
Annual tuition fees for international schools in Accra in 2026 typically range from 55,000 to 320,000 GHS, which translates to roughly 5,000 to 29,000 USD or 4,600 to 26,500 EUR, depending on the school and grade level.
Waitlists for popular international schools in Accra can be long, especially at entry points like early years and high school transitions, so applying 9 to 12 months in advance is strongly recommended, and public schools are generally not considered a viable alternative for expat children due to curriculum differences and facility gaps.
Is Accra a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Accra is not uniformly dangerous, and the U.S. State Department classifies Ghana at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), which is lower risk than many regional neighbors, though street crime and opportunistic theft are real concerns.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Accra involve petty theft such as bag snatching and phone grabs, residential break-ins especially in less secure compounds, and occasional armed robbery incidents, with crime often spiking around ATMs, markets, and nightlife areas after dark.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats to live in Accra include Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Ridge, Roman Ridge, Labone, and East Legon, all of which have higher concentrations of gated compounds with 24-hour security.
Women can generally live alone safely in Accra with sensible precautions, including choosing secure housing with guards, using trusted ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber instead of random taxis, avoiding solo walks late at night, and being mindful of valuables in public spaces.
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How much does everyday life cost in Accra in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single expat living comfortably in a good Accra neighborhood needs roughly 18,000 to 30,000 GHS per month, which translates to approximately 1,650 to 2,750 USD or 1,500 to 2,500 EUR.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Accra, a single person can manage on around 12,000 to 18,000 GHS per month (1,100 to 1,650 USD or 1,000 to 1,500 EUR), though this typically means compromising on housing location or amenities.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Accra, including a furnished apartment in a top expat neighborhood, regular dining out, gym membership, and domestic travel, requires 30,000 to 45,000 GHS per month (2,750 to 4,100 USD or 2,500 to 3,750 EUR) for a single person, or 70,000 to 140,000 GHS (6,400 to 12,800 USD or 5,900 to 11,700 EUR) for a family with children in international school.
Housing is by far the largest expense category in Accra, often consuming 50% to 70% of an expat budget, because secure compounds with backup power in desirable neighborhoods like Cantonments or Airport Residential Area command rents of 20,000 to 35,000 GHS per month (1,800 to 3,200 USD) for a decent two-bedroom apartment.
What is the average income tax rate in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Accra (earning around 15,000 to 25,000 GHS per month gross) usually falls between 15% and 22%, depending on applicable reliefs and deductions.
Ghana uses a progressive income tax system under the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) framework, with marginal rates starting at 0% for the first 490 GHS monthly, then climbing through brackets of 5%, 10%, 17.5%, 25%, 30%, and reaching a top marginal rate of 35% for monthly income above 50,000 GHS.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Ghana versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Accra in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats living in Accra include Nigeria and other West African neighbors, the United Kingdom, the United States, Lebanon, India, and China, along with a significant number of diaspora returnees from Europe and North America.
While precise figures are difficult to obtain, estimates suggest that foreign residents make up a small but highly visible percentage of Accra's population, concentrated in specific neighborhoods and employment sectors like embassies, NGOs, multinationals, and extractive industries.
Many expats from Western countries are drawn to Accra because it serves as a regional hub for international organizations, development agencies, and corporate headquarters covering West Africa, while Lebanese and Asian expats often have long-established business ties in trade and services.
The expat population in Accra is predominantly working professionals and diplomatic staff rather than retirees or digital nomads, though the diaspora return movement (often called "Year of Return" or "Beyond the Return") has brought a growing number of Afro-descendants seeking to reconnect with their heritage.
Where do most expats live in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods where expats most commonly live in Accra include Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Labone, Ridge, Roman Ridge, East Legon, Osu, Dzorwulu, and the Spintex corridor, with Cantonments and Airport Residential being the most established expat enclaves.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer secure gated compounds with backup generators and water storage, proximity to international schools, embassies, restaurants, and shopping centers, and relatively better road infrastructure compared to other parts of the city.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats include Adjiringanor and Trassaco (extensions of East Legon) and parts of the Spintex Road corridor, which offer newer housing stock and more space at somewhat lower rents, though commute times can be significantly longer.
Are expats moving in or leaving Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the expat migration trend in Accra appears roughly stable with a slight net inflow, as organizations continue rotating staff in and out while Ghana's improved currency stability and regional hub status sustain demand for foreign expertise.
The main factor drawing expats to Accra right now is the concentration of international organizations, NGOs, and regional corporate headquarters that require English-speaking professionals for West Africa operations, combined with the lifestyle appeal of beach access, a vibrant social scene, and direct flight connections to Europe and North America.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Accra recently has been the high cost of "expat-standard" housing and international schooling, which can strain budgets even for well-paid professionals, especially those on local contracts rather than full expat packages.
Compared to similar destinations in West Africa, Accra remains more attractive than Lagos for many expats due to perceived safety and lower stress levels, though it is more expensive than cities like Dakar or Abidjan for certain goods and services.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Accra in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Accra are the Work Visa combined with a Residence Permit (the standard employed expat route), the Business Visa for short-term commercial activities, and the Tourist or Visitor Visa for initial entry before transitioning to longer-term permits.
For the most commonly used work visa pathway in Accra, the main eligibility requirements include having a job offer from a Ghana-registered employer, the employer applying for a work permit on your behalf through the Ghana Immigration Service, submitting educational certificates and a CV, providing a medical report, and obtaining both a work permit and a separate residence permit.
Ghana does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa or remote worker visa, so foreigners working remotely for non-Ghanaian companies often enter on visitor or business visas, though this is a legal gray area and long-term remote work should ideally be covered by proper work and residence permits.
Work permits in Ghana are typically issued for one year (or the length of the employment contract, up to two years) and must be renewed annually, with the renewal process requiring updated tax clearance certificates and company documents, which usually takes 2 to 6 weeks when paperwork is complete.
How long does it take to get residency in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a work permit and residence permit in Accra is 4 to 10 weeks when employer documents are complete, though complex cases or incomplete applications can stretch to 3 months or longer.
Common factors that delay residency applications in Accra include missing or outdated company documents (especially tax clearance certificates and audited accounts), incomplete personal paperwork, and cases referred to the Ghana Immigration Service for additional investigation, while having an experienced immigration lawyer or HR team can significantly speed up the process.
For permanent residency, foreigners must generally live in Ghana for at least 5 continuous years before becoming eligible, and citizenship by naturalization requires at least 7 years of residence, though the diaspora "Right of Abode" program offers a faster pathway for people of African descent.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Ghana. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Accra in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top industries hiring in Accra include development and NGO work (funded by international donors), financial services and fintech, energy and extractives (oil, gas, and related services), and regional corporate roles in FMCG, logistics, and telecommunications.
It is generally realistic for expats to get hired in Accra without speaking Twi or other local languages because English is the official language and is widely used in business, government, and professional settings, though learning basic Twi phrases helps with daily life and social integration.
The roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Accra are specialist technical positions, senior management roles, development program officers, consultants for international projects, and positions in industries where local talent pipelines are still developing, such as certain engineering, IT, and financial specializations.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in Accra vary widely depending on contract type, with local-hire professionals earning 12,000 to 35,000 GHS per month gross (1,100 to 3,200 USD or 1,000 to 2,900 EUR) and full expat packages often reaching 3,000 to 10,000 USD per month net-equivalent, frequently with housing and school allowances included.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Accra typically pay 15,000 to 40,000 GHS per month gross (1,400 to 3,700 USD or 1,300 to 3,400 EUR), which can support a comfortable single lifestyle but may be tight for families with international school costs.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Accra, particularly in energy, finance, or international development leadership, commonly offer 50,000 to 100,000 GHS per month gross (4,600 to 9,200 USD or 4,200 to 8,400 EUR) or higher, often with additional benefits like housing allowances, school fee support, and annual flights home.
Large employers, NGOs, and multinationals in Accra commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires when the role requires specialist skills, though smaller companies may be less equipped to handle the documentation burden, making it important to clarify sponsorship early in the hiring process.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Accra right now?
What do expats love most about living in Accra right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Accra include the warm and welcoming social scene, the ease of navigating daily life in English, and the proximity to beautiful beaches and nature escapes for weekend trips.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Accra is the active social life, with a vibrant mix of restaurants, beach clubs, live music venues, and community events that make it easy to build friendships quickly in a city that genuinely enjoys getting together.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Accra is the English-first environment, which simplifies everything from work communication to dealing with service providers, making the transition smoother compared to Francophone or non-English-speaking African cities.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Accra particularly enjoyable for expats is the Ghanaian tradition of hospitality and relationship-building, where taking time to greet people properly and build genuine connections opens doors in both professional and personal contexts.
What do expats dislike most about life in Accra right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Accra include the severe traffic congestion that can turn a 10-kilometer trip into a 90-minute ordeal, the unreliable electricity and water supply that makes backup systems essential, and the premium pricing for housing that meets "expat standards" of security and amenities.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Accra is the unpredictable power situation, because even with the national grid improving, outages still happen, and living without a generator or inverter system means sweating through hot nights and losing productivity during work hours.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Accra is the work and residence permit renewal process, which requires gathering fresh company documents (including updated tax clearances and audited accounts) annually and can involve multiple trips to government offices if paperwork is incomplete.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Accra, especially for those who invest in proper housing with backup power and water, plan their commutes strategically, and either hire a reliable HR team or immigration lawyer to handle permit renewals.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Accra right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Accra include the importance of relationships and personal introductions for getting things done, the more relaxed approach to time and schedules compared to Western norms, and the visible security infrastructure (guards, gates, access control) that becomes a routine part of daily life.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Accra is the expectation of proper greetings and small talk before getting to business, because diving straight into requests without first asking how someone is doing can come across as rude and may make transactions or negotiations more difficult.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Accra is "Ghana time," where meetings and services often start later than scheduled, service delivery can be slower than expected, and building in flexibility for delays becomes essential for maintaining sanity and good relationships.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Ghana compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Accra in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Ghana is restricted, meaning foreigners generally cannot own freehold land and must instead acquire leasehold interests, typically for a maximum of 50 years (renewable), under the Land Act 2020.
The specific restrictions that apply to foreigners buying property in Accra include the prohibition on owning land outright, the requirement to use a Ghana-qualified lawyer for due diligence, and the need to verify all title documents carefully through the Lands Commission because land disputes are not uncommon.
In terms of property types, foreigners in Accra can acquire leasehold interests in apartments, houses, and commercial buildings, but direct ownership of land itself is reserved for Ghanaian citizens, which means most foreign buyers effectively "lease" the land beneath their property for up to 50 years.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Accra.
What is the average price per m² in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, the estimated average price per square meter for residential property in prime expat areas of Accra (like Cantonments, Airport Residential, Labone, and East Legon) ranges from roughly 16,000 to 33,000 GHS per m², which translates to approximately 1,500 to 3,000 USD or 1,400 to 2,750 EUR per m².
Property prices in Accra have been relatively stable to slightly rising over the past two to three years in prime areas, as the cedi's stabilization in 2025-2026 has made dollar-denominated values more predictable, though new-build developments with full amenities (generator, pool, security) command significant premiums over older stock.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Accra here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Accra in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Accra are available but limited, with stricter terms than for Ghanaian citizens, and not all banks actively market mortgage products to non-residents.
Banks in Ghana known to consider mortgage applications from foreigners include Stanbic Bank Ghana, Absa Bank Ghana, and CalBank, though terms and willingness to lend vary, and it is essential to confirm current product availability directly with each institution.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Accra include higher down payments (often 30% to 50% compared to 20% to 30% for citizens), interest rates that can range from 20% to 30% or more depending on cedi-denominated versus dollar-denominated loans, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 20 years.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Accra, you typically need a valid work and residence permit, proof of stable income (often 3 to 6 months of payslips or audited accounts for business owners), bank statements showing repayment capacity, and a property valuation from a bank-approved surveyor.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Ghana.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Accra, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) | It's Ghana's official national statistics agency for population, inflation, and labor data. | We used GSS reports to anchor economic and living condition trends. We cross-checked these with World Bank assessments for context. |
| World Bank Ghana Economic Update | The World Bank provides gold-standard, data-driven country assessments. | We used it to contextualize 2026 quality-of-life direction including inflation and jobs. We mapped macro pressures into practical household budgets. |
| Bank of Ghana (BoG) | It's the central bank's official FX benchmark. | We used BoG's January 2026 USD/GHS mid-rates for all currency conversions. We applied approximately 10.9 GHS per USD as our planning rate. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) | It's the official tax authority for personal income tax rules. | We used GRA and the Income Tax Act to calculate effective tax rates for expats. We translated marginal brackets into practical planning ranges. |
| Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) | It's the official authority for visas, residence, and work permits. | We used GIS to list mainstream visa categories and permit requirements. We cross-checked with Ministry of Interior work permit checklists. |
| U.S. State Department Travel Advisory | It's a vetted, frequently updated security assessment used by expats globally. | We used it to describe practical risk patterns in Accra. We supplemented with OSAC reports for neighborhood-specific guidance. |
| OSAC Ghana Country Security Report | It's an institutional security report used by corporates and embassies. | We used it to translate headline safety into street-level advice. We tailored guidance to common expat neighborhoods in Accra. |
| Lincoln Community School | It's a primary source for international school fees in Accra. | We used their fee schedule to price a real top-tier school for 2025-2026. We built family budgets using these concrete numbers. |
| meQasa | It's a major Ghana property marketplace with transparent listing data. | We used meQasa to anchor rent ranges in core expat districts. We cross-checked with Ghana Property Centre to avoid single-portal bias. |
| National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) | It's the official tariff reference for Ghana's public health scheme. | We used it to understand public healthcare pricing structure. We triangulated private care costs using major provider names and embassy lists. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries | It's a Big-4 reference that summarizes tax law in auditable format. | We used it to quickly verify bracket thresholds and the top marginal rate. We treated it as a readability layer on top of official Acts. |
| LEX Africa | It's a reputable pan-African legal network with property law expertise. | We used their Land Act 2020 summary for foreign ownership rules. We recommend verifying specifics with a local property lawyer. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Ghana. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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