Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Ghana Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Ghana Property Pack
Ghana has become an increasingly popular retirement destination for foreigners looking for a warm climate, English-speaking environment, and affordable cost of living.
This guide covers everything you need to know about retiring in Ghana in 2026, including real monthly budgets, current housing prices, and the true costs that most guides overlook.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data on housing prices and living costs in Ghana.
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 Ghana.
How much money do I need to retire in Ghana right now?
What's the absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Ghana?
The absolute minimum monthly budget to survive in Ghana in 2026 is around 8,100 Ghanaian cedis, which works out to roughly $750 USD or €690 EUR if you live in Accra, and closer to $600 USD or €550 EUR if you settle in a smaller city outside the capital.
At this minimum budget level in Ghana, you can cover a basic studio or one-bedroom apartment in a non-prime area, local groceries, public transportation using trotros, essential utilities, and basic healthcare needs.
Living on this tight budget in Ghana means you will need to skip air conditioning most of the time, avoid imported groceries, rely heavily on local markets and street food, and accept that power and water outages may disrupt your routine since you won't have backup systems like generators or water storage.
What lifestyle do I get with $2,000/month in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $2,000 per month (around 21,600 Ghanaian cedis) in Ghana gives you a comfortable middle-class expat lifestyle where you can afford a nice apartment, eat out regularly, and use ride-hailing apps without constant budgeting stress.
On $2,000 per month in Ghana, you can realistically rent a good one-bedroom apartment in an expat-friendly area like East Legon for around 3,500 cedis ($320 USD or €295 EUR) per month, or stretch to a modest two-bedroom in neighborhoods like Osu, Labone, or Dzorwulu.
At this budget level in Accra, you can join a local gym, eat at mid-range restaurants several times a week, take weekend trips to places like Cape Coast or Aburi, and enjoy the city's live music scene and beach bars without feeling stretched.
The main limitation at $2,000 per month in Ghana is that you will still need to be mindful about running air conditioning constantly, hiring domestic help, or absorbing large unexpected costs like medical emergencies or major repairs without dipping into savings.
What lifestyle do I get with $3,000/month in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $3,000 per month (around 32,400 Ghanaian cedis) in Ghana means you can live comfortably in Accra without constantly watching expenses, with room for better housing, regular dining out, and a solid healthcare buffer.
At $3,000 per month in Ghana, you can afford a higher-quality one-bedroom or a decent two-bedroom apartment, with Accra's average two-bedroom asking rent around 4,500 cedis ($415 USD or €380 EUR) per month, while nicer areas like Labone or Airport Residential Area push toward 8,000 to 10,000 cedis.
This budget in Ghana opens up more frequent dining at upscale restaurants in Osu and Cantonments, membership at better gyms and social clubs, monthly domestic travel to destinations like Kakum National Park or the Volta Region, and the freedom to use ride-hailing apps daily without thinking twice.
The key upgrade from $2,000 to $3,000 per month in Ghana is peace of mind: you can run your air conditioning comfortably, keep a real emergency fund for healthcare, and not stress when your landlord asks for multiple months of rent upfront, which is standard practice in Ghana.
What lifestyle do I get with $5,000/month in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a budget of $5,000 per month (around 54,000 Ghanaian cedis) in Ghana puts you in prime Accra neighborhoods with domestic staff, while $10,000 per month (around 108,000 cedis) gives you a luxury lifestyle with top-tier housing, a driver, and the freedom to fly out for elective medical care.
At $5,000 per month in Ghana, you can rent a premium two-bedroom in Cantonments for around 12,000 cedis ($1,100 USD or €1,015 EUR) per month, while at $10,000 per month you can access serviced apartments, gated compounds with 24/7 security, boreholes, and backup generators in areas like Airport Residential Area or Ridge.
In this budget range in Ghana, you gain access to private club memberships at places like the Accra Polo Club, regular fine dining at international restaurants, domestic help including a cleaner and cook, premium private healthcare at facilities like Nyaho Medical Centre, and the flexibility to take weekend getaways to beach resorts like Busua or Axim.
How much for a "comfortable" retirement in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a comfortable retirement in Ghana requires around 32,400 Ghanaian cedis per month, which is approximately $3,000 USD or €2,760 EUR if you live in Accra, and closer to 23,800 cedis ($2,200 USD or €2,025 EUR) if you settle outside the capital in cities like Kumasi, Takoradi, or Cape Coast.
The safest buffer to add on top of your comfortable monthly budget in Ghana is 20%, which means budgeting an extra 6,500 cedis ($600 USD or €550 EUR) per month in Accra, bringing your total safe target to around $3,600 USD or €3,300 EUR monthly.
A comfortable retirement budget in Ghana covers things that a basic budget cannot, including reliable backup power and water systems, private health insurance with access to quality clinics, the ability to pay upfront rent without financial strain, regular air conditioning use, and the flexibility to absorb unexpected costs like visa renewals or medical emergencies.
How much for a "luxury" retirement in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a luxury retirement in Ghana requires around 70,000 Ghanaian cedis per month, which is approximately $6,500 USD or €5,980 EUR for an effortless upscale lifestyle, while $10,000 USD or €9,200 EUR per month puts you in the elite and fully serviced tier.
A luxury retirement in Ghana means living in a serviced apartment or gated compound with 24/7 security, backup generator, and borehole water supply, with rents in prime areas like Cantonments starting around 12,000 cedis ($1,100 USD or €1,015 EUR) per month and going up to 25,000 cedis or more for high-end properties with full amenities.
The most popular neighborhoods for retirees seeking a luxury lifestyle in Ghana are Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Ridge, and the premium parts of East Legon, all of which offer proximity to embassies, international restaurants, top medical facilities, and well-maintained infrastructure.
The main advantage of a luxury budget in Ghana beyond comfort is resilience: you can absorb Ghana's infrastructure challenges like power cuts, water shortages, and unpredictable admin costs without disrupting your daily life, and you have the option to fly to Nairobi, Dubai, or Europe for specialized medical care if needed.
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.
What are the real monthly expenses for retirees in Ghana in 2026?
What is a realistic monthly budget breakdown by category in Ghana?
A realistic monthly budget breakdown for a comfortable retiree in Accra in 2026 looks roughly like this: housing takes $700 to $1,200 USD (€645 to €1,105 EUR), utilities and internet run $220 to $350 USD (€200 to €320 EUR), food costs $450 to $650 USD (€415 to €600 EUR), transport is $150 to $300 USD (€140 to €275 EUR), healthcare runs $250 to $450 USD (€230 to €415 EUR), and leisure and miscellaneous spending takes $400 to $700 USD (€370 to €645 EUR).
Housing costs in Ghana typically take 25% to 40% of a retiree's total monthly budget, which works out to 7,500 to 13,000 Ghanaian cedis ($700 to $1,200 USD or €645 to €1,105 EUR) depending on neighborhood and apartment quality.
Food and groceries in Ghana usually take 15% to 20% of the total monthly budget, which means 4,900 to 7,000 cedis ($450 to $650 USD or €415 to €600 EUR) for a mix of local markets, supermarkets, and occasional dining out.
The budget category that varies most depending on personal lifestyle choices in Ghana is leisure and entertainment, which can swing from a modest 2,200 cedis ($200 USD or €185 EUR) if you stay home often, to over 7,500 cedis ($700 USD or €645 EUR) if you regularly dine out, travel domestically, and maintain club memberships.
What fees surprise foreigners most after moving to Ghana?
The top three hidden fees that foreigners typically underestimate in Ghana are upfront rent payments (landlords commonly ask for 12 to 24 months in advance), backup living costs like generators, UPS systems, and water storage tanks, and the ongoing expense of residence permit renewals which can run $200 to $800 USD per year depending on your category and nationality.
When first arriving in Ghana, foreigners should budget for one-time setup and administrative fees totaling around 5,400 to 16,200 Ghanaian cedis ($500 to $1,500 USD or €460 to €1,380 EUR), which covers things like residence permit application fees, security deposits for utilities, furniture and appliance purchases, and agent fees if you use one to find housing.
What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom or a 2-bedroom in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Accra is around 2,380 Ghanaian cedis ($220 USD or €200 EUR), while a two-bedroom averages about 4,500 cedis ($415 USD or €380 EUR), though these figures vary dramatically by neighborhood.
For a one-bedroom apartment in Ghana, the realistic rent range spans from around 1,500 cedis ($140 USD or €130 EUR) in budget areas like Tema Community 25 or parts of Spintex, up to 5,000 cedis ($460 USD or €425 EUR) or more in prime areas like Airport Residential Area or Labone.
For a two-bedroom apartment in Ghana, the realistic rent range goes from about 3,000 cedis ($275 USD or €255 EUR) in more affordable neighborhoods, up to 12,000 cedis ($1,100 USD or €1,015 EUR) or higher in premium locations like Cantonments.
Neighborhoods in Ghana that offer the best value for retirees seeking affordable rent include Tema Community 25, Spintex Road corridor, Adenta, and parts of Kasoa, all of which provide reasonable access to Accra while keeping housing costs manageable.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the latest rent data in Ghana.
What do utilities cost monthly in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total monthly utilities cost for a typical retiree apartment in Ghana ranges from 1,300 to 3,800 Ghanaian cedis ($120 to $350 USD or €110 to €320 EUR), depending on how much air conditioning you use and whether you need backup power and water systems.
The typical monthly breakdown for utilities in Ghana is roughly 650 to 1,950 cedis ($60 to $180 USD or €55 to €165 EUR) for electricity and water combined, plus 110 to 270 cedis ($10 to $25 USD or €9 to €23 EUR) for cooking gas, keeping in mind that PURC increased electricity tariffs by about 10% and water tariffs by about 16% effective January 2026.
Internet and mobile phone service in Ghana typically costs 380 to 970 Ghanaian cedis ($35 to $90 USD or €32 to €83 EUR) per month, with unlimited home fiber plans starting around $50 USD and mobile data packages adding another $15 to $40 USD depending on usage.
What's the monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, a reasonable combined monthly food and transportation budget for one person in Ghana is around 3,350 to 8,100 Ghanaian cedis ($310 to $750 USD or €285 to €690 EUR), with the wide range reflecting whether you cook at home or dine out frequently and whether you use public transit or ride-hailing apps.
The realistic monthly grocery budget for a single retiree cooking at home in Ghana is around 2,700 to 4,300 cedis ($250 to $400 USD or €230 to €370 EUR) if you stick mostly to local markets and supermarkets, rising to 5,400 to 7,500 cedis ($500 to $700 USD or €460 to €645 EUR) if you regularly buy imported items.
Dining out in Ghana costs significantly more than cooking at home: eating at local spots like chop bars might add 1,100 to 2,200 cedis ($100 to $200 USD or €92 to €185 EUR) per month, while frequenting mid-range and upscale restaurants in Osu or Cantonments can easily push your food budget past 8,600 cedis ($800 USD or €735 EUR) monthly.
Monthly transportation costs in Ghana range from about 650 to 1,300 cedis ($60 to $120 USD or €55 to €110 EUR) if you rely on trotros and occasional taxis, up to 1,600 to 3,250 cedis ($150 to $300 USD or €140 to €275 EUR) if you use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber daily, while owning a car adds fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs that can exceed 6,500 cedis ($600 USD or €550 EUR) per month.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Ghana
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Can I retire in Ghana if I want to buy property in 2026?
What's the average home price in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average home price in Accra is around 1.7 million Ghanaian cedis for apartments, which works out to approximately $157,000 USD or €145,000 EUR, while houses average around 1.6 million cedis ($148,000 USD or €136,000 EUR), though these figures mask huge variation by neighborhood and property type.
The realistic price range for homes in Ghana spans from about 540,000 cedis ($50,000 USD or €46,000 EUR) for modest apartments in developing areas like Tema or Spintex, up to 5.4 million cedis ($500,000 USD or €460,000 EUR) or more for premium properties in Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, or East Legon.
For retirees in Ghana, apartments in gated compounds with security, backup power, and water management tend to offer the best value because they reduce the hassle of dealing with infrastructure challenges yourself, and they often come with HOA-managed maintenance which simplifies ownership for someone not familiar with local contractors.
Please note that you will find all the information you need in our pack about properties in Ghana.
What down payment do foreigners usually need in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners buying property in Ghana should plan for a down payment of at least 30%, which means around 510,000 Ghanaian cedis ($47,000 USD or €43,000 EUR) on a typical $157,000 Accra apartment, though some banks like Absa advertise up to 80% financing for foreign currency mortgages implying a 20% minimum down payment in ideal cases.
Yes, foreigners in Ghana often face stricter requirements than locals: banks may require more documentation, charge higher interest rates, and some sellers prefer cash buyers, which is why 30% down is a safer planning assumption even though 20% may technically be possible in the best scenarios.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the mortgage process in our pack about properties in Ghana.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Ghana.
What's the all-in monthly cost to own in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, the all-in monthly cost to own a typical apartment in Accra is around 16,750 to 24,850 Ghanaian cedis ($1,550 to $2,300 USD or €1,425 to €2,115 EUR), assuming you finance with a mortgage rather than paying cash.
This all-in ownership figure in Ghana includes your mortgage payment (around 13,150 cedis or $1,215 USD for a $110,000 loan at 10.5% over 15 years), building or HOA fees (1,600 to 4,900 cedis or $150 to $450 USD), insurance and repairs reserve (540 to 1,600 cedis or $50 to $150 USD), property rates (220 to 1,600 cedis or $20 to $150 USD depending on district), and utilities (1,300 to 3,800 cedis or $120 to $350 USD).
The typical monthly property tax and HOA or maintenance fee in Ghana runs 220 to 1,600 cedis ($20 to $150 USD or €18 to €140 EUR) for property rates, plus 1,600 to 4,900 cedis ($150 to $450 USD or €140 to €415 EUR) for HOA or building maintenance fees in managed compounds.
The hidden ownership cost that catches new buyers off guard in Ghana is stamp duty and Lands Commission registration fees at purchase, which can add 2% to 4% to your closing costs, plus the ongoing need to budget for backup power and water systems if your building doesn't provide them.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees in Ghana.
Is buying cheaper than renting in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, renting is often cheaper than buying on a month-to-month basis in Ghana: for example, a prime two-bedroom in Cantonments rents for around 12,000 cedis ($1,100 USD or €1,015 EUR) per month, while owning a similar property with a mortgage costs $1,550 to $2,300 USD (€1,425 to €2,115 EUR) monthly.
The typical break-even point where buying becomes cheaper than renting in Ghana is roughly 8 to 12 years, assuming stable property values and no major changes to mortgage rates or rental prices, which makes buying more attractive for retirees planning a long stay.
Key factors that make buying more or less attractive for retirees in Ghana include the upfront rent problem (landlords often demand 1 to 2 years upfront, which ties up cash), the leasehold reality for foreigners (you buy a lease term, not perpetual freehold, per Ghana's constitution), and whether you find a property with clear title and good management, since dealing with land disputes or poor building maintenance can erode any financial benefit of ownership.
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 visas, taxes, and healthcare costs should I plan for in Ghana in 2026?
What retirement visa options exist in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, Ghana does not have a dedicated "retirement visa" like some countries offer, so most foreign retirees stay long-term through residence permits that cost between 2,160 and 8,640 Ghanaian cedis ($200 to $800 USD or €185 to €735 EUR) per year depending on permit category and nationality.
Ghana does not impose specific income or savings thresholds to qualify for a residence permit the way retirement visa countries do, but you will need to demonstrate a valid reason for staying (such as being a dependent of a resident or having business ties), and fees vary based on your home country and the permit category you apply for.
Annual visa renewal costs in Ghana typically range from 2,160 to 8,640 cedis ($200 to $800 USD or €185 to €735 EUR), and the process involves paperwork like passport photos, medical reports, police clearances, and sometimes long waits at the Ghana Immigration Service offices.
The most common visa mistake foreign retirees make in Ghana is assuming there is a simple retirement visa pathway when in reality they must navigate residence permit categories, and many people also underestimate the admin time and facilitation costs involved in renewals.
Do I pay tax on foreign income in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, if you become a tax resident in Ghana (generally by spending 183 days or more in the country), Ghana can tax your worldwide income including foreign pensions, investment returns, and rental income, though the actual tax owed depends on your income sources and whether your home country has a tax treaty with Ghana.
Different types of foreign income are treated differently in Ghana: foreign pensions may be taxable, investment dividends and interest are generally taxable, and Social Security income from countries like the United States may have treaty protections, but you need to verify your specific situation since Ghana's tax treatment depends on the source and whether a double taxation agreement applies.
Ghana has double taxation agreements with several major countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and South Africa, which can reduce or eliminate double taxation on certain income types, and the Ghana Revenue Authority publishes both the treaty list and guidance on how to claim relief.
The single most important tax rule foreign retirees should understand before moving to Ghana is that becoming a tax resident triggers potential worldwide income taxation, so you need to track your days in Ghana carefully and consider consulting a tax advisor before your first year to understand your obligations and available relief options.
What health insurance do retirees need in Ghana in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreign retirees in Ghana rely on private health insurance costing around 2,160 to 10,800 Ghanaian cedis ($200 to $1,000 USD or €185 to €920 EUR) per month, depending on coverage level and age, because private clinics offer more predictable quality and shorter wait times than public facilities.
Foreigners can technically access Ghana's public healthcare system through the National Health Insurance Scheme run by the NHIA, but enrollment has limitations and many expats find that private insurance gives them access to better-equipped facilities like Nyaho Medical Centre, Lister Hospital, or the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital's private wing.
A realistic total annual healthcare budget for a retiree in Ghana is around 26,000 to 65,000 Ghanaian cedis ($2,400 to $6,000 USD or €2,210 to €5,520 EUR), which includes private insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs for routine visits and medications, dental care, and a reserve for unexpected medical expenses or the option to seek treatment abroad for serious conditions.
Buying real estate in Ghana can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
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 Ghana, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Ghana | Ghana's central bank publishes the official interbank exchange rate. | We used the January 2026 USD/GHS rate to convert all local currency figures into USD and EUR. This keeps every estimate consistent and comparable. |
| Ghana Property Centre | Long-running property platform with transparent listings and price data. | We used their asking rents for 1-bed and 2-bed apartments in Accra and specific neighborhoods. We treated these as market signals and added context about upfront payment norms. |
| PURC (via MyJoyOnline) | PURC is the regulator that sets utility tariffs in Ghana. | We used the reported 2026 electricity and water tariff increases to build realistic utility cost projections. This helped us avoid underestimating monthly expenses. |
| Ghana Statistical Service | National statistics agency publishing official CPI and inflation data. | We used GSS methodology to understand inflation pressure and validate that our budget ranges scale realistically. We also used CPI context for food and transport estimates. |
| Ghana Immigration Service | Government body that issues residence permits with official fee schedules. | We used GIS fees to estimate annual visa renewal costs. We also used it to explain why "retirement visa" talk usually maps to residence permit categories. |
| Ghana Revenue Authority (Act 896) | The primary law defining tax residence and taxable income in Ghana. | We used Act 896 to explain when foreign income becomes taxable. We also used it to highlight the importance of tracking days in Ghana for tax planning. |
| GRA Double Taxation Agreements | Official list of Ghana's tax treaties and their status. | We used it to show how retirees may reduce double taxation on foreign pensions and investments. We factored treaty reality into our "safe buffer" guidance. |
| Absa Bank Ghana | Major bank publishing mortgage terms and foreign currency rates. | We used Absa's loan terms and interest rates to build realistic ownership cost examples. We also used their financing limits to set down payment expectations. |
| Parliament of Ghana (Stamp Duty Act) | Legal text setting stamp duty rates for property transactions. | We used Act 1109 to quantify stamp duty on home purchases. We included these in our all-in closing cost estimates for buyers. |
| Lands Commission | Statutory body handling land registration with published fee framework. | We used Lands Commission fees to include registration costs in closing estimates. We flagged that paperwork and registration are real budget items in Ghana. |
| Ministry of the Interior | Official ministry describing residence permit eligibility and process. | We used it to explain the long-term residence pathway and set realistic expectations. We also separated diaspora-specific options from general retiree pathways. |
| NHIA (National Health Insurance Authority) | Government body managing Ghana's national health insurance system. | We used NHIA information to explain public healthcare access options. We then built private healthcare budgets based on what expats typically need in practice. |
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.
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