Cost of Living in Ghana vs USA vs UK vs Canada (2026 Breakdown)

Thinking about relocating to Ghana, or comparing life in the West with a move back home or to a new country? In 2026, the global cost of living tells a complex story. While cities like London, New York, and Toronto remain expensive global hubs, Accra offers a different value proposition where a comfortable lifestyle is attainable, but specific costs like international schools and imported goods carry a premium.

Here is what that really means for your wallet: your money’s purchasing power varies wildly between these four countries. In the US, high salaries are often eaten up by housing and healthcare. In the UK, energy costs and national insurance contributions take a bite. Canada offers social safety nets but faces a housing affordability crisis in its major cities. And in Ghana, your lifestyle is directly tied to how you navigate the local economy versus imported services.

This matters because choosing where to live is not just about a salary number; it is about understanding the hidden costs and trade-offs that define your quality of life. We have analyzed publicly available data from January-February 2026 to give you a clear, line-by-line comparison. All figures are estimates based on reported averages and should be verified for your specific situation.

1. The Big Picture: A Tale of Four Economies

Before diving into specific expenses, it is crucial to understand the overall economic context. The cost of living is not just about prices; it is about the relationship between income, taxes, and social services.

According to cost-of-living data aggregated in early 2026, a single person’s estimated monthly costs in Ghana average around GHS 4,972 without rent, while a family of four needs approximately GHS 12,602 without housing. The average monthly salary after tax in Ghana is reported at GHS 3,894, though this figure likely represents a national average that includes formal and informal employment across all regions, not just urban Accra. The gap between average income (GHS 3,894) and average single-person expenses without rent (GHS 4,972) suggests that many Ghanaians rely on dual incomes, shared housing, or lower-cost living arrangements outside premium urban areas.

Ghana’s macroeconomic environment has shifted significantly in early 2026. Consumer inflation slowed to 3.8 percent in January 2026, marking the 13th consecutive monthly decline. The Bank of Ghana responded with policy rate cuts, with the rate reported at 15.5 percent in late January 2026. These easing conditions reflect progress in stabilizing the economy, though the effects on household purchasing power and rental markets take time to materialize.

For context, a comfortable lifestyle for a single person in London typically starts around £2,900 per month (approximately $3,400 USD), though students may manage on £900-£1,400. In the US, a New Yorker earning an average of $5,250 a month often sees that income consumed by $4,564 in rent and $1,646 in other living costs. Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver face similar pressures, though smaller cities offer more breathing room.

2. Housing: Rent and Realities

Housing is the great differentiator. In all four countries, it consumes the largest chunk of income, but the reasons differ.

In Ghana, rental prices vary dramatically based on location, neighborhood quality, and building standards. Aggregated data suggests a one-bedroom apartment in the Accra city center averages GHS 10,056 per month, while units outside the city center show a wide range depending on quality and distance. The table below illustrates the spectrum of options:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate based on mid-2026 market rates (1 USD = 12.0 GHS, 1 USD = 0.85 GBP, 1 USD = 1.36 CAD, 1 USD = 7.2 RMB). These are indicative only; actual exchange rates fluctuate daily. The 12.0 GHS rate reflects approximate market conditions, not PURC tariff calculations.

The GHS 1,138 figure typically represents older, unfurnished units in peripheral suburbs far from central business districts, not the expat-grade rentals in neighborhoods like Airport Residential, Cantonments, or East Legon. Those premium areas command rents far above the citywide average, often ranging from GHS 8,000 to GHS 25,000 depending on specifications. For renters seeking decent quality at reasonable prices, the mid-range bracket of GHS 3,000-6,000 in areas like Spintex or East Legon Hills represents a more realistic expectation.

3. Transportation: Fuel, Trotro, and Car Ownership

Getting around Ghana involves choices between public transport, ride-hailing, and private vehicles – each with different cost structures.

Public Transport (Trotro): Aggregated data suggests a one-way local transport fare averages GHS 7.42, while a monthly public transport pass costs approximately GHS 406. However, actual fares vary significantly by route and driver practices. On the Ashaiman-Accra-Circle route, drivers sometimes split journeys into segments, charging GHS 5.50 from Ashaiman to Lashibi, GHS 3.50 from Lashibi to Nungua, GHS 4.00 from Nungua to Teshie, and GHS 10.00 from Teshie to Circle – totaling far more than the approved direct fare. Similarly, the approved Circle to Nsawam fare of GHS 12 can balloon to GHS 30 through segmented pricing. On the Kasoa-Circle route, a direct journey costing GHS 11 can become GHS 20 when broken into segments.

Fuel Prices: As of February 2026, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has set a price floor of GHS 10.24 per litre for petrol and GHS 11.34 for diesel. Actual pump prices vary by station – Star Oil sells petrol at GHS 10.24 and diesel at GHS 11.97, while GOIL sells petrol at GHS 10.24 and diesel at GHS 12.53. These prices reflect the marginal depreciation of the cedi against the dollar and rising international crude oil prices.

Ride-Hailing (Bolt/Uber): A Ghanaian Bolt driver who spends 12 hours daily on the road reports spending approximately GHS 200 per day on fuel, translating to GHS 1,400 per week and over GHS 5,600 monthly. This reveals the real operational costs behind ride-hailing services in Accra.

Taxi Fares: Standard taxi fares in Accra typically start around GHS 10-20 for the base charge, with per-kilometer rates ranging from GHS 5-10 depending on negotiation, time of day, and specific route. Wait time charges apply for extended stops.

Car Purchase: New entry-level vehicles average GHS 107,000-118,000 depending on make and model, with sedans sometimes priced lower than hatchbacks in specific promotions. In the used car market, a foreign-used Toyota Corolla (2014-2016) sells for GHS 150,000-190,000, while a locally-used Honda Civic (2016-2017) ranges from GHS 110,000-140,000. Toyota and Hyundai retain the highest resale value due to spare parts availability.

4. Utilities and Essential Services

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) approved new multi-year tariffs effective January 2026, with electricity increasing 9.86% and water rising 15.92% across all customer categories. It is important to note that these are regulated tariff adjustments, not market exchange rates. The GHS 12.0067 figure cited in PURC documents is the exchange rate used for tariff calculation purposes, not a consumer-facing FX rate.

Electricity and Water: The tariff review considers capital investments, industry competitiveness, and consumer living conditions. Key factors include thermal generation now comprising 78.79% of the generation mix, weighted average gas cost of US$7.8749/MMBtu, and system losses averaging 21.5%. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has noted that the 15.92% increase is inadequate to ensure 24/7 water availability, as new treatment plants and pipeline extensions require more substantial investment. Base tariffs will remain for five years but face quarterly reviews adjusting for exchange rates, inflation, generation mix, and fuel costs.

Monthly Utility Costs: Essential utilities (electricity, water, garbage) for a 915 sq. ft. apartment average GHS 709 per month. Internet service (60 Mbps or higher, unlimited) costs approximately GHS 723 monthly.

5. Healthcare: Free at Point of Use vs. Insurance

Healthcare access and costs vary dramatically between Ghana and Western nations.

Ghana’s Proposed Free Primary Healthcare Policy: In February 2026, the government announced plans to roll out a nationwide Free Primary Healthcare Policy (FHCP) starting April 2026. If implemented as announced, this policy would allow Ghanaians and legally resident foreigners to access basic healthcare services without paying at the point of care, requiring valid identification (Ghana Card, voter ID, or NHIS card) at primary healthcare facilities. The policy aims to eventually cover 70-80% of the average person’s health needs, with the NHIS supporting access to secondary and tertiary care. The “Mahama Cares” initiative would specifically support treatment for non-communicable diseases. However, as with all government announcements, readers should verify current implementation status before relying on this information.

Public Hospitals (Current): For NHIS subscribers, consultations at public hospitals including Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, 37 Military Hospital, and Police Hospital are essentially free, including many medicines and lab tests. Non-NHIS patients currently pay GHS 100-200 for consultation.

Private Hospitals (Current): Consultation fees at private facilities range from GHS 100 to GHS 400, with many refusing NHIS cards. Specific fees as of early 2026 include: University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) – GHS 200, University Hospital – GHS 120, Trust General Hospital – GHS 200, Bank Hospital – GHS 355, International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) – GHS 100 registration.

International Comparison: In the UK, the NHS is funded via the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). As of 2026, the IHS for most adult applicants is approximately £1,035 per year, with students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and under-18s paying a reduced rate of £776 per year. In the US, average out-of-pocket medical spending for individuals with employer-sponsored insurance is approximately $3,400 annually, though this figure varies significantly by plan design and health status. In Canada, core hospital and physician care has no direct premiums, but residents typically budget $1,500-2,000 CAD annually for supplemental insurance covering dental, vision, and prescriptions.

6. Food, Groceries, and Dining

Food costs in Ghana reflect a mix of local and imported goods, with significant price variations.

Dining Out: Aggregated data suggests a casual dining experience averages approximately GHS 56, while an upscale dinner for two runs GHS 374. Fast food combos average GHS 93.

Beverages: Local draft beer (pint) averages GHS 13, imported beer GHS 19, cappuccino GHS 27, soft drinks GHS 11, and bottled water (350ml) GHS 4.

Grocery Prices in Accra: Here are current grocery prices in Ghana, based on early 2026 data. Local staples like plantain, yam, and kenkey at markets such as Makola and Madina offer significant savings compared to imported goods at expat-focused stores like ShopRite.

Source: Livingcost Ghana data. USD conversions approximate at 12.0 GHS/USD.

7. Education and Childcare

For families, education costs can rival housing expenses.

International Schools: Annual tuition fees in Ghana vary significantly by tier, and many premium schools quote fees in USD, making exchange rate fluctuations an important consideration:

Secondary and exam years (IGCSE, IB, A-level) typically cost more. Beyond tuition, expect one-time registration fees of GHS 5,000-20,000+, learning support or EAL adding GHS 15,000-45,000+ annually, and exam fees of GHS 12,000-35,000+ per session.

Kindergarten: Monthly fees for private kindergarten average GHS 1,466 per child.

International Comparison: In the UK, private schools cost £15,000-30,000+ annually. In the US, childcare in cities like Cleveland consumes nearly 40% of family income (over $35,000 annually). Canada’s childcare affordability program, implemented through federal-provincial agreements, offers $10-a-day daycare in participating provinces, though availability varies by location and the program continues to phase in.

8. Final Analysis: Where Does Your Money Go Furthest?

So, which country offers the best value in 2026? The answer depends entirely on your personal circumstances and priorities.

The Young Professional: If you have a Western salary, Accra offers an affordable and vibrant lifestyle, particularly if you live outside premium neighborhoods where rent drops dramatically. Monthly costs without rent average GHS 4,972, leaving room for dining out and entertainment. London and New York offer higher salaries, but expenses consume most of them. The key trade-off is access to imported goods and premium services versus embracing local markets and neighborhoods.

The Family with Young Kids: Canada’s $10-a-day childcare (where available) and publicly funded healthcare offer powerful financial protection, despite high housing costs in Toronto and Vancouver. In Ghana, international school fees (GHS 65,000-220,000+ annually) represent a significant investment, though local schools offer more affordable alternatives. The UK offers free state schools and NHS coverage, with higher living costs in the southeast.

The Retiree on Fixed Income: If implemented, Ghana’s proposed Free Primary Healthcare Policy could make Accra attractive for retirees with moderate savings. The warm climate and lower daily expenses (local food, transportation) can stretch fixed incomes further than in Western cities. However, retirees should verify healthcare implementation status and budget for private care if needed.

The Entrepreneur: Consider Ghana’s growing economy, but factor in higher costs for imported goods, international school fees if relocating with family, and the need for reliable transportation (budget GHS 150,000-190,000 for a reliable used car).

The US offers the highest potential salaries, but healthcare and childcare costs can wipe out income gains. The UK provides a solid middle ground with the NHS and state schools. Canada balances social programs with housing affordability outside major cities. Ghana offers the lowest absolute costs, particularly for those who embrace local markets and neighborhoods, but requires navigating currency fluctuations, verifying policy implementations, and budgeting for premium services.

Sources

• Livingcost: “Cost of Living in Ghana. Updated Prices Feb 2026”
• Ghana News Agency: “PURC announces major tariff review: Electricity up 9.86%, water rises by 15.92%” (Dec 2025)
• TIG Post: “15.92% water tariff for 2026 inadequate to keep taps flowing 24/7 – GWCL PRO” (Dec 2025)
• allAfrica.com: “Ghana: Trotro Drivers Exploit Passengers …Make ‘Tot-Tot’ Trips to Make More Money” (Jan 2026)
• GhanaWeb: “Fuel prices rise as NPA sets new price floor” (Feb 2026)
• YEN.com.gh: “Ghanaian Bolt Driver Shares How Much He Spends on Fuel Weekly” (Feb 2026)
• Autoline Ghana: “Average Price of Used Cars in Ghana” (Jan 2026)
• Ghana News Agency: “Universal Health Coverage: Ghana to roll out free primary healthcare by April” (Feb 2026)
• YEN.com.gh: “How Much Does It Cost To See a Doctor in Ghana? Private vs Public Hospitals Consultation Costs” (Feb 2026)
• Tutopiya: “International School Fees Ghana: Budget to Premium Guide 2025-2026”
• GOV.UK: “Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application” (2026)
• Reuters: “Ghana’s consumer inflation slows for 13th consecutive month in January” (Feb 2026)
• Bank of Ghana: “Monetary Policy Report – January 2026”

Compliance note: All money transfer services must be licensed by the Bank of Ghana. Exchange rates are indicative; always check with your bank for current rates.