A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Accra vs. Cape Town for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Accra or Cape Town?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Accra or Cape Town, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Accra or Cape Town?

Accra

Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.

Cape Town

Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.

Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ghana, The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana, The Best Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Accra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Accra is $39, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Accra and Cape Town in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Accra $17
    Cape Town $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Accra $34
    Cape Town $76
Compare Hotels in Accra and Cape Town

Looking for a hotel in Accra or Cape Town? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Accra


Hotels in Cape Town


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Accra Hotel Prices and Cape Town Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Accra $14
    Cape Town $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

  • Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $68
  • Historic Slave Walking Tour of Jamestown with Transfers: $127
  • Airport & City Transfers: $100
  • Private Transfer in and out of Accra: $145
  • City Highlights, Culture, History Tour with Transfers: $150
  • Accra Hotel to Airport Transfer: $85
  • Accra Airport to Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Accra Airport Hotel City Transfers: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town

Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers: $11
  • Cape Town Airport (CPT) Private Transfer to Cape Town City/Hotels: $11
  • Transfer from Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town Areas: $16
  • Cape Town Airport and Hotel Private Transfers: $17
  • Transfer from Cape Town City Center to Cape Town Airport: $17
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Cape Town City Center : $17
  • Shuttle Transport Transfer from Claremont to Cape Town Airport: $17
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Claremont Cape Town : $17
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $17
  • Shuttle Transport Transfer from Camps Bay to Cape Town Airport: $17
  • Transport Shuttle Transfer from Constantia to Cape Town Airport: $18
  • Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer from Airport to Constantia: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Accra or Cape Town?

Prices for flights to both Cape Town and Accra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Accra $14
    Cape Town $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.

  • Accra Street Food Tour: Osu Night Market Tour Experience: $43
  • Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
  • Culinary for Social Change-Cooking Class : $60
  • Accra Street Food Tour: Makola Market Tour With Full Lunch: $68
  • Cooking Class: $75
  • Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
  • Nighttime Food Tour with Local Guide: $90
  • Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $100
  • Hands-On Cooking Class With Local Food Tours and Market Tours : $116
  • Flavors of Ghana: Food Tour Experience.: $135
  • Fulani Dinner Experience: $150
  • Savor & Learn: Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Experience: $179

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $40
  • Malay Cooking Class and Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $54
  • Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
  • Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $62
  • Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
  • From CapeTown: African Dinner and Drumming Experience: $67
  • African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $69
  • African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $75
  • South African Cooking in Cape Town with Local Chef Richard: $76
  • South African Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family: $82
  • Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Accra $2.97
    Cape Town $23

Tours and Activities in Accra

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:

  • (Capecoast , Kakum Tour)with optional Assin Manso slave river : $200
  • Accra E-waste and Recycling experience in Agbogbloshie: $100
  • Accra Luxury Beachfront Experience : $81
  • Accra Nightlife Experience: $150
  • Accra Private Surfing Experience with Pick Up: $250
  • Accra Zoo, Canopy Walk and Botanical Gardens Private Tour: $145
  • Cape Coast Root ,History, & Active Adventure tour: $174
  • Ghana Chocolate Tasting Experience : $180
  • Naming Ceremony and Heritage Homecoming Experience for Diasporas: $265
  • 6-Hour Private Guided Accra City Tour: $75
  • 8 Days Detty December Ghana Tour: $300
  • Aburi Botanic Gardens and Boti Falls Full-Day Private Tour: $180

Tours and Activities in Cape Town

For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $3.30
  • Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.53
  • 30 Minute Harbour Boat Cruise with Seal Watching: $3.75
  • V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $4.00
  • District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $4.00
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.31
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.37
  • Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
  • Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Return Ticket : $5.23
  • Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • The Village in the City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bo-Kaap: $5.34

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Accra $4.25
    Cape Town $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town

Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $9.23
  • Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.50
  • African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $19
  • Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $26
  • Wine Tasting & Storytelling with SA Tapas add-on: $28
  • Stellenbosch and Paarl Half-Day Wine Tour: $36
  • Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $41
  • From 3 Regions Wine Tour with 3 Estates, 15 Wines: $41
  • half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $45
  • Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Babylonstoren Wine Tour: $46
  • Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $49
  • From CapeTown: Stellenbosch Half Day Wine Tour: $51


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Accra and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cape Town would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Town than you might in Accra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Accra Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Accra or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Accra. When comparing the sizes of Accra and Cape Town, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Accra or Cape Town?

Cape Town has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Accra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Accra or Cape Town in the Summer?

Both Cape Town and Accra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Accra is a little warmer than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Accra averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

Accra usually gets more rain in July than Cape Townin January. Accra gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Accra 25°C (77°F) 
    Cape Town 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Accra or Cape Town in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Accra and Cape Town. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.

In the autumn, Accra is a little warmer than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Accra in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

In October, Accra usually receives more rain than Cape Townin April. Accra gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Accra 26°C (79°F) 
    Cape Town 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Accra or Cape Town in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Accra as well as Cape Town. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Accra is generally much warmer than Cape Townin July. Daily temperatures in Accra average around 27°C (81°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Accra usually gets less rain in January than Cape Townin July. Accra gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Accra 27°C (81°F) 
    Cape Town 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Accra or Cape Town in the Spring?

Both Cape Town and Accra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.

Accra is much warmer than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Accra averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Accra. In April, Accra usually receives more rain than Cape Townin October. Accra gets 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Accra 28°C (82°F) 
    Cape Town 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Cape Town and Accra

Accra Cape Town
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 281 mm (11.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)