Should I Visit Addis Ababa or Accra for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Addis Ababa or Accra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa or Accra, 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: Addis Ababa or Accra?

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Ethiopia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Ethiopia, The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana, and The Best Safaris in Ghana.

Which place is cheaper, Accra or Addis Ababa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia Prices

Accra Prices
Ghana Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Addis Ababa $68

Accra $38

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $68, while the average daily cost in Accra is $38. 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 Addis Ababa and Accra in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Addis Ababa $44

Accra $19
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $88

Accra $38

Compare Hotels in Addis Ababa and Accra

Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa or Accra? 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.

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: Addis Ababa Hotel Prices and Accra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Addis Ababa $7.85

Accra $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:

Short Taxi Ride

$0.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Addis Shuttles: On-Time & Reliable, Airport Transfers: $19
City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $21
City/Airport Transfers-Addis Ababa: $26
Lalibela Full Day Tour with Guide and Transfer: $175
4 Hours Addis Airport Transfer with Ethiopian Cultural Tour: $299

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $130
Historic Slave Walking Tour of Jamestown with Transfers: $127
Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $115
Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $108
Arrival Transfer From Accra Airport To Hotel: $100
Accra Airport Hotel City Transfers: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Addis Ababa or Accra?

Prices for flights to both Accra and Addis Ababa 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

Addis Ababa $18

Accra $9.47

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:

Slice of Cake

$0.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Addis Ababa

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

Half Day Food Tour Addis Ababa With Airport pickUp And Drop-Off: $70
Local Ethiopian Food Tour: $75
Food tours in Addis Ababa tastever with lunch: $108
Private Ethiopian Home Cooking Class in Addis Ababa with Transfer: $124
HALF DAY + DINNER Addis Ababa City Tour: $140
Half Day + Dinner Addis Ababa City Tour: $150
Ethiopian Cooking Class and Coffee Ceremony with a Local in Addis with transfers: $154
Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Coffee Ceremony at a Home in Addis Ababa: $168
Food Tour in Addis Ababa: $205
Food tours in Addis Ababa Ethiopia: $238

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

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

Private Ghanaian Cuisine Cooking Class: $40
Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
Cooking Class: $75
Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
Cooking Class with Auntie KK in Osu: $89
Accra Street Food Tour: Makola Market Tour With Full Lunch: $93
Ghanaian Cooking Class Authentic Tour: $100
Private Crescendo Foods Cooking Class Experience in Accra: $116
Savor & Learn: Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Experience: $128
Ghanaian Local Foods Cooking Class: $216
Food Tour in Accra: $271

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Addis Ababa $8.10

Accra $3.39

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.

Historical and sightseeing tour in Addis Ababa: $54
Addis Ababa City - Half Day Tour: $55
Addis Ababa highlight city tour: $56
4 Hour Addis Cuisine Tasting Tour: $57
Guided City Tour: $59
A guided tour of Addis Abeba that includes a city viewpoint: $59
Addis Ababa highlights of the city tour: $59
Half Day City Tour of Addis Ababa : $60
Addis Ababa city Tour: $60
Guided City Tour / Addis Ababa Guided City Tour: $62
Addis Ababa Guided City Tours: $62
Museums tour of Addis Ababa with coffee tasting: $62

Tours and Activities in Accra

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

1 Day Accra City Tour: $71
Accra City Tour: $161
Accra E-waste and Recycling experience in Agbogbloshie: $100
Accra Private Surfing Experience with Pick Up: $250
Accra Zoo, Canopy Walk and Botanical Gardens Private Tour: $145
Cape Coast Elmina Kakum Park Private Day Tour: $165
3 Days Special Tour of Ghana: $950
6 Hours Cape Coast Tour: $210
6-Day Electric Enchantment-Off the grid Tour: $1,650
7 Hours Cape Coast Tour From Accra: $174
A Day tour to the Cape Coast Castle and Kakum National Pack: $180
A Tour to Boti Falls: $130

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $6.69

Accra $4.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

Pub-crawl Tour ( locally crafted beer and wine tasting ): $58
The Pub Crawl Royale: A Battle of the Best Drinks: $64
Night Tour Addis Ababa beer and wine tasting: $69

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Accra, we can see that Addis Ababa 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 Addis Ababa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Addis Ababa 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 Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Accra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Addis Ababa or Accra?

Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Accra. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa and Accra, 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.

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