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 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Addis Ababa Prices
Ethiopia Prices

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

Addis Ababa $29

Accra $52

The average daily cost (per person) in Addis Ababa is $29, while the average daily cost in Accra is $52. 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 $16

Accra $22
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Addis Ababa $32

Accra $44

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 $2.80

Accra $19

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Addis Ababa

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

Short Taxi Ride

$0.19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Addis Ababa

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

Airport Pickup and transfer: $18
Addis Ababa Airport transfer and shuttle service(privet): $23
Bole Airport Transfer: $25
Addis Ababa Airport pickup and Transfer: $29
Bole International Airport to Addis Ababa Private Transfer: $30
City/Airport Transfer in Addis Ababa - Shuttles: $39
Cultural Show and Jazz Night with Transfers: $44
Addis Ababa Airport in/out transfer: $49
Private Addis Ababa Airport Transfer: $55
Customizable Layover Tour with Transfers: $55
Photography Tour with Guide & Transfer: $62
Private Tour with Local Guide and Transfers: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:

Aburi Gardens Transfers: $187
Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $76
Arrival & Departure Airport Hotel Transfers: $70
From Private Airport Transfer, Pickup & Drop-off Services: $35
Private Accra Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $33

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 $11

Accra $19

Typical Food Prices in Addis Ababa

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

Slice of Cake

$0.04

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:

Authentic Ethiopian Cooking Class with a Local Host: $47
Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
Addis Ababa Food Tour: Ethiopian Cuisine, Coffee & Drinks: $50
Berbere Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $50
Addis Eats Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $50
Flavors of Ethiopia: Hands-On Cooking Class in Addis Ababa: $55
Food tour in Addis Ababa with airport pick-up.: $56
Totot Cultural Feast & Rhythm Show With Dinner: $60
Addis Ababa Ethiopian Food Cooking Class and Kitchen Tour: $60
Addis Ababa Cooking, Coffee & Traditional Drink Tasting: $65
Ethiopian Cooking Class with Coffee Ceremony: $70
Guided Night Tour with Dinner & Live Music: $72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra

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

Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
Accra Osu Night Market Food Tour with Akosua Serwaa: $80
Accra Makola Market Food Tour With Full Lunch: $82
Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
Accra, Ghana: Private Home-Style Ghanaian Cooking Class: $130
Private Ghanaian Cooking Class at Accra's Premier Food Hub: $200
Food Tour in Accra: $294

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Addis Ababa $2.89

Accra $3.90

Tours and Activities in Addis Ababa

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

Addis Ababa City Tour & Coffee Ceremony with Shopping areas: $18
National Museum Guided Tour with Lucy Fossil: $28
Guided Walking Tour with Coffee & Food: $28
Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony Tour: $30
Kebena to Entoto Green Corridor Discovery Tour: $30
Guided City Tour with Coffee Break & Entry fee: $30
Mercato Market Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup: $32
Premium Addis Ababa Piassa Walking Tour with Coffee Ceremony: $32
Best Addis Ababa Half-Day Tour: $32
Flexible City tour Museum's,other layover vist: $35
Red Terror Memorial Storytelling Experience: $35
Discover Addis Ababa City Tour: History, Culture & Tradition: $36

Tours and Activities in Accra

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

2 Days Exciting Accra and Cape Coast City Tour: $250
2 Days Guided Historic Accra City Tour and Cape Coast Tour: $288
2-Day Accra & Cape Coast Tour: $200
2-day Tour of Downtown Accra: $216
5 Hours Boat Cruise at Dodi in Akosombo with Lunch Live Music: $280
A Day Tour of Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle & Kakum Park: $280
Aburi ATV - Quad Biking and Waterfall Private Tour: $270
Aburi Botanic Gardens, Boti Falls,Umbrella Rock & Cocoa Farm Tour: $150
Aburi Botanical Gardens and Asenema Waterfalls Day Tour: $165
Accra City (Private Tour): $110
Accra City Day Tour-History,Culture,Markets&Independence Square: $38
Accra City Half Day Tour Experience of a Lifetime: $200

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Addis Ababa $2.38

Accra $5.59

Sample the Local Flavors in Addis Ababa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:

Pastry, Chocolate, and Wine Tour with Pickup: $60

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Accra, we can see that Accra is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa 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 Accra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Accra than you might in Addis Ababa.

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