Ghana is an amazing country known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. To help plan your trip within your budget, our travel cost guide has everything you need for your journey. With tips and prices for hotels, food, activities, and transit, you can enjoy every moment without worrying about your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Ghana?
You should plan to spend around $27 (GH¢416) per day on your vacation in Ghana. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $9.31 (GH¢143) on meals
- $7.68 (GH¢118) on local transportation
- $18 (GH¢271) on hotels
A one week trip to Ghana for two people costs, on average, $380 (GH¢5,824). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$190
GH¢2,912
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$380
GH¢5,824
-
One Month
Per person
$815
GH¢12,480
-
One Week
For a couple
$380
GH¢5,824
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$760
GH¢11,648
-
One Month
For a couple
$1,629
GH¢24,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ghana cost?
A one week trip to Ghana usually costs around $190 (GH¢2,912) for one person and $380 (GH¢5,824) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ghana on average costs around $380 (GH¢5,824) for one person and $760 (GH¢11,648) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ghana will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ghana on average costs around $815 (GH¢12,480) for one person and $1,629 (GH¢24,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Ghana expensive to visit?
Ghana is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability. Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.
Within Africa, Ghana is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its affordability. Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Ghana.
Ghana boasts a wide variety of attractions and accommodations, catering to visitors with different budgets and travel styles. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate hostels in Accra, but there are also luxurious hotel options, plus mid-range stays perfect for families or couples.
Sure, Ghana can cost a lot, but with smart choices like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities, you can stretch your budget further.
On average, budget travelers spend $9 (GH¢153) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $25 (GH¢416) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $74 (GH¢1,217) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ghana.
For more details, see Is Ghana Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ghana?
The average Ghana trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ghana travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ghana cost?
Ghana on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$3.23
(GH¢49)
|
$8.84
(GH¢135)
|
$26
(GH¢402)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$3.19
(GH¢49)
|
$7.68
(GH¢118)
|
$17
(GH¢263)
|
|
Food 2
|
$3.46
(GH¢53)
|
$9.31
(GH¢143)
|
$27
(GH¢410)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$1.05
(GH¢16)
|
$2.47
(GH¢38)
|
$5.18
(GH¢79)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-2
(GH¢8-23)
|
$1-4
(GH¢21-62)
|
$4-11
(GH¢58-173)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to have a grounded and realistic perspective on your budget. While many believe they can travel as "budget" travelers on a mere $9 a day like a backpacker, the reality is that most people struggle to enjoy that style of travel. Consider what makes you happy and how you've traveled before. Do you prefer the comfort of resorts, the convenience of vacation rentals, or the simple camaraderie of hostels? Is dining out a top priority for you? Do you plan to visit the major attractions? Your answers to these questions will certainly impact your overall travel budget.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Many people might hear that you can explore Ghana for just $9 a day, but if you're not ready to sacrifice some comforts, be prepared to spend quite a bit more.
Backpackers often manage to stick to this tight budget, but it usually means sleeping in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest eateries or grabbing fast food, relying on public transport or walking everywhere, and limiting themselves to free attractions.
Fortunately, Ghana has a large number of hostels. You'll find the greatest concentration in Accra.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling as a couple or family, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular restaurants, and visit major museums and attractions that require entry fees. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do come with a price tag. With that in mind, you should realistically plan for a daily budget of about $25 per person.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip filled with top-notch service and every possible comfort, expect your budget to reach around $74 per day, per person. Staying in high-end accommodations, enjoying gourmet meals, going on lavish adventures, and hiring personal drivers comes with a luxury price tag. You'll be in the company of the wealthy in locations like Accra. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as The Best of Ghana - 12 Days - offered by Continent Tours.
Accommodation Budget in Ghana
Ghana has a wide range of accommodation prices, and it can be surprising how much prices fluctuate. Budget hotels can often be much cheaper than higher-end places, and during peak season, everything costs much more. For a better deal, try visiting in the low season, and book early to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ghana for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $18 (GH¢271). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $8.84 (GH¢135) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ghana? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Ghana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $7.68 (GH¢118) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ghana. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ghana is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.68
GH¢118
Food Budget in Ghana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ghana can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ghana is $9.31 (GH¢143) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$9.31
GH¢143
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ghana is about $9 (GH¢143) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $3 to $25 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ghana are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $3
- Lunch: $1 to $4
- Dinner: $3 to $7
- Coffee: $1
- Fast Food or Street Food: $1
Food in Ghana is generally cheap and good. The staples, like elsewhere in West Africa, include yams, potatoes, rice, and cassava. Some meals can be quite starchy and heavy with carbohydrates but there is plenty of cheap street food available, particularly in the cities. If you're looking for a quick snack you can get one off the street for about GH₵1.50 to GH₵2.50.
Kenkey: Kenkey is a fermented corn ball that is similar to sourdough. It's wrapped in a plantain leaf and served with stew or sauce. It's a staple food in southern Ghana and due to the fermentation process can take several days to prepare.
Fonfom: Fonfom is another staple dish that is made from maize. It's a popular option in southern Ghana as well and is most commonly associated with the Ahanta and Nzema people.
Omo Tuo: This is a form of powdered rice that is used as a staple throughout Ghana. It is often prepared into balls and added to soups.
Traveling with kids? Check for restaurants that offer a childrens menu. It's a smart way to save money, as these meals are often more reasonably priced. And remember, some eateries don't advertise their kids' options, so asking the waiter is a good idea.
Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, but some charge extra for this service. Prices and quality can vary based on the hotel. Being informed in advance can help you decide whether to indulge in a lavish hotel buffet or simply visit a nearby bakery or café that may offer cheaper options.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of constantly purchasing drinks. It's a win for both your wallet and the environment.
When arranging for a tour, be sure to confirm which meals are included ahead of time. There may be some meals you'll need to pay for yourself, which could add to your overall costs.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Ghana, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra for $100 details
- Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Lessons for $80 details
- Kejetia Market Tour and Traditional Food Cooking Class. For $130 details
- Home Cooking Class by Auntie K for $89 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ghana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ghana typically cost an average of $2.47 (GH¢38) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$2.47
GH¢38
A nice way to explore destinations in Ghana is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Bonwire Namimg Ceremony and Kente Tourist Center for $180 details
- Accra: Cape Coast-Elmina Castles and Kakum Park Day Tour for $180 details
- The Ancestral Naming Ceremony and Home Coming Experience for $265 details
- Cape Coast/Elmina Slave Dungeon and Canopy Walkway Private Tour for $200 details
Nightlife Budget in Ghana
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $2.70 (GH¢41) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ghana per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$2.70
GH¢41
Hitting the town is a blast, but easing up on drinks can have a positive impact on your budget.
Traveling in Ghana
Located in West Africa, just south of Burkina Faso, Ghana is one of the friendliest, and perhaps easiest countries in Africa to travel. It is often referred to as "Africa for beginners" and is a great country for first time travelers to the region. While most West African countries use French as their second language, English is the predominant language here, making communication relatively easy. Most people you meet in Ghana will be eager to help you out and answer any questions you might have. Ghana's government is also very stable, and tourism continues to grow in the area as many people add this fascinating country to their "wish list" of destinations.
Ghana's history is also closely intertwined with the western world in that it was a primary center for the slave trade. There is still historical evidence that serves as painful reminders of the ill effects this period had on this country and its people. Many sights have been preserved as memorials to this sad past and remain today for tourists and locals visiting the area.
Ghana is divided into several regions that are each interesting to explore for their own reasons. The Coastal Plain area by the Gulf of Guinea is where you will find the country's capital, many of the area's historically significant forts, and the best preserved rainforest in the country. Just to the north, the Ashanti-Kwahu area is filled with forested hills and the ancient Ashanti kingdom. To the east is the Volta Basin which has the large Lake Volta and the impressive river system that feeds the area. The Northern Plains make up the northern part of the country. This area is noted for its traditional trade routes with Burkina Faso.
West Africa is a more expensive region to travel in than you might expect. Prices in Ghana are high by African standards, but the accommodation is often better than you would expect elsewhere in Africa as well. To save money, eat where the locals eat and travel how the locals travel. Public transportation can be uncomfortable but is cheaper than any other alternatives. Local restaurants that serve traditional food are easily your best option as western style restaurants are not always the best and the prices can be dramatically higher. Outside of the major cities and tourist destinations they are also in short supply.
At A Glance
- Visiting Ghana is about experiencing the culture. There are only a limited number of specific sights and attractions in the area, but there is a culture that is rich in music, history, and art. Ghana is also not the best place to see African wildlife. West Africa in general is more about culture than it is about game animals. If you are specifically hoping to do a safari, you are better off going to either East or Southern Africa.
- If you do want to see some animals and are based in Accra, your best bet is to take a day trip to Shai Hills Reserve. There you will see baboons, parrots and antelope. It's also possible to take a tour of the reserve while on horseback.
- There are a good number of international flights into Accra so you should not have trouble finding a reasonable route. In particular, there are flights on Delta Airlines from New York City. Other cities that connect to Accra include Istanbul, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Frankfurt, as well as many different places within Africa. The cheapest flights often come from London, but it is best to compare prices across airlines.
- STC is the main bus company in Ghana. They offer transportation between many different cities, but it is best to buy tickets at least a day in advance as they do tend to sell out. It's not uncommon for the bus to break down, but generally the trip is safe and reliable. You will likely have to pay a fee for your luggage based on its weight. It shouldn't be more than about a third of the price of you bus ticket.
- Whether you're looking for a lake or a beach you will find no shortage of natural beauty in Ghana. There are many places to relax by the waters edge and watch people pass by. There are also some interesting forest and savannah areas that are worth visiting. The best way to experience the natural landscape throughout the country is to head for one of the area's national parks.
Related:
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Top Tourist Attractions
Larabanga Mosque: This historic sight is believed to be the oldest mosque in Ghana, although the true age is unknown. It's located in the village of Larabanga and is built with the Sudanese architectural style. It receives funds from the World Monuments Fund for continuing restoration.
Cape Coast Castle: Originally built for the slave trade, this is one of the largest forts in Ghana. It was originally constructed in 1653 and is now included on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List because of its historical significance.
Kakum National Park: Located in southern Ghana, this is a fascinating and dense tropical forest. It is made up mostly of undisturbed virgin rainforest, making it a unique and rare place to visit.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.