Ghana offers a variety of cities and towns that combine affordability with a decent quality of life. For budget-conscious individuals, students, young professionals, retirees, or families choosing the right location can make a dramatic difference in monthly costs, comfort, and lifestyle. This extended guide presents the Top 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Ghana while still offering access to essential services, safety, and economic opportunities.
Each of the featured locations is evaluated across housing costs, cost of living, safety, access to healthcare and education, employment potential, and local community life. These cities have been identified as ideal for those seeking low living expenses without compromising basic standards.
H2 Kumasi – Affordable Living with Regional Economic Access
Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city and the capital of the Ashanti Region, balances affordability with commerce and cultural depth. Housing costs in outer suburbs like Atonsu, Airport Residential Area, and Asafo are significantly lower compared to Accra. A modest furnished one-bedroom apartment can cost between GHS 800–1,200 per month. Utilities and groceries also remain comparatively low across markets like Kejetia and Bantama. Public transport is efficient, and salaries in retail, trade, education, or services are viable. Safe neighborhoods, abundant universities (KNUST, Kumasi Girls), general hospitals, and active community networks make Kumasi suitable for families, students on budgets, and professionals who value affordability with access to infrastructure.
Why Kumasi?
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Low monthly rent and utility costs
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Major infrastructure in health, education, and commerce
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Stable job opportunities across trade and services
H2 Tamale – Low Cost of Living in Northern Ghana’s Growth Center
Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, ranks among the most affordable cities with rising development. Rental rates in suburbs such as Vitting or Kalpohin average GHS 600–900 monthly for decent housing. Food markets are highly competitive and prices low. While formal salary levels are modest, civil service roles, NGOs, and agriculture-based enterprises offer meaningful income. Tamale stands out for cleanliness, community safety, and predictable living expenses, with established schools (University for Development Studies), hospitals, and markets. Reliable values and predictable household budgets make it attractive to young professionals, NGO workers, and families.
Why Tamale?
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Among the lowest rental and food costs nationwide
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Clean, organized city layout with safe public spaces
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NGO and development sector presence
H2 Sunyani – Peaceful and Affordable Regional Administrative Hub
Sunyani, capital of the Bono Region, is consistently rated as one of the cleanest and most organized Ghanaian cities. Rental prices in residential suburbs like New Site and Dipiri average GHS 700–1,100 monthly. Food, fuel, and utilities reflect national averages or lower. The administrative sector provides government employment, and private businesses, small retail shops, and hospitality supply steady income potential. Sunyani has a general hospital, private clinics, reputable secondary schools, and reasonable distances to Kumasi and Takoradi. With low crime, good roads, stable water, and waste management, Sunyani is ideal for families, retirees, and employees seeking affordable, peaceful urban life.
Why Sunyani?
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Reliable public services and infrastructure
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Moderate housing cost and utility pricing
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Calm, secure environment suitable for long‑term stay
H2 Koforidua – Budget-Friendly Proximity to Accra
Koforidua, capital of the Eastern Region, blends reduced cost of living with easy access to Greater Accra. Suburbs like Hills Estate and Orchard Avenue rent at GHS 800–1,200 monthly for furnished apartments. Local markets like Asamankese and Okwawu Lower prices for fresh produce and daily essentials. Employment prospects in hospitality, retail, civil service, and educational institutions are available. Healthcare includes regional referral hospitals and private clinics. Koforidua stands out for affordable daily life with reasonable commuting access to Accra and Tema.
Why Koforidua?
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Lower cost of living with accessible Accra proximity
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Growing schools, clinics, and retail hubs
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Balanced residential atmosphere with urban convenience
H2 Bolgatanga – Extremely Low Cost in Upper East Region
Bolgatanga, known for its crafts and culture, is one of the most affordable cities in Ghana. Monthly rent for basic furnished housing in suburbs like Zuarungu or Vea ranges from GHS 400–800. Food and utilities are among the lowest nationwide. Local employment leans on NGO operations, agriculture, small industries, and artisanship. Despite slower economic growth, Bolgatanga is peaceful, with tight-knit communities, low crime, and low-cost education and health services. Ideal for retirees, artisans, or budget-conscious residents seeking simplicity.
Why Bolgatanga?
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Least expensive city for rent, utilities, and food
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Cultural and crafts community provides local income opportunities
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Safe, low‑stress living environment
H2 Ho – Highland Calm with Moderate Costs
Ho, capital of the Volta Region, offers affordable living with scenic tranquility. Apartment rentals in suburbs like New Town and Hohoe Zone average GHS 700–1,100 monthly. Groceries and fuel prices are competitive, and utilities remain moderate. Local employment from administration, education, health services, and small-scale tourism supports income. Ho benefits from clean streets, community culture, access to institutions like Ho Polytechnic, regional hospital, and growing infrastructure. Suitable for those seeking low expense living paired with natural beauty.
Why Ho?
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Affordable housing and cost of living in scenic surroundings
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Reliable education and health infrastructure
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Harmonious community pace and safe neighborhoods
H2 Cape Coast – Historic Coastal City at Lower Prices
Cape Coast, rich in history and academic institutions, offers lower living costs than more urbanized southern cities. Rental prices in suburbs like Adisadel or Kasoa average GHS 800–1,300 per month. Markets like Ankaful and Adisadel Road sell produce below Accra levels. What sets Cape Coast apart is reliable access to UCC, local hospitals, and tourist-driven commerce. Students, educators, and families seeking affordable coastal living with community depth find it appealing.
Why Cape Coast?
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Affordable coastal town with academic and historical richness
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Lower everyday costs for food and utilities
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Strong educational infrastructure
H2 Takoradi – Coastal Port City with Balanced Costs
Sekondi‑Takoradi, Western Region capital, is affordable when choosing residential outskirts. Rent in Effiakuma, Mpintsin, or Beach Road areas averages GHS 900–1,400 monthly. Food, transport, and utilities are in mid-range but lower than Accra’s rates. Energy and maritime industries provide employment, while housing demand remains modest except for central zones. The presence of schools, hospitals, and low‑density neighborhoods balances cost with convenience.
Why Takoradi?
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Port and oil economy offers income opportunities
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Coastal living with moderate cost structure
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Health, education, and service access intact
H2 Techiman – Agricultural Market Town with Low Expenses
Techiman, a major agricultural hub in the Bono East Region, delivers exceptional affordability. Rental options in suburbs like Sodje or Kumawu yield furnished housing for GHS 500–900 monthly. Local markets provide competitive prices on produce and staples. Economy is anchored by farming, trading, and small-scale commerce. Lack of large-scale industry is balanced by low housing and food costs. Health and schooling are available via district hospitals and local schools. Techiman is appealing to farmers, traders, or households managing tight budgets.
Why Techiman?
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Among Ghana’s lowest cost cities for rent and food
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Central agricultural trading hub
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Functional local services and safe community
H2 Winneba – Coastal University Town with Low Cost
Winneba, in the Central Region, is known for Co‑operative and distance learning universities and local markets. Rentals in Winneba township and Effutu suburb average GHS 700–1,200. Food and utilities remain affordable, and community life is university-driven. Jobs in education, small retail, and local services sustain income. Coastal atmosphere, regular festivals, and quiet environment make Winneba a good budget coastal town for students and educators.
Why Winneba?
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University town with low housing costs
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Affordable market prices and community services
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Pleasant coastal culture and safe neighborhoods
Summary Table: Most Affordable Places to Live in Ghana
| City | Approx. Monthly Rent (Furnished 1‑Bed Apt) | Cost of Living Index* | Notable Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolgatanga | GHS 400–800 | Very Low | Craft economy, low utilities, cultural feel |
| Tamale | GHS 600–900 | Very Low | Clean city, NGO presence, low food costs |
| Techiman | GHS 500–900 | Very Low | Agricultural hub, low daily prices |
| Sunyani | GHS 700–1,100 | Low | Clean, organized, government & services |
| Ho | GHS 700–1,100 | Low | Highland ambience, calm pace, community life |
| Winneba | GHS 700–1,200 | Low | University town, coastal vibe, services |
| Koforidua | GHS 800–1,200 | Low | Near Accra, growing infrastructure |
| Kumasi | GHS 800–1,200 | Moderate | Trade center, education and commerce |
| Cape Coast | GHS 800–1,300 | Moderate | Academic base, coastal town, tourism support |
| Takoradi | GHS 900–1,400 | Moderate | Oil and port jobs, coastal living |
*Cost of Living Index is relative: Very Low = 50–60, Low = 60–75, Moderate = 75–90 (Accra baseline = 100).
H2 FAQs on Affordable Places to Live in Ghana
1. Which city in Ghana is the cheapest to live in?
Bolgatanga and Techiman consistently rank as the cheapest cities in Ghana, with rental and food costs significantly below national averages.
2. Is Kumasi affordable to live in compared to Accra?
Yes. Kumasi offers lower rent, food, and utility costs while still providing commerce, education, and infrastructure.
3. Can I find good schools and hospitals in affordable cities?
Yes. Cities like Sunyani, Kumasi, Koforidua, and Takoradi have regional hospitals, secondary schools, and some tertiary institutions.
4. Are affordable cities safe to live in Ghana?
Most major affordable cities such as Sunyani, Ho, Tamale, and Bolgatanga have low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
5. Is it possible to work in Accra but live in an affordable city?
Yes. Koforidua and Kumasi are within commuting distance or accessible by reasonable travel to Accra for work.
6. How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost in affordable Ghanaian towns?
Typical rent ranges from GHS 400 to GHS 1,200 depending on city and furnishing status.
7. Are utilities included in rent prices?
Generally utilities are paid separately, but overall monthly utility costs remain low in these cities.
8. Do these cities have good internet and mobile connectivity?
Yes. Most regional hubs like Kumasi, Tamale, and Koforidua have reliable mobile networks and internet providers.
9. What types of jobs exist in budget-friendly cities?
Employment in govt, education, agriculture, retail, small enterprise, and NGOs are available in most of these towns.
10. Are these locations suitable for long-term settlement?
Absolutely. Many residents successfully live long-term in cities like Sunyani, Ho, Tamale, and Kumasi with minimal expenses.
Conclusion: Affordable Living in Ghana without Sacrificing Quality
Choosing a place to live in Ghana doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, services, or safety. Cities such as Bolgatanga, Tamale, Techiman, Sunyani, Ho, and Koforidua prove that affordable living can still offer access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life. Whether you’re a student, young professional, retiree, or family, these places strike an ideal balance. Consider budgeting, job needs, and desired lifestyle when making your choice—and you can enjoy a quality life in Ghana without breaking the bank.