How Much Does It Cost to Move to Ghana? Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Moving to Ghana is an exciting journey, whether you’re part of the African diaspora reconnecting with your roots, a professional seeking new opportunities, or a retiree looking for a vibrant lifestyle. While many travelers can obtain a your Ghana visa on arrival (with mandatory pre-approval from Ghana Immigration Service), those planning to relocate will need to apply for appropriate long-term visas. Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide breaks down the essential costs for your Ghana relocation.

Quick Cost Summary

The total cost of moving to Ghana typically ranges from $3,500 to $16,000:

• Budget Move: $3,500 to $5,500 (minimal belongings, basic accommodation)
• Standard Move: $6,500 to $11,000 (moderate belongings, comfortable setup)
• Premium Move: $11,000 to $16,000+ (full household, premium services)

Breaking Down Your Moving Costs

1. Pre-Move Expenses ($600 to $2,000)

Visa Fees:

• Single entry (30 days): $55 to $110
• Multiple entry (6-12 months): $120 to $330

Travel & Documentation:

• Round-trip flight: $700 to $2,000
• Medical tests (yellow fever, etc.): $100 to $300
• Document authentication: $50 to $200

2. Shipping and Logistics ($1,000 to $8,000)

Sea Freight (4-8 weeks)

• 20-foot container: $2,300 to $4,200
• 40-foot container: $3,900 to $6,100
• Shared container: $100 to $200 per cubic meter

Additional Costs:

• Packing materials: $200 to $800
• Customs duties: 30-50% of declared value
• Port charges and delivery: $300 to $900

Pro Tip: Ghana offers duty-free concessions for returning diasporans through GIPC. This can save you thousands on customs duties.

3. Housing Costs ($750 to $1,700)

Ghana typically requires 1-2 years rent upfront.

Monthly Rent in Accra:

• Budget (1-bedroom): $80 to $500
• Mid-range (2-bedroom): $250 to $1,500
• Premium (3-bedroom): $1,000 to $3,500+

Other Cities (Kumasi, Sunyani, Ho): 20-40% cheaper than Accra

Temporary Accommodation:

• Budget hotel: $20 to $50/night
• Airbnb (monthly): $500 to $1,800

4. Setup & Admin Costs ($800 to $2,500)

Utilities & Communication:

• Electricity/water connection: $80 to $250
• Internet installation: $50 to $100
• Local SIM card and airtime: $25 to $55

Key Administrative Fees:

• Ghana Card (for foreigners): $120
• Resident permit: $500 (ECOWAS) or $1,000 (other nationals)
• Driver’s license: $50 to $100

Basic Furniture (if needed):

• Essential items: $600 to $1,600

5. Emergency Fund ($1,000 to $3,000)

Always maintain a buffer for unexpected expenses during your transition.

Sample Moving Budgets

Budget Move: $4,200

• Pre-move & visa: $800
• Shipping essentials: $800
• Housing (1-year advance): $1,200
• Setup & admin: $900
• Emergency fund: $500

Standard Move: $9,000

• Pre-move & visa: $1,200
• Sea freight: $2,800
• Housing (1-year advance): $3,000
• Setup & admin: $2,200
• Emergency fund: $1,500

Cost-Saving Tips

1. Ship only essentials – Many items are cheaper to buy locally
2. Negotiate rent for shorter advance payments (6 months instead of 2 years)
3. Join diaspora networks for tips and temporary accommodation
4. Apply for duty-free concessions if eligible through GIPC
5. Compare shipping quotes from multiple companies
6. Avoid peak season (December-January) for better prices

Ghana offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries, with vibrant culture and a welcoming diaspora community. Start saving early, research thoroughly, and connect with others who’ve made the move. Your journey home awaits!