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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Kumasi
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Cost of Living in Kumasi

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Kumasi helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1 bedroom apartment in city center: GHS 500 - 1,000 per month
  • 1 bedroom apartment outside city center: GHS 300 - 700 per month
  • 3 bedroom apartment in city center: GHS 1,200 - 2,500 per month
  • 3 bedroom apartment outside city center: GHS 800 - 1,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: GHS 4,000 - 6,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: GHS 2,500 - 4,000
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: GHS 1.50 - 3.00
  • Monthly local transport pass: GHS 60 - 100
  • Taxi starting tariff: GHS 5.00
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: GHS 2.00 - 3.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): GHS 5.00 - 6.00
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): GHS 4.00 - 6.00
  • Bread (500g): GHS 2.00 - 4.00
  • Rice (1 kg): GHS 4.00 - 7.00
  • Eggs (12): GHS 5.00 - 8.00
  • Local cheese (1 kg): GHS 15.00 - 25.00
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): GHS 15.00 - 25.00
  • Beef round (1 kg): GHS 20.00 - 35.00
  • Apples (1 kg): GHS 8.00 - 15.00
  • Bananas (1 kg): GHS 3.00 - 6.00
  • Oranges (1 kg): GHS 3.00 - 6.00
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): GHS 2.00 - 5.00
  • Potatoes (1 kg): GHS 3.00 - 6.00
  • Onions (1 kg): GHS 3.00 - 6.00
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): GHS 1.00 - 3.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: GHS 10.00 - 20.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: GHS 60.00 - 120.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): GHS 3.00 - 6.00
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): GHS 4.00 - 8.00
  • Cappuccino: GHS 5.00 - 10.00
  • Coca-Cola (0.33-liter bottle): GHS 1.00 - 3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): GHS 0.50 - 2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: GHS 200 - 500 per month
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): GHS 100 - 250 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or kindergarten) tuition: GHS 1,500 - 4,000 per year
  • Elementary school tuition: GHS 2,000 - 6,000 per year
  • Middle school tuition: GHS 3,000 - 8,000 per year
  • High school tuition: GHS 4,000 - 12,000 per year
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific area within Kumasi, as well as individual preferences and lifestyle choices. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Can I live in Kumasi on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Kumasi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I recommend looking into areas like Ayigya, Atonsu, and Oforikrom. These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Nhyiaeso, Ahodwo, and Airport Roundabout, as the there can be significantly higher.When it comes to utilities and amenities, you'll need to be prepared for some adjustments. Electricity can be quite expensive, and power outages are not uncommon. To save on electricity costs, you might want to consider using energy-efficient appliances and being mindful of your usage. Water supply can also be inconsistent, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan, like storing water in containers or investing in a water tank.Transportation is relatively affordable in Kumasi, but you might have to rely on public transport like trotros (minibuses) and shared taxis, which can be crowded and uncomfortable at times. Owning a car can be expensive due to the high cost of fuel and maintenance.Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local food joints and street food, but if you prefer dining at fancier restaurants or crave international cuisine, it can quickly eat into your budget. Groceries can also be pricey, especially for imported goods, so you might have to adjust your diet and opt for more local produce and products.Healthcare in Kumasi is a mixed bag. There are public hospitals and clinics available, but they can be overcrowded and may not have the same standard of care you're used to. Private hospitals and clinics offer better services, but they can be quite expensive. It's essential to have a good health insurance plan to cover any medical expenses.In terms of entertainment and leisure, you'll have to be selective about your activities to stay within your budget. There are affordable options like visiting local markets, attending cultural events, and exploring the city's parks and gardens. However, activities like going to the cinema, attending concerts, or joining a gym can be more expensive.Overall, living in Kumasi on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your utility usage, and prioritizing your spending, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in Kumasi.

Can I live in Kumasi on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Kumasi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Kumasi include Ayigya, Atonsu, and Oforikrom. These areas have a mix of modern and traditional housing options, and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $200 to $400 per month. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Nhyiaeso, Ahodwo, and Airport Roundabout, where rents can be significantly higher.When it comes to utilities, you should be prepared for occasional power outages and water shortages. It's a good idea to invest in a generator and water storage tank to ensure you have a consistent supply of electricity and water. This might be an initial expense, but it will save you a lot of stress in the long run.Transportation in Kumasi is relatively affordable, with taxis and shared minibuses (trotros) being the most common modes of transport. However, if you prefer to drive, you should be prepared for the cost of fuel, which can be quite high. Owning a car can also be expensive due to import taxes and maintenance costs, so you might want to consider using public transportation or renting a car when necessary.Eating out in Kumasi can be quite affordable, especially if you're open to trying local cuisine at chop bars and street food vendors. However, if you prefer to eat at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you should be prepared to pay a premium. Groceries can also be relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and buy seasonal produce.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Kumasi. You can visit cultural sites like the Manhyia Palace and the Kumasi Fort, or enjoy outdoor activities at the Rattray Park or the Kumasi Zoo. However, if you're looking for more high-end entertainment options like luxury cinemas or upscale bars and clubs, you might find that these are more limited and can be quite expensive.Overall, living in Kumasi on a $3,000 per month budget is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment options," said one expat living in Kumasi.

Can I live in Kumasi on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Kumasi for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I'd recommend looking into areas like Ahodwo, Nhyiaeso, or Atonsu. These neighborhoods have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you'll find decent housing options, supermarkets, and restaurants. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Airport Roundabout, Ridge, or Rattray Park, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.When it comes to housing, you can find a comfortable 2-3 bedroom apartment in the affordable neighborhoods for around $500-$800 per month. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious place with modern amenities like a swimming pool, gym, or 24-hour security, you might have to pay upwards of $1,500 per month. So, you'll need to decide what's more important to you – saving money or having those extra amenities.Transportation is relatively cheap in Kumasi, especially if you use local taxis or the tro-tro (shared minibuses). However, if you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of purchasing or renting a car, as well as fuel and maintenance expenses.Eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local restaurants and street food, which can cost you around $2-$5 per meal. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you'll be looking at spending around $10-$20 per meal.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the local system. While there are some good hospitals and clinics in Kumasi, they might not be up to the standards you're used to back home. You'll also need to factor in the cost of health insurance, which can vary depending on the coverage you choose.Overall, living in Kumasi on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. If you can find a balance between enjoying the modern amenities you're used to and embracing the local culture, you'll have a great experience living in this vibrant city," commented an expat living in Kumasi.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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