Accra, Ghana
Last updated on Feb 03, 2023
Summary: The approximate population of Accra, Ghana is 2.3 million people. People describe Accra as a vibrant, bustling city with a unique culture and a rich history. Expats love the friendly people, the delicious food, and the vibrant nightlife. The weather in Accra is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. The cost of a one bedroom apartment is around $500 to $700 per month, and a two bedroom apartment is around $700 to $1,000 per month.
What do I need to know about living in Accra?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Accra, they said:
"Housing is extremely expensive so make sure that your company provides adequate housing allowance as even the most expensive properties are of low quality. If you do not have an adequate housing allowance you might end up in a not very pleasant part of town and in a house that is virtually uninhabitable. Cost of living here is generally very expensive," said another person in Accra.
How do I meet people in Accra?
When we asked people living in Accra about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"There are plenty of expat organisations and groups with various interests - gym, swim club, bridge, golf. movies etc. No matter what your interest you are bound to find a group to join or you can easily form one. Join those groups that interest you. For ladies NAWA is an excellent resource, so is expataccra," explained one expat.

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Will I be able to find a job in Accra?
When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Accra, they reponded:
"Oil, gas, mining, breweries, and cocoa industries are the main industries. Senior management or technical positions are the major career opportunities but work visas are limited so generally need to be very senior or have unique skills. Jobs are usually advertised on overseas websites or people are promoted within," remarked another expat in Accra.
What is life like in Accra?
When we asked people living in Accra what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Everyone that works are usually pretty busy with it but there is also a lot os socialising with many functions a week on in town. We find we have to pick and choose what to do as otherwise there is just too much to do," remarked another expat in Accra.
What do expats find most challenging?
"People here only tell you what you want to hear not the real situation - leading to not being able to trust anyone," remarked another expat in Accra.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Accra accepting of differences?
"Yes - within the local community there are Christian (Apostles) and Islam and Expats are from around the world. There are also many Africans from other nations. Tolerance is generally very high however, there is a tendency to take advantage of Expats within Accra and they are not as welcoming and friendly as Ghanians from the country," explained one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Accra?
- How do I find a place to live in Accra?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Accra?
- What is the average cost of housing in Accra?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Accra?
- What should I pack when moving to Accra?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Accra?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Accra?
- What are healthcare services like in Accra?
- Is the cost of living in Accra high?
- Will I save money living in Accra?
- Why do people move to Accra?
- How are healthcare services Accra?
- What are medical services in Accra like?