Cost of Living Comparison Between Elmina and Tamale Cost of Living Comparison Between Elmina and Tamale

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends $526 per month in Elmina vs $62.0 in Tamale, rent included.

A couple spends around $905 per month in Elmina vs $92.0 in Tamale, rent included.

A family of three spends $1,284 per month in Elmina vs $122 in Tamale, rent included.

Elmina costs about 749% more than Tamale, driven mainly by Groceries & Markets.

Both Elmina and Tamale are more affordable than the global median – Elmina 61% lower, Tamale 95% lower.

Currency
🍽 Eating Out
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.45 GHS 51.4
$2.97 GHS 34.28
49.83%
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$48.28 GHS 558
-
-
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$7.79 GHS 90.0
$2.39 GHS 27.63
225.94%
Cappuccino
$3.54 GHS 40.94
$0.93 GHS 10.74
280.65%
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.92 GHS 10.68
$0.47 GHS 5.39
95.74%
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34 GHS 3.96
$0.37 GHS 4.32
-8.11%
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.58 GHS 18.20
$0.70 GHS 8.12
125.71%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.48 GHS 28.60
$0.95 GHS 11.03
161.05%
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Milk (1 liter)
$3.47 GHS 40.09
-
-
White Bread (500g)
$1.45 GHS 16.80
-
-
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.37 GHS 27.33
-
-
Eggs
$2.40 GHS 27.70
-
-
Local Cheese (1kg)
$11.04 GHS 128
-
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.54 GHS 52.4
-
-
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.82 GHS 67.2
-
-
Apples (1kg)
$2.91 GHS 33.62
-
-
Banana (1kg)
$1.40 GHS 16.13
-
-
Oranges (1kg)
$1.71 GHS 19.69
-
-
Tomato (1kg)
$3.21 GHS 37.02
-
-
Potato (1kg)
$3.00 GHS 34.64
-
-
Onion (1kg)
$2.44 GHS 28.15
-
-
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.75 GHS 8.69
-
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.49 GHS 5.61
-
-
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.65 GHS 19.05
-
-
Wine (Bottle)
$7.42 GHS 85.8
-
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.11 GHS 12.85
$1.47 GHS 17.01
-24.49%
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.96 GHS 22.64
-
-
🚌 Getting Around
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
-
$0.96 GHS 11.06
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.62 GHS 18.65
-
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.17 GHS 13.54
-
-
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$5.48 GHS 63.2
-
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.09 GHS 12.59
-
-
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$8,156 GHS 94.2K
-
-
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$9,546 GHS 110.3K
-
-
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$56.5 GHS 652
-
-
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.33 GHS 154
-
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$38.32 GHS 443
-
-
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Cinema Ticket
$9.92 GHS 115
-
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$71.4 GHS 825
-
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,919 GHS 91.5K
$9,625 GHS 111.2K
-17.72%
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$14.66 GHS 169
-
-
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.23 GHS 222
-
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$28.80 GHS 333
-
-
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$41.81 GHS 483
-
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Elmina
Tamale
Difference
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
25.4
0
-

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update for Elmina: July 14, 2026

Last update for Tamale: July 12, 2026

City Median Internet Speeds Comparison (Updated April 2026)

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
Elmina vs Tamale: Cost of Living - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tamale cheaper than Elmina?
Yes – Elmina is pricier by about 749%, and the gap shows up most in Groceries & Markets. It's not just housing either; the difference applies across most spending categories.
What income do you need for each city?
For a comfortable life, plan on about $789 per month in Elmina and $93.0 in Tamale. That covers rent, food, utilities, transport, and enough left over to feel settled – not just surviving.
What are total monthly expenses in Elmina and in Tamale?
Monthly expenses with rent come to $526 in Elmina and $62.0 in Tamale. The difference isn't just one category – it shows up across housing, food, transport, and services.
How do food prices compare in Elmina and in Tamale?
Groceries cost about 3085% more in Elmina, though it depends on what you buy. Local produce may be comparable; imported and premium items show the biggest price gap.
Is $800 enough for either Elmina or Tamale?
$800 covers both cities comfortably – all-in costs are $526 in Elmina and $62.0 in Tamale, leaving budget for savings and extras in both cases.
Is Elmina or Tamale more family-friendly?
Families tend to lean toward Tamale – lower housing and cheaper childcare make a real difference, especially on a single income or when paying for private education.
Which city is the better choice to relocate to?
If budget matters most, go with Tamale. If higher salaries, better infrastructure, or specific career opportunities are the priority, Elmina makes more sense. Both are solid long-term options with distinct trade-offs.

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