For one person, living costs in Tema are estimated at $734 a month, including rent and utilities – 26% below the national average. Rent and utilities take less than a third of the total.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Tema actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $734 monthly including rent, or $586 excluding housing.
$734 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,166 with rent, or $950 without housing.
$1,166 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,598 including rent, or $1,314 for daily expenses alone.
$1,598 /mo
📊
Tema sits 43–46% below the global median across household types. Within Africa, costs are 19% below average – relatively affordable for the region.
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$77.4GHS 900
$25.80GHS 300
$129GHS 1,500
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.74GHS 171
$12.64GHS 147
$16.85GHS 196
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$80.4GHS 935
$76.2GHS 886
$84.6GHS 984
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$23.40GHS 272
$21.28GHS 247
$25.53GHS 297
Cinema Ticket
$8.70GHS 101
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$167GHS 1,946
-
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$2,522GHS 29.3K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$13.00GHS 151
$13.00GHS 151
$13.00GHS 151
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$15.35GHS 179
-
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$42.57GHS 495
$42.57GHS 495
$42.57GHS 495
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$31.35GHS 365
$25.08GHS 292
$37.62GHS 438
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$129GHS 1,503
$129GHS 1,503
$129GHS 1,503
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$70.7GHS 823
$68.6GHS 798
$72.9GHS 847
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$433GHS 5,037
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$206GHS 2,401
$146GHS 1,698
$267GHS 3,105
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$10.2KGHS 118.1K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$6,098GHS 70.9K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$423GHS 4,924
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
35
30
40
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 10, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Tema$734
Tema$1,598
🛒Groceries & Markets
$213 29.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$173 23.5%
🍽Eating Out
$139 * 18.9%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$71 9.6%
🚌Getting Around
$52 7.1%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$46 6.3%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$41 5.6%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
🛒Groceries & Markets
$490 30.6%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$187 11.7%
🍽Eating Out
$423 * 26.5%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$206 12.9%
🚌Getting Around
$108 6.7%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$102 6.4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$82 * 5.1%
Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $129 for a central one-bedroom, or $70.7 outside the center. At 31% of the average salary ($423), housing leaves real financial breathing room.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $423, while typical expenses reach $734. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.
🛒Expect to spend about $213 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $28.00 for two – well below the African average of $41.00.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $40.78 per month – above the African average of $30.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Cappuccino is more expensive than 98% of cities in Africa
⭐Milk is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa
⭐Internet is more expensive than 95% of cities in Africa
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Tema - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tema, Ghana compare in overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Tema, Ghana offers a pragmatic balance for a coastal city near Accra. Local meals, markets, and transport tend to be affordable, especially when you rely on home cooking and short rides. If you value space and practical routines, you’ll find rents and utilities reasonable relative to larger hubs, though imported goods and premium apartments can push costs higher. Neighborhood choices – from port-adjacent areas to quieter residential pockets – change the vibe and price. The value lies in straightforward daily life, community-friendly amenities, and beach access that keeps living costs manageable. Tip: Start with a week of neighborhood scouting to map quick routes to work, markets, and coworking spaces.
What does daily life look like in Tema, including housing search, food options, transport, coworking, and errands?
Daily life in Tema blends practical budgeting with coastal ease. Housing ranges from compact apartments to larger flats in newer developments; prices vary by proximity to the port, markets, or Spintex corridor. Understanding the Tema, Ghana living cost can guide your planning when comparing rents and utilities. Food is abundant at local markets and casual eateries, offering solid value when you lean on local staples. Transport is straightforward: tro-tro minibuses, taxis, and ride-hailing services cover most routes, with cycling and walking feasible in several neighborhoods. Co-working spaces and cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi support remote work. Tip: test a few neighborhoods with short stays to feel the daily rhythm.
How would you describe the quality of life, budgeting approaches, ways to save, seasonality, and neighborhood fit in Tema?
Quality of life in Tema centers on balance between pace, coast, and practicality. A mindful budgeting framework helps you align housing, food, and transport with your goals; try a simple monthly plan that tracks essentials and discretionary spending. Seasonality matters: the dry season can bring heat and dust, while the rainy period affects travel and street conditions; mornings are often pleasant, with beach strolls possible most days. Neighborhood fit hinges on proximity to markets, healthcare, safety, and access to green spaces. To save, consider cooking at home, shopping at markets, and negotiating longer leases for steadier costs. Tip: rotate among two or three neighborhoods before committing to a longer lease to find your best fit.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Tema?
At roughly 31% of income going to housing, Tema is one of those places where rent doesn't dominate your paycheck. The low ratio is a standout advantage and gives residents real financial breathing room compared to pricier cities.
What is the average cost of living in Tema?
A single person in Tema typically spends $734 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $586. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
Is the average salary in Tema enough to cover living costs?
An average salary of $423 technically covers the $734 monthly cost of living in Tema, but just barely. There's little room for surprises – a rent hike, medical bill, or unexpected repair can throw things off quickly at this income level.
How much does a 1-bedroom apartment cost in Tema?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Tema range from $70.7 to $129, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is a gym membership in Tema?
Fitness in Tema is cheap at around $23.40 monthly for a standard gym. It's one of the lighter items in the budget, making it easy to stay active without worrying about the cost.
How cheap is food in Tema?
Tema is great for eating affordably at home. Monthly grocery bills run about $213, and local produce is plentiful and well-priced, making home cooking both practical and cost-effective.
Can you live on $800 a month in Tema?
$800 stretches far in Tema – all-in monthly costs average only $734. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
Is Tema a good place to live?
Living in Tema means access to coastal lifestyle, beach access, great local cuisine at about $734 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Can you save money living in Tema?
Monthly expenses in Tema run around $734, so putting money aside takes more than $1,101 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
Is Tema good for backpackers on a budget?
Budget travelers love Tema – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $734 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.