Cost of Living in Tema - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $611 monthly including rent, or $478 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $989 with rent, or $834 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,367 including rent, or $1,190 for daily expenses alone.

Tema sits about 54% below the global median. Within Africa, costs are well below average (41% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$7.50 GHS 88.0
$4.06 GHS 47.65
$8.30 GHS 97.4
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$27.73 GHS 326
$24.31 GHS 285
$61.0 GHS 716
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$8.18 GHS 96.0
-
Cappuccino
$1.46 GHS 17.14
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.00 GHS 11.78
$0.81 GHS 9.47
$1.21 GHS 14.21
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 GHS 3.93
$0.19 GHS 2.21
$0.43 GHS 5.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.74 GHS 20.38
$1.46 GHS 17.14
$2.01 GHS 23.62
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.69 GHS 31.63
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$2.98 GHS 34.94
$2.70 GHS 31.67
$3.26 GHS 38.22
White Bread (500g)
$1.68 GHS 19.69
$1.06 GHS 12.44
$2.28 GHS 26.81
Rice (white) (1kg)
$1.55 GHS 18.22
$1.26 GHS 14.74
$1.84 GHS 21.58
Eggs
$2.18 GHS 25.64
$1.94 GHS 22.74
$2.43 GHS 28.54
Local Cheese (1kg)
$3.72 GHS 43.73
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$2.73 GHS 32.08
$2.08 GHS 24.42
$3.39 GHS 39.74
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$2.44 GHS 28.63
-
Apples (1kg)
$2.71 GHS 31.76
$2.39 GHS 28.09
$3.01 GHS 35.31
Banana (1kg)
$2.08 GHS 24.38
$1.66 GHS 19.50
$2.49 GHS 29.25
Oranges (1kg)
$2.07 GHS 24.27
$1.65 GHS 19.41
$2.48 GHS 29.12
Tomato (1kg)
$2.89 GHS 33.97
$2.48 GHS 29.12
$3.30 GHS 38.70
Potato (1kg)
$1.84 GHS 21.60
-
Onion (1kg)
$1.97 GHS 23.15
$1.87 GHS 21.96
$2.06 GHS 24.22
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.61 GHS 7.16
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.82 GHS 9.63
$0.80 GHS 9.40
$0.84 GHS 9.86
Wine (Bottle)
$7.21 GHS 84.7
$5.69 GHS 66.8
$8.74 GHS 103
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.82 GHS 9.66
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$2.03 GHS 23.87
$1.63 GHS 19.09
$2.44 GHS 28.64
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$39.80 GHS 467
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.42 GHS 16.64
$0.75 GHS 8.86
$2.08 GHS 24.42
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.77 GHS 9.00
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 GHS 13.98
$0.91 GHS 10.63
$1.46 GHS 17.10
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$30.84 GHS 362
$24.62 GHS 289
$37.06 GHS 435
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$12.26 GHS 144
-
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.6 GHS 759
$49.43 GHS 580
$79.8 GHS 937
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$19.37 GHS 227
$18.38 GHS 216
$20.35 GHS 239
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$82.4 GHS 967
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$25.07 GHS 294
$12.50 GHS 147
$37.64 GHS 442
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$24.67 GHS 290
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$45.82 GHS 538
$41.58 GHS 488
$50.1 GHS 588
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$60.6 GHS 712
$36.28 GHS 426
$85.0 GHS 997
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$117 GHS 1,371
-
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$66.6 GHS 782
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$139 GHS 1,629
-
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$10.0K GHS 117.6K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,030 GHS 70.8K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$390 GHS 4,576
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
32.5
25
40

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

Last update: May 31, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $117 for a central one-bedroom, or $66.6 outside the center. At 30% of the average salary ($390), housing leaves real financial breathing room.

Average take-home pay sits at $390, while typical expenses reach $611. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $183 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $28.00 for two – well below the African average of $42.00.

Public transport is priced at around $39.80 per month – above the African average of $29.00.

Cost Highlights

Chicken fillets is cheaper than 98% of cities in Africa

Milk is more expensive than 97% of cities in Africa

White bread is more expensive than 96% of cities in Africa

Tema Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Upload
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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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 30% 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 $611 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $478. 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 $390 technically covers the $611 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 $66.6 to $117, 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 $19.37 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 $183, 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 $611. 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 $611 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 $611, so putting money aside takes more than $916 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 $611 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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