Last update: Oct 2026 Ghana 160K

Cost of Living in Tema

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.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Tema

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.

Currency
Do you live in Tema? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.64 GHS 77.2
$3.90 GHS 45.41
$8.30 GHS 96.5
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$28.26 GHS 329
$25.74 GHS 299
$38.61 GHS 449
Cappuccino
$4.97 GHS 57.9
-
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.88 GHS 10.23
$0.88 GHS 10.23
$0.88 GHS 10.23
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.28 GHS 3.25
$0.17 GHS 2.02
$0.40 GHS 4.70
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.22 GHS 37.45
$2.14 GHS 24.89
$4.29 GHS 49.89
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.57 GHS 29.85
-
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$3.11 GHS 36.13
$2.89 GHS 33.64
$3.31 GHS 38.51
White Bread (500g)
$1.52 GHS 17.72
$1.24 GHS 14.42
$1.66 GHS 19.31
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.02 GHS 23.45
$1.89 GHS 21.93
$2.14 GHS 24.86
Eggs
$2.33 GHS 27.08
$2.07 GHS 24.13
$2.59 GHS 30.16
Local Cheese (1kg)
$4.27 GHS 49.67
-
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.12 GHS 36.31
$2.07 GHS 24.13
$4.16 GHS 48.37
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$3.48 GHS 40.50
-
Apples (1kg)
$2.52 GHS 29.29
$2.52 GHS 29.29
$2.52 GHS 29.29
Banana (1kg)
$2.18 GHS 25.37
$1.75 GHS 20.34
$2.62 GHS 30.51
Oranges (1kg)
$2.08 GHS 24.19
$1.67 GHS 19.40
$2.50 GHS 29.10
Tomato (1kg)
$3.32 GHS 38.65
$3.32 GHS 38.65
$3.32 GHS 38.65
Potato (1kg)
$3.43 GHS 39.94
-
Onion (1kg)
$2.78 GHS 32.37
$2.14 GHS 24.87
$3.43 GHS 39.88
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.40 GHS 4.64
-
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.71 GHS 8.30
$0.54 GHS 6.22
$0.89 GHS 10.37
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.24 GHS 14.37
-
Wine (Bottle)
$8.72 GHS 101
-
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.15 GHS 24.97
-
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.95 GHS 34.30
-
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.72 GHS 20.06
-
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$40.78 GHS 474
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.18 GHS 25.35
-
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.44 GHS 5.11
-
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19 GHS 13.84
$0.94 GHS 10.97
$1.30 GHS 15.15
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$77.4 GHS 900
$25.80 GHS 300
$129 GHS 1,500
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.74 GHS 171
$12.64 GHS 147
$16.85 GHS 196
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$80.4 GHS 935
$76.2 GHS 886
$84.6 GHS 984
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.40 GHS 272
$21.28 GHS 247
$25.53 GHS 297
Cinema Ticket
$8.70 GHS 101
-
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$167 GHS 1,946
-
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$2,522 GHS 29.3K
-
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$13.00 GHS 151
$13.00 GHS 151
$13.00 GHS 151
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$15.35 GHS 179
-
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$42.57 GHS 495
$42.57 GHS 495
$42.57 GHS 495
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$31.35 GHS 365
$25.08 GHS 292
$37.62 GHS 438
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$129 GHS 1,503
$129 GHS 1,503
$129 GHS 1,503
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$70.7 GHS 823
$68.6 GHS 798
$72.9 GHS 847
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$433 GHS 5,037
-
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$206 GHS 2,401
$146 GHS 1,698
$267 GHS 3,105
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$10.2K GHS 118.1K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$6,098 GHS 70.9K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$423 GHS 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.
Tema $734
Groceries & Markets
$213
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$173
Eating Out
$139 *
Accommodation & Living
$71
Getting Around
$52
Clothing & Footwear
$46
Sport & Entertainment
$41

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

Good to know
🕒 Local time
15:52 3:52 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
160,000
💱 Currency
Exchange rates and currency converter

USD, EUR to GHS – Ghanaian Cedi Converter

Ghanaian Cedi exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 11.63 GHS (100 GHS = 8.6 USD). 1 EUR = 13.08 GHS (100 GHS = 7.65 EUR).

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Tema Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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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 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.

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