🇬🇭 Accra vs 🇳🇬 Lagos
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇭
Accra
Ghana
$985–$1,559/mo
₵15,154 – ₵23,985 / month (local)
🇳🇬
Lagos
Nigeria
$1,108–$1,754/mo
₦1,787,097 – ₦2,829,032 / month (local)
Lagos is 13% more expensive
Accra wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Accra (USD) | Lagos (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $738–$1,149 | $831–$1,292 | 🟢 Accra |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $390–$615 | $438–$692 | 🟢 Accra |
| Utilities | $31–$59 | $35–$67 | 🟢 Accra |
| Groceries | $156–$234 | $175–$263 | 🟢 Accra |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $21–$37 | $23–$42 | 🟢 Accra |
| Public transport (monthly) | $39–$47 | $44–$53 | 🟢 Accra |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$21 | $14–$23 | 🟢 Accra |
| Gym membership | $14–$27 | $16–$30 | 🟢 Accra |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$7 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Accra |
| Monthly total (single) | $985–$1,559 | $1,108–$1,754 | 🟢 Accra |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Accra▲ better
Lagos
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Accra
Lagos▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Accra if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Lagos
- ✓Stability
- ✓English
- ✓Coast
- ✓Cocoa
Choose Lagos if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Lagos offers vs Accra
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Afrobeats
- ✓Entrepreneurship
- ✓FMCG
You might also like…
📊
Full Accra guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Accra →📊
Full Lagos guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Lagos →