🇬🇭 Accra vs 🇰🇪 Nairobi
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇬🇭
Accra
Ghana
$985–$1,559/mo
₵15,154 – ₵23,985 / month (local)
🇰🇪
Nairobi
Kenya
$1,046–$1,656/mo
KSh135,844 – KSh215,065 / month (local)
Nairobi is 6% more expensive
Accra wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Accra (USD) | Nairobi (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $738–$1,149 | $785–$1,221 | 🟢 Accra |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $390–$615 | $414–$654 | 🟢 Accra |
| Utilities | $31–$59 | $33–$63 | 🟢 Accra |
| Groceries | $156–$234 | $166–$248 | 🟢 Accra |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $21–$37 | $22–$39 | 🟢 Accra |
| Public transport (monthly) | $39–$47 | $41–$50 | 🟢 Accra |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$21 | $13–$22 | 🟢 Accra |
| Gym membership | $14–$27 | $15–$28 | 🟢 Accra |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$7 | $6–$8 | 🟢 Accra |
| Monthly total (single) | $985–$1,559 | $1,046–$1,656 | 🟢 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
Nairobi▲ better
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Accra▲ better
Nairobi
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Accra
Nairobi▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Accra if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Nairobi
- ✓Stability
- ✓English
- ✓Coast
- ✓Cocoa
Choose Nairobi if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Nairobi offers vs Accra
- ✓Safari gateway
- ✓Fintech
- ✓English
- ✓NGOs
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Full Accra guide
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Full Nairobi guide
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Explore Nairobi →