🇬🇭 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

CategoryAccra (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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