Accra has been ranked the 8th most expensive city in Africa, highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living pressures in Ghana despite economic stabilization efforts. With a cost-of-living index of 36.6, Accra surpasses several North and East African capitals, according to Numbeo's 2026 Cost of Living Index.
Grocery prices are a major contributor, with Accra's index of 42.4 among the highest in Africa, pointing to food inflation and supply chain issues. Restaurant prices are also elevated at 39.1. However, rent costs are relatively moderate at 11.4.
The city's weak purchasing power index of 12.7 means incomes buy less than in peer cities, explaining why cost pressures are felt acutely. Abidjan leads the African ranking with a cost-of-living index of 45.2, followed by Addis Ababa at 42.6.
Within West Africa, Accra is the second most expensive city after Abidjan, due to currency depreciation, high import dependence, and lingering inflationary effects.
The ranking highlights the need for policymakers to focus on food supply chains, transport costs, and productivity-enhancing reforms to improve living standards. For businesses, it has implications for wage negotiations and operating costs.
Accra's position presents a mixed picture - not among the world's most expensive, but a high-cost city in Africa with limited income buffers. Lowering essential costs and boosting real incomes will be key to translating economic gains into improved living standards.
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