How Much Does It Cost To Relocate To Ghana From Nigeria?
What does it take to relocate to Ghana? Relocating to a new country can be a daunting task, not just because of the emotional and psychological adjustments involved, but also because of the financial implications. If you are planning to relocate to Ghana from Nigeria, you are probably wondering how much it will cost you. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the costs involved in relocating to Ghana from Nigeria.
Visa Fees
The first thing you will need to do when planning to relocate to Ghana is to obtain a visa. The cost of obtaining a visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, a single-entry visa for a Nigerian citizen to Ghana costs about $60 while a multiple-entry visa costs about $100. There are also other fees involved such as processing fees, service fees, and so on.
The Cost of Travel
The first expense you’ll need to consider when you want to relocate to Ghana from Nigeria is the cost of travel. The distance between Nigeria and Ghana is not very far, so you can travel by road, air, or sea. If you decide to travel by air, you’ll need to purchase a plane ticket.
The cost of a one-way ticket from Lagos, Nigeria, to Accra, Ghana, is around $200 to $300, depending on the airline and the time of year and how far in advance you book your ticket. You can save money by booking your ticket in advance or looking for special deals.
If you decide to travel by road and you are driving, you’ll need to consider the cost of fuel, tolls, and border fees. The cost of fuel in Nigeria is relatively cheaper than in Ghana, so you might want to fill up your tank before leaving Nigeria.
The cost of tolls and border fees can vary depending on the route you take, so it’s best to research the different routes and their costs before embarking on your journey. If you are going by public transport, transport services like ABC motors, GUO, and GIG go for about $66 to $132 with them stopping at places like Togo and Benin
Accommodation Costs
Once you arrive in Ghana, you will need a place to stay. The cost of accommodation in Ghana will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. If you are looking for a budget option, you can find a shared apartment for about GH₵ 500 to GH₵ 1,000 per month. However, if you prefer a more comfortable and private option, you can expect to pay about GH₵1,500 to GH₵3,000 per month for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment.
The cost of accommodation in Ghana varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose. If you’re planning to rent a house or apartment, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per month, depending on the size, location, and amenities. If you’re looking for a more luxurious option, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,500 per month.
If you’re on a budget, you might want to consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. The cost of a bed in a hostel or guesthouse can range from $5 to $50 per night, depending on the location and the facilities provided.
The Cost of Food
Food is another essential expense you’ll need to consider when relocating to Ghana from Nigeria. The cost of food in Ghana is relatively higher than in Nigeria, but it’s still affordable. You can expect to spend around $100 to $300 per month on food, depending on your lifestyle and eating habits. If you’re a fan of Nigerian cuisine, you’ll be happy to know that many Nigerian dishes are also popular in Ghana, so you won’t have to worry about missing your favourite meals. Click here to read about Amina’s experience with food in Ghana
Utilities and Other Living Expenses
In addition to accommodation, you will also need to pay for utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. The cost of utilities in Ghana will depend on the usage and the location. On average, you can expect to pay about GH₵ 200 to GH₵ 500 per month for utilities. Other living expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment will also vary depending on your lifestyle. On average, you can expect to spend about GH₵ 1,000 to GH₵ 2,000 per month on these expenses.
Healthcare
Another important cost to consider when relocating to Ghana from Nigeria is healthcare. Ghana has both public and private healthcare facilities. Ghana has a well-established healthcare system, but the quality of healthcare varies depending on the location and the facility. If you’re planning to stay in Ghana for an extended period, it’s recommended that you get health insurance to cover the cost of medical care.
The cost of health insurance in Ghana varies depending on the provider and the coverage. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 per year for health insurance, depending on the coverage and the provider.
The Cost of Education
If you’re relocating to Ghana with your family, you’ll also need to consider the cost of education. Ghana has a well-established education system, and there are many schools and universities to choose from. The cost of education in Ghana varies depending on the school and the level of education.
If you’re planning to enrol your children in an international school, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per year, depending on the school and the level of education
Chidi shares his experience in Accra with us
“When I visited Ghana, I budget about $1500 for everything from accommodation, we used AirBnB, flight and all for a one-week stay and it was not just me, there were two of us. And we cooked our food, it should be more than enough. It’s just to be on the safe side and if you are planning to tour and have fun
Kemi also shares some of her discoveries of fun and not-so-fun things from living in Ghana for a while.
“They are very calm and peace-loving people. The high cost of fuel which is about 6.28 GH₵ per litre shows up when you order a ride and the AC is not on, that is the norm over there, except you are very rich. Accommodation and cost of living are slightly higher than that of Nigeria and because Accra is home to many expatriates, it is quite expensive to live in.
I will say that there is security, you feel very safe walking even at night. I think my favourite part has to be the great drainage system they have. Unlike Lagos, when it rains here, everywhere dries up quickly because of the good drainage system. All in all, the people are calm and nice, the roads are good, there is rapid development taking place and there is the power supply is steady”
Click here to read about Kimmy’s experience in Ghana.