17 Jun 2025
Moving to a new country, especially for work or long-term living, involves navigating numerous aspects of life. For Dutch expats planning to settle in Ghana, one of the first steps is securing reliable housing. Whether you’re working, studying, or just exploring life in a new place, understanding the costs of housing and the best neighborhoods in Ghana is key to settling in comfortably.
In this blog, we will explore housing costs, popular expat-friendly neighborhoods, and how Dutch expats can manage their finances efficiently while living in Ghana. We will also provide insights into how to send money to Ghana from Denmark and offer tips on finding the right accommodation in this vibrant country.
The cost of housing in Ghana can vary significantly depending on location, type of accommodation, and amenities offered. Generally, larger cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi will have higher rental prices due to their bustling economies and high expat population. For Dutch expats, understanding these variations and planning ahead will help you avoid any surprises when looking for a place to live.
Average rent is:
Accra is the most expensive city in Ghana when it comes to rent. Expats can expect to pay anywhere between ₵2,000 to ₵7,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center. If you're willing to live on the outskirts, the rent could drop to around ₵1,500 to ₵3,000 per month for similar accommodations.
Rent in Kumasi is generally cheaper compared to Accra, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging ₵1,500 to ₵3,500 per month. Living in suburban areas could reduce the rent further.
Takoradi is home to many expats working in the oil and gas industry. Rent here can range from ₵2,000 to ₵4,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood.
Aside from the rent, you’ll also need to consider other living costs such as utilities, which can add up to ₵300-₵800 per month depending on the apartment size and energy consumption. Internet and phone bills are usually affordable, averaging around ₵100-₵250 per month.
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a huge difference in your overall experience in Ghana. Expats tend to prefer certain areas based on convenience, security, and proximity to work or entertainment options. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in major cities where Dutch expats often choose to live.
Labone is an affluent, expat-friendly neighborhood located in central Accra. It’s known for its peaceful environment, wide roads, and proximity to embassies, international schools, and shopping centers. Expats will find a variety of high-quality housing options here, from modern apartments to more traditional homes.
East Legon is another popular expat destination in Accra. It offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. Expats enjoy the area for its convenient location and mix of affordable and luxury housing options. The area is also home to many embassies, making it ideal for diplomatic workers.
Kanda is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers affordable rent with easy access to central Accra. It’s a growing area with lots of potential for young professionals and expats looking for a balance between convenience and cost.
If you’re planning to live outside Accra, Bantama in Kumasi is an excellent choice for Dutch expats. Kumasi offers a lower cost of living, making it a great place for long-term stays. Bantama is a vibrant neighborhood with lots of local markets, shops, and restaurants, providing a more authentic experience of life in Ghana.
Living abroad means managing your finances across multiple currencies and possibly transferring money to support your family or other obligations back home. Luckily, managing finances in Ghana as a Dutch expat has become much easier with a variety of services to send money to Ghana from Denmark.
Once you’ve secured housing, setting up a local bank account is essential for managing your income and day-to-day expenses. Some of the best banks for expats in Ghana include Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays, and Ecobank. These banks offer a range of services such as savings accounts, checking accounts, and the ability to make international transfers.
Opening an account in Ghana requires:
Once your account is set up, you can transfer money from your home country or use local services for day-to-day transactions.
As an expat, you may need to send money online to Ghana from Denmark to support family members or friends. Fortunately, there are several fast and reliable platforms for money transfer from Denmark to Ghana.
While housing costs in Ghana can be high, there are ways to minimize expenses:
For Dutch expats in Ghana, finding the right housing is a key part of settling into life in this beautiful and diverse country. From understanding rent prices in major cities to choosing the perfect neighborhood, there are many factors to consider. Whether you’re looking to live in the heart of Accra or prefer a quieter area like Kumasi, it’s important to plan your housing search carefully.
Additionally, managing finances, including how to send money to Ghana from Denmark, can ease the transition and ensure that you remain financially stable. With online money transfer options like Wise, WorldRemit, and PayPal, Dutch expats can efficiently manage their money across borders.
For once, money transfer from Denmark to Ghana is a breeze with these easy-to-use online services, allowing you to stay connected and supported while living abroad.
In Accra, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from ₵2,000 to ₵7,000 per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
You can use online platforms like ACE Money Transfer, Wise, WorldRemit, or PayPal to send money online to Ghana from Denmark. These services are fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Yes, neighborhoods like Kanda and Bantama in Kumasi offer more affordable living options for expats compared to expensive areas like Labone and East Legon in Accra.
To set up a bank account in Ghana, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of address, and a completed application form. Banks like Standard Chartered, Barclays, and Ecobank are popular choices among expats.
The cost of living in Ghana is generally lower than in Denmark, especially for accommodation, food, and utilities. However, expats may find certain imported goods to be more expensive.
