Moving to a new country is an adventure, but the logistics of daily life, especially the monthly bills, can be a bit of a puzzle. If you are looking at the cost of living in Accra, you have likely noticed that while the lifestyle is vibrant, the utility bills in Ghana are currently shifting.
As of January 1, 2026, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) implemented a significant multi-year tariff adjustment. This isn’t just a small tweak; it’s a structural change designed to last through 2030, though rates are still reviewed every three months to account for the exchange rate and inflation.
Here is what you need to know to budget effectively for your new home in Ghana.
Understanding Utility Bills in Ghana: Electricity
Electricity is the most significant recurring expense for most residents. Under the new 2026 guidelines, electricity tariffs have increased by 9.86% across the board. For a standard residential user, you can expect to pay around GH¢2.00 to GH¢2.65 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on your total consumption.
Most modern apartments use a prepaid metering system. You buy “units” via an app or a local vendor, and your power stays on until those units run out. It is a very transparent system because it forces you to notice how much that extra air conditioner is actually costing you.
In a typical two-bedroom apartment, a moderate user might spend between GH¢600 and GH¢1,200 per month. However, if you are working from home and keeping the AC on all day, that figure can easily double. When you are putting together your Ghana packing list, consider including some energy-efficient LED bulbs or smart plugs to help keep these costs in check.
Water: Consistent and Tiered
Water billing in Ghana is generally more stable than electricity, but it did see a sharper jump this year, with a 15.92% increase in tariffs. The system is tiered to encourage conservation. The first 5 cubic meters are billed at a subsidized rate of about GH¢6.12 per m³, but once you cross that threshold, the price nearly doubles to GH¢10.83 per m³.
For most expats living in serviced apartments, the monthly water bill is relatively modest, often falling between GH¢150 and GH¢400. It is worth checking your tenancy agreements in Ghana to see if water is included in your service charge or if you will be billed separately based on your own meter.
Internet: Staying Connected
Whether you are a digital nomad or just want to stream your favorite shows, connectivity is vital. You have a few great options in 2026. Traditional fiber-optic plans from providers like MTN or Telecel usually range from GH¢400 to GH¢800 per month for reliable high-speed data.
For those who need absolute reliability, Starlink has become a popular choice among the expat community in Accra. The monthly subscription for the residential “Lite” plan starts around GH¢500, while the standard unlimited residential plan is approximately GH¢770. You can explore a more detailed breakdown in our guide on the top internet service providers in Ghana.
The Hidden Costs: Service Charges
When you live in a premium neighborhood like Airport Residential or Cantonments, you aren’t just paying for the four walls of your apartment. You are paying for a lifestyle that includes 24/7 security, swimming pool maintenance, trash collection, and, most importantly, backup power.
In Ghana, “Dumsor” (power outages) can happen. High-end residential complexes use large diesel generators to ensure you never lose power. However, the fuel for these generators is often billed back to residents as part of a service charge or a separate “gen-set” fee. This is a crucial detail to discuss with your property manager. To manage your utility bills in Ghana easily, it helps to have an account with one of the top banks in Ghana so you can set up automated transfers or use local mobile money apps.
2026 Monthly Utility Estimates (GHS)
| Utility Type | 1-Bedroom (Moderate Use) | 2-Bedroom (Family Use) | 3-Bedroom (High Use) |
| Electricity | GH¢650 – GH¢900 | GH¢1,200 – GH¢2,500 | GH¢3,500+ |
| Water | GH¢150 – GH¢250 | GH¢300 – GH¢450 | GH¢500+ |
| Internet (Fibre/Starlink) | GH¢400 – GH¢770 | GH¢770 – GH¢1,200 | GH¢1,200+ |
| Estimated Total | GH¢1,200 – GH¢1,920 | GH¢2,270 – GH¢4,150 | GH¢5,200+ |
Key Considerations for Your Budget
- The “AC Factor”: In Ghana, air conditioning accounts for roughly 60% to 70% of a luxury apartment’s electricity bill. Setting your AC to 24°C rather than 18°C can significantly reduce your monthly spend.
- Backup Power Surcharges: While Green Views provides seamless backup power, remember that diesel costs for generators are often billed based on the duration of a power outage. This is a variable cost that can fluctuate month to month.
- VAT and Levies: The figures above include the standard statutory levies (COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, GetFund, and NHIL) which are automatically baked into your tariffs.
- Payment Convenience: Most residents find it easiest to manage their utility bills in Ghana through local banking apps or Mobile Money (MoMo). If you haven’t set this up yet, reviewing the top banks in Ghana is a great place to start.
Living Effortlessly at Green Views
At Green Views Residential, we understand that you didn’t move to Accra to spend your weekends worrying about utility tariffs and meter top-ups. Located in the heart of the Airport Residential Area, our apartments are designed to simplify your life.
While individual usage for electricity and internet will always vary based on your personal habits, our management team handles the complex logistics of water supply, security, and waste management. We ensure that our infrastructure is maintained to the highest standards, so your “hidden costs” remain predictable and transparent.
Living here means you get the best of both worlds: the autonomy of your own luxury space and the support of a team that makes sure everything just works.
