CostLens
HomeGhana › Tamale

Cost of Living in Tamale

Tamale, Northern, Ghana · Population 1,095,808

▲ +8% vs Ghana average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₵6,639 ($428)
Couple, monthly₵11,849 ($764)
Family of four, monthly₵15,388 ($993)

Estimated Prices in Tamale

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₵68.91 ($4.45)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₵276 ($17.78)per meal
Cappuccino₵20.67 ($1.33)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₵1,562 ($101)per month
Monthly public transport pass₵253 ($16.30)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₵666 ($42.98)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₵193 ($12.45)per month
Fitness club membership₵193 ($12.45)per month
Cinema ticket₵50.54 ($3.26)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₵2,940 ($190)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₵2,045 ($132)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₵6,135 ($396)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Tamale is ₵5,301 ($342) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₵6,639 ($428) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₵8,631 ($557) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₵2,045 ($132)) represents about 31% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Tamale

Tamale vs KumasiTamale vs AccraTamale vs AshaimanTamale vs Cape CoastTamale vs ObuaseTamale vs Tema

Nearby Cities

Gumani

11 km away · Northern

Savelugu

24 km away · Northern

Diari

49 km away · Northern

Karaga

74 km away · Northern

Yendi

93 km away · Northern

Salaga

102 km away · Savannah

Chamba

112 km away · Northern

Damongo

112 km away · Savannah

Other Major Cities in Ghana

Kumasi

Ashanti · pop. 3,903,480

₵7,649 ($493) / mo

Accra

Greater Accra · pop. 1,782,150

₵6,639 ($428) / mo

Ashaiman

Greater Accra · pop. 208,060

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Cape Coast

Central · pop. 189,925

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Obuase

Ashanti · pop. 180,460

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Tema

Greater Accra · pop. 161,612

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Koforidua

Eastern · pop. 127,334

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Suhum

Eastern · pop. 126,403

₵5,766 ($372) / mo

Living in Tamale

Tamale is one of the key cities in Ghana. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₵6,639 ($428), placing it above the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₵2,045 ($132) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₵15,388 ($993) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₵11,849 ($764) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Tamale is ₵5,301 ($342). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₵8,631 ($557) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tamale expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₵6,639 ($428) per month in Tamale including rent outside the city centre. That is 8% more than the national average for Ghana.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Tamale?
A net salary of around ₵8,631 ($557) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Tamale with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Tamale is ₵5,301 ($342).
How much is rent in Tamale?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₵2,940 ($190) per month in the city centre and ₵2,045 ($132) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₵6,135 ($396).
Is Tamale cheaper than Ghana on average?
No — Tamale is estimated to be about 8% more expensive than the Ghana average, mainly due to housing demand.
What is the cost of groceries in Tamale?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₵1,562 ($101) in Tamale. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₵69 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₵21 ($1).
How do transport costs in Tamale compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Tamale is estimated at ₵253 ($16). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Tamale are estimates based on Ghana national averages adjusted for city size (population 1,095,808). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.