What does it mean to have a “good salary” in Ghana? The answer depends on where you live, how many people depend on you, and what kind of lifestyle you want.

A salary that seems great to one person might not be enough for another. With various jobs in Ghana offering different pay scales, it’s important to understand how salaries compare to living costs. This article breaks down different salary levels in Ghana and helps you figure out how much you really need to live comfortably.

Understanding Salaries in Ghana

Minimum Wage vs. Average Salary

The National Tripartite Committee (NTC) recently announced a 10% increase in Ghana’s National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) for 2025, setting the new rate at GH₵19.97. That means someone working a full month (assuming 26 working days) would earn about GH₵519.22 per month.

But is this enough? Not really. Most people earn more than this because the cost of living is much higher. In urban areas like Accra, even entry-level jobs often pay more than the minimum wage. Here’s a simple look at salary levels in Ghana:

Salary Level	Monthly Income (GHS)	Living Standard
Minimum Wage	519.22	Struggling – barely covers food and transport
Low Income	1,200 – 2,500	Basic survival – limited savings, tight budget
Middle Income	4,300 – 5,000+	Comfortable – can afford decent housing, savings, and extras
High Income	10,000+	Luxury – can afford high-end living and investments

Is Your Salary Good Enough? A Breakdown by Income Levels

Let’s break down different salary levels and what kind of life they can afford.

Earning GHS 1,200 in Ghana: Is It a Good Salary?

GH₵1,200 is above the minimum wage, but it’s still a tight budget, especially in Accra or Kumasi. If you live alone, you might afford a small single room, basic food, and transport, but there’s little room for savings or emergencies.

• Rent: GH₵300 – GH₵600 (single room)
• Food: GH₵400 – GH₵600
• Transport: GH₵150 – GH₵300
• Utilities & Others: GH₵200 – GH₵400
• Savings/Extras: Almost none

Verdict: Survivable, but tough.

Earning GHS 2,000 in Ghana: Is It a Good Salary?

At GH₵2,000, life gets slightly easier. You can rent a better single room or a small self-contained apartment. You still have to budget carefully, but you may have a little extra for savings or entertainment.

• Rent: GH₵600 – GH₵1,000
• Food: GH₵500 – GH₵700
• Transport: GH₵200 – GH₵400
• Utilities & Others: GH₵300 – GH₵500
• Savings/Extras: GH₵200 – GH₵500

Verdict: Manageable, but no major luxuries.

Earning GHS 2,500 in Ghana: Is It a Good Salary?

Now, things start looking better. You can afford a comfortable self-contained apartment, better food choices, and even save a little.

• Rent: GH₵800 – GH₵1,500
• Food: GH₵600 – GH₵900
• Transport: GH₵300 – GH₵500
• Utilities & Others: GH₵400 – GH₵600
• Savings/Extras: GH₵400 – GH₵700

Verdict: A decent income for a single person.

Earning GHS 4,300 in Ghana: Is It a Good Salary?

At this level, you can live a middle-class lifestyle. You can rent a nice one-bedroom apartment, drive a used car, and save or invest more.

• Rent: GH₵1,500 – GH₵2,500
• Food: GH₵800 – GH₵1,200
• Transport: GH₵500 – GH₵800
• Utilities & Others: GH₵500 – GH₵800
• Savings/Extras: GH₵1,000 – GH₵1,500

Verdict: Comfortable, with room for future plans.

Earning GHS 5,000 in Ghana: Is It a Good Salary?

With GH₵5,000, you’re solidly in the middle class. You can rent a good two-bedroom apartment, own a car, and have a strong savings plan.

• Rent: GH₵2,000 – GH₵3,000
• Food: GH₵1,000 – GH₵1,500
• Transport: GH₵600 – GH₵1,000
• Utilities & Others: GH₵700 – GH₵1,000
• Savings/Extras: GH₵1,500 – GH₵2,000

Verdict: Good salary for a comfortable life.

The Reality: Many Employed Ghanaians Still Depend on Family

Even with a job, many Ghanaians find it difficult to survive on their salaries alone. The cost of rent, food, transport, and other essentials often outweighs what they earn. As a result, many young professionals still rely on financial help from their families, whether it’s for rent, groceries, or emergency expenses. This dependency is common because salaries often don’t match the high cost of living, making financial independence challenging.

How Much Do You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably in Ghana?

A “comfortable salary” depends on your lifestyle, family size, and location. Here’s a general estimate for different living situations:

Lifestyle	Monthly Salary Needed (GHS)
Single, Basic	2,500 – 3,500
Single, Comfortable	4,300 – 5,500
Married, No Kids	6,000 – 8,000
Married, With Kids	8,000 – 12,000

Living in Accra costs more than smaller towns. If you’re in Tamale or Ho, you can live comfortably on a lower salary.

Important Note About Rent in Ghana

Most landlords in Ghana do not accept monthly rent payments. Instead, they require tenants to pay for two years or more upfront before moving in. Some landlords may accept one year’s rent, but this is less common. This makes it even harder for people earning lower salaries to afford housing, as they must save for years or rely on family support just to secure a place to live.

FAQs

1. What is considered a good salary in Ghana?

A “good salary” is anything that covers basic needs, allows savings, and offers some financial security. In Accra, that’s around GH₵4,000 – GH₵5,000 or more.

2. Can you live comfortably in Ghana on GHS 2,000?

Not easily, especially in major cities. You’ll need to budget carefully and may not have much for savings.

3. How much does rent cost in major Ghanaian cities?

Rent varies widely. In Accra, a one-bedroom apartment can cost GH₵1,500 – GH₵3,000, while in smaller towns, you can get the same for GH₵500 – GH₵1,200.

4. Is GHS 5,000 a high salary in Ghana?

It’s a good salary, allowing for a middle-class lifestyle with savings and investments.