Accra vs London
Cost of living comparison for expats and families · 2026
🇬🇭 Ghana
Accra
$2,520/mo solo
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
London
$3,536/mo solo
How we calculate tax rates: Estimated effective rates assume a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, single filer, all long-term capital gains. US figures include federal LTCG + NIIT + state tax (so Boston shows MA, Miami shows FL, etc.). Your real rate depends on income mix and filing status — run the tax calculator for your numbers.
Accra
vs
London
Cost of Living
$1,850
Housing (1BR)
$2,500
$350/mo
Food
$425/mo
$120/mo
Utilities
$292/mo
$50/mo
Transport
$200/mo
$150/mo
Healthcare
$119/mo
$2,520/mo
Total
$3,536/mo
Taxes (International Investors)
effective at $200K/yr · single
15.0%
Capital Gains
20.0%
8.0%
Dividends
33.8%
15.0%
Crypto
20.0%
None
Wealth Tax
None
Quality of Life
55/100
Safety
45/100
35 Mbps
Internet
115 Mbps
Visa
90 days
Tourist Visa
180 days
Yes
DN Visa
No
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Cost of Living
Accra is the more affordable option at $2,520/month for a single person, compared to $3,536/month in London — a savings of $1,016/month, or roughly 29%. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Accra averages $1,850/month vs $2,500/month in London. For couples needing a 2-bedroom, expect $3,250 in Accra and $4,000 in London. Families with kids typically see costs scale by 2–2.5× vs single-person baseline.
Tax for Investors
Ghana's tax system is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source). At a $200K/yr retiree drawdown, Ghana works out to roughly 15.0% effective on long-term gains. United Kingdom is worldwide (all income taxed regardless of source); United Kingdom comes in at 20.0%. United Kingdom offers the Foreign income not taxed if not brought to UK (ending 2025). For FIRE retirees living off portfolio income, territorial systems typically produce the cleanest outcome — see our territorial tax countries guide for the full list.
Climate & Lifestyle
Accra has a tropical (avg 27°C year-round) climate; London is cool temperate (avg 11°C). Accra is meaningfully warmer year-round (16°C difference on annual average). Accra scores higher on safety (55/100) vs 45/100 for the other city. London has faster internet at 115 Mbps vs 35 Mbps. Accra has a medium established expat community. London has a medium established expat community.
Visa & Residency
For Accra: digital-nomad visa available; investor visa ($0K minimum). For London: 180-day tourist visa on arrival. Full visa pathways, income thresholds, and residency timelines are covered in the Retire in Ghana and Retire in United Kingdom guides.
FIRE Number
At the standard 4% safe withdrawal rate, the portfolio needed to retire in Accra is $756,000; London needs $1,060,800. Geographic arbitrage is the single biggest lever in FIRE planning — relocating between these two cities changes your required portfolio by $304,800. Run your own scenarios in the "What your portfolio buys" section below.
What your portfolio buys in each city
At the 4% safe withdrawal rate, see exactly what Accra vs London costs at common FIRE milestones. Real math, honest verdicts — no marketing spin.
Go deeper
City guide
Living in Accra
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
City guide
Living in London
Full cost breakdown, climate, safety, visa, and lifestyle data
Tax guide
Retire in Ghana
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
Tax guide
Retire in United Kingdom
Income tax, capital gains, special regimes, and visa pathways
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