Expat’s Guide to Renting in Accra: Best Neighbourhoods, Typical Costs, and What to Expect

Expat’s Guide to Renting in Accra

In Brief

GHS converted at GH₵11.81 per USD, indicative at time of publication.

City

Accra, Ghana — West Africa’s premier business and diplomatic hub

Best expat neighbourhoods

Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, East Legon, Labone, Roman Ridge

Typical 1-bed rent (furnished, premium)

GH₵11,810 – GH₵17,715/month ($1,000 – $1,500)

Typical 2-bed rent (furnished, premium)

GH₵17,000 – GH₵25,000/month ($1,440 – $2,115)

Currency

USD — all premium rental transactions

Featured development

Zenwood · No. 37 Senchi Street · Airport Residential Area

Accra is one of West Africa’s most liveable cities for expatriates — political stability, English as the official language, a well-developed expat community, and a growing ecosystem of international schools, private healthcare, and premium dining. This guide covers where to live and what to expect from the rental market.1

The Best Neighbourhoods for Expats in Accra

Airport Residential Area is the default first choice for many incoming expats — particularly those affiliated with embassies, international organisations, or aviation. Three to five minutes from Kotoka International Airport, it offers proximity to key professional infrastructure: the airport, embassy complexes, Nyaho Medical Centre, the Association International School, and Marina Mall. Rents are Accra’s highest, reflecting a tenant profile of diplomats, NGO directors, and multinational executives who pay in US dollars.

Cantonments shares many of Airport Residential’s qualities — diplomatic infrastructure, well-maintained streets, international school access. Rents are slightly lower for equivalent specification. East Legon is the other major premium address, to the northeast — popular with upper-income Ghanaians, returning diaspora, and some expat professionals. Labone offers a more urban, walkable character with strong café culture. Roman Ridge is quieter, with larger plots, popular with diplomatic and NGO staff.

Typical Rental Costs

Indicative market comparables for quality, furnished stock. [verify: Krafthaus comparables, 2026]

Unit Type

Airport Residential

Studio

$680–$930/month

1-Bedroom

$1,000–$1,500/month

2-Bedroom

$1,440–$2,115/month

3-Bedroom

$2,115–$3,380+/month

What Expats Need to Know

Advance rent. Accra landlords typically require 6–12 months’ rent paid upfront. This is standard market practice and non-negotiable for most premium landlords. Employer-funded expats should confirm their accommodation allowance accommodates this before arrival.

USD denomination. Every premium rental in Airport Residential and Cantonments is priced in US dollars. Building quality varies enormously — for expats who will not compromise on power, water, and security, the specification of the building matters as much as the location. Solar integration, backup generator, and consistent water supply are the key markers to verify.

Zenwood: Purpose-Built for the Accra Expat Rental Market

Zenwood at No. 37 Senchi Street, Airport Residential Area, is designed around exactly the tenant this guide is for. One-bedroom apartments from 54 sqm with full building amenities: pool, Zen yoga studio, gym, rooftop bar and garden, café lounge, solar power, backup generator, consistent water supply, and 24-hour concierge. For investors: if this is the product the tenant market is searching for — and it is — the investment case follows directly.

www.zenwoodgh.com  ·  +233 55 935 2042  ·  sales@krafthausgh.com

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary expat neighbourhoods are Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, East Legon, Labone, and Roman Ridge. Airport Residential and Cantonments are most popular with diplomatic and embassy staff.

Furnished one-bedroom apartments in Accra’s premium neighbourhoods rent for approximately $1,000–$1,500 per month in Airport Residential Area and $800–$1,300 in Cantonments and East Legon. Two-bedrooms range from $1,440–$2,115 in Airport Residential. All premium transactions are denominated in US dollars.

Accra is generally considered one of West Africa’s safest cities. Ghana has a strong record of political stability. Premium residential neighbourhoods have access-controlled buildings and security personnel. Normal urban precautions apply.

Yes. The Accra market convention for premium properties is 6–12 months’ rent paid in advance. Corporate expats should confirm this structure with their HR or relocation team before arrival.

Yes. The premium expatriate rental market in Accra is almost entirely furnished. Apartments in Airport Residential targeted at embassy staff and executives are typically fully furnished and specification-ready.

  1. Rental data is indicative, based on Accra market comparables compiled by Krafthaus Limited. This article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Analysis by Krafthaus Limited (krafthausgh.com) · Accra, Ghana ↩︎

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