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What is the average income in Ghana in US dollars?

Published in Ghanaian Economy 2 mins read

The average monthly income in Ghana typically ranges from $400 to $500 USD.

This figure represents a general estimate of the average monthly salary for individuals in Ghana. It's important to note that actual income can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including profession, experience level, educational background, specific industry, and geographical location within the country.

Factors Influencing Income in Ghana

Several key elements contribute to the wide range of salaries observed across different sectors and roles in Ghana:

  • Industry: High-demand sectors such as finance, technology, mining, and telecommunications often offer more competitive salaries compared to other industries.
  • Experience and Qualifications: Professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, or higher educational qualifications tend to command higher incomes.
  • Location: Salaries in major urban centers like Accra or Kumasi might be higher due to increased economic activity and a greater demand for skilled labor. However, the cost of living in these cities can also be considerably higher.
  • Job Role: Management, executive, and highly technical positions naturally come with significantly higher compensation than entry-level or less specialized roles.

Comparison with Other Countries

Understanding Ghana's average income is often clearer when placed into a regional or global context. The cost of living is also a significant factor to consider when evaluating the real value of income levels.

Country Average Monthly Salary (USD) Cost of Living Index
Ghana $400 – $500 37.65
Nigeria $200 – $300 30.52
South Africa $900 – $1,100 42.87
United Kingdom $2,900 – $3,000 73.52

Note: The Cost of Living Index indicates how expensive it is to live in a country compared to New York City (which has an index of 100). A lower index suggests a more affordable cost of living.

Cost of Living in Ghana

With an average monthly income of $400-$500, the cost of living in Ghana is relatively affordable when compared to many Western countries. The Cost of Living Index for Ghana is approximately 37.65. This suggests that essential expenses for housing, food, transportation, and other necessities are considerably lower. Consequently, the purchasing power of the average income might be higher than what the numerical value suggests in a country with a much higher cost of living. This allows for a reasonable quality of life for many residents within this income bracket.

For more detailed insights into average salaries in Ghana, you can refer to resources like TimeCamp's Complete Guide on Average Salary in Ghana.