Bolgatanga, Ghana
The capital of the Upper East Region, gateway to the Paga crocodile ponds and the Tongo Hills.
Below Average vs Ghana Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Bolgatanga vs Ghana Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 12.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₵ 20,000
- Unemployment: 8.5%
- Population: 100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 310/year
- Summer High: 96°F
- Winter Low: 68°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: ₵150,000
- 1BR Rent: ₵600/mo
Cost of Living
Bolgatanga's cost of living index is 78 (Ghana average = 100).
| Category | Bolgatanga | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
| Housing | 75 | 100 | -25.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₵150,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₵600/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₵750/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₵100 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bolgatanga:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₵200 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₵90 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₵80 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₵200 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | ₵570 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Bolgatanga scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bolgatanga has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88°F | 68°F | 2.5" |
| April | 81°F | 83°F | 2.8" |
| July | 96°F | 71°F | 1.5" |
| October | 76°F | 86°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Bolgatanga faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River and coastal flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Sales Tax: 12.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.2% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 8.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Bolgatanga per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Christmas break is the longest holiday.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bolgatanga, Ghana?
The cost of living index in Bolgatanga is 78, which is Lower the Ghana national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bolgatanga?
The median home price in Bolgatanga is ₵150,000. The housing index is 75.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bolgatanga is approximately ₵600/mo.
Does Bolgatanga, UE have income tax?
Bolgatanga is in UE, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Bolgatanga?
Bolgatanga enjoys approximately 310 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 96°F, while winter lows can drop to around 68°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.