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London vs Manchester

Manchester runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,559 USD a month.

Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge as seen from the south bank of the River Thames.
London
$4,050/month · United Kingdom
Terry Ott from Washington, DC Metro Area, United States of America · CC BY 2.0
Manchester Town Hall seen from Lloyd Street, Manchester, England, UK.
Manchester
$2,491/month · United Kingdom
Mark Andrew. · CC BY 2.0
London monthly
$4,050
Index 63 (NYC = 100)
Manchester monthly
$2,491
Index 39 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-38%
Manchester relative to London
Rent gap
$1,250
London costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

LondonManchester
  • Housing
    Housing: London $2,600, Manchester $1,350. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Food
    Food: London $617, Manchester $529. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Transport
    Transport: London $282, Manchester $161. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: London $267, Manchester $224. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: London $8.03, Manchester $6.51. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: London $169, Manchester $137. Cheaper in Manchester.
  • Other
    Other: London $107, Manchester $85. Cheaper in Manchester.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLondonManchester
Cost
Total monthly cost4,050 USD2,491 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)6339✓
Housing2,600 USD1,350 USD✓
Utilities267 USD224 USD✓
Food617 USD529 USD✓
Transport282 USD161 USD✓
Healthcare8 USD7 USD✓
Lifestyle169 USD137 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,953 USD5,953 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.6%28.6%
Left over each month1,902 USD3,461 USD✓
Average local net salary3,600 USD✓2,600 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,600 USD1,350 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre5,200 USD2,400 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre15,000 USD4,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety66/100✓58/100
Healthcare84/100✓80/100
Air quality60/10064/100✓
Public transport92/100✓74/100
Walkability90/100✓80/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife94/100✓86/100
Family friendliness72/10072/100
Median broadband90 Mbps✓85 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature12°C10°C✓
Summer high23°C21°C✓
Winter low3°C✓2°C
Sunshine hours per year1,480 h✓1,400 h
Annual rainfall600 mm✓830 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access90 min75 min✓
CurrencyGBPGBP
Time zoneEurope/LondonEurope/London

Manchester runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,559 USD a month.

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Cost of living in LondonCost of living in ManchesterConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is London or Manchester cheaper?

Manchester runs about 38% cheaper than London for this household, a difference of 1,559 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Manchester compared with London?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,953 a month in London and $5,953 in Manchester, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, London or Manchester?

London scores 66/100 on safety and 84/100 on healthcare; Manchester scores 58 and 80. London averages 12°C against 10°C in Manchester.