The Verdict
Living in Austin is 13% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Austin to Manchester, you will pay less for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Austin, you would need to earn about £33,882 in Manchester.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Austin:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Austin | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,900 | £1,100 | £-800 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £333 | +£25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £200 | £-5 |
| Public transport pass | £120 | £136 | +£16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £171 | £162 | £-9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,704 | £1,931 | £-773 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£3,950/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (13% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Manchester to match a Austin salary
| Salary in Austin | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £25,412 | £4,588 less |
| £40,000 | £33,882 | £6,118 less |
| £50,000 | £42,353 | £7,647 less |
| £60,000 | £50,824 | £9,176 less |
| £80,000 | £67,765 | £12,235 less |
| £100,000 | £84,706 | £15,294 less |
Austin vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 13%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Austin has a rent index of 95, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Austin: £3,950/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Austin wins 2, while Manchester wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.