The Verdict
Living in Barcelona is 0% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Barcelona 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 Barcelona, you would need to earn about £40,000 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 Barcelona:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Barcelona | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,100 | £-200 |
| Monthly groceries | £263 | £333 | +£70 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £170 | £200 | +£30 |
| Public transport pass | £125 | £136 | +£11 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £153 | £162 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £2,010 | £1,931 | £-79 |
* 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
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,600/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Manchester to match a Barcelona salary
| Salary in Barcelona | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £30,000 | £0 more |
| £40,000 | £40,000 | £0 more |
| £50,000 | £50,000 | £0 more |
| £60,000 | £60,000 | £0 more |
| £80,000 | £80,000 | £0 more |
| £100,000 | £100,000 | £0 more |
Barcelona vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 0%.
Rent: Barcelona has a rent index of 65, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Barcelona: £1,892/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Barcelona wins 4, while Manchester wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.