The Verdict
Living in Brisbane is 10% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Brisbane 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 Brisbane, you would need to earn about £35,122 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 Brisbane:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Brisbane | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,560 | £1,100 | £-460 |
| Monthly groceries | £308 | £333 | +£25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £205 | £200 | £-5 |
| Public transport pass | £128 | £136 | +£8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £162 | — |
| Total Monthly | £2,363 | £1,931 | £-432 |
* 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 (£2,860/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (10% 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 Brisbane salary
| Salary in Brisbane | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £26,341 | £3,659 less |
| £40,000 | £35,122 | £4,878 less |
| £50,000 | £43,902 | £6,098 less |
| £60,000 | £52,683 | £7,317 less |
| £80,000 | £70,244 | £9,756 less |
| £100,000 | £87,805 | £12,195 less |
Brisbane vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Brisbane has a rent index of 78, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Brisbane: £2,860/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Brisbane wins 2, while Manchester wins 3.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.