The Verdict
Living in Budapest is 27% cheaper than Manchester.
If you move from Budapest to Manchester, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Budapest, you would need to earn about £64,000 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 Budapest:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Budapest | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £700 | £1,100 | +£400 |
| Monthly groceries | £168 | £333 | +£165 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £105 | £200 | +£95 |
| Public transport pass | £83 | £136 | +£53 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £104 | £162 | +£58 |
| Total Monthly | £1,161 | £1,931 | +£770 |
* 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 lower overall living costs (27% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- 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 Budapest salary
| Salary in Budapest | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £48,000 | £18,000 more |
| £40,000 | £64,000 | £24,000 more |
| £50,000 | £80,000 | £30,000 more |
| £60,000 | £96,000 | £36,000 more |
| £80,000 | £128,000 | £48,000 more |
| £100,000 | £160,000 | £60,000 more |
Budapest vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 27%. Budapest is the more affordable option.
Rent: Budapest has a rent index of 35, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Budapest: £1,350/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Budapest wins 6, while Manchester wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.