The Verdict
Living in Copenhagen is 40% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Copenhagen to Manchester, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Copenhagen, you would need to earn about £25,714 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 Copenhagen:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Copenhagen | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,400 | £1,100 | £-1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £343 | £333 | £-10 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £263 | £200 | £-63 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £136 | £-16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £194 | £162 | £-32 |
| Total Monthly | £3,352 | £1,931 | £-1,421 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 87/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,940/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (40% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Manchester to match a Copenhagen salary
| Salary in Copenhagen | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £19,286 | £10,714 less |
| £40,000 | £25,714 | £14,286 less |
| £50,000 | £32,143 | £17,857 less |
| £60,000 | £38,571 | £21,429 less |
| £80,000 | £51,429 | £28,571 less |
| £100,000 | £64,286 | £35,714 less |
Copenhagen vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 40%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Copenhagen has a rent index of 120, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Copenhagen: £2,940/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Copenhagen wins 0, while Manchester wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.