The Verdict
Living in Krakow is 30% cheaper than Manchester.
If you move from Krakow 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 Krakow, you would need to earn about £68,571 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 Krakow:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Krakow | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £640 | £1,100 | +£460 |
| Monthly groceries | £147 | £333 | +£186 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £95 | £200 | +£105 |
| Public transport pass | £77 | £136 | +£59 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £94 | £162 | +£68 |
| Total Monthly | £1,052 | £1,931 | +£879 |
* 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 (30% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- 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 Krakow salary
| Salary in Krakow | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £51,429 | £21,429 more |
| £40,000 | £68,571 | £28,571 more |
| £50,000 | £85,714 | £35,714 more |
| £60,000 | £102,857 | £42,857 more |
| £80,000 | £137,143 | £57,143 more |
| £100,000 | £171,429 | £71,429 more |
Krakow vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. Krakow is the more affordable option.
Rent: Krakow has a rent index of 32, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Krakow: £1,400/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Krakow wins 6, while Manchester wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.