The Verdict
Living in Lisbon is 10% cheaper than Manchester.
If you move from Lisbon 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 Lisbon, you would need to earn about £46,452 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 Lisbon:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Lisbon | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £1,100 | — |
| Monthly groceries | £228 | £333 | +£105 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £138 | £200 | +£62 |
| Public transport pass | £112 | £136 | +£24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £140 | £162 | +£22 |
| Total Monthly | £1,717 | £1,931 | +£214 |
* 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 (10% cheaper)
- Prioritize safety (score: 81/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- 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 Lisbon salary
| Salary in Lisbon | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £34,839 | £4,839 more |
| £40,000 | £46,452 | £6,452 more |
| £50,000 | £58,065 | £8,065 more |
| £60,000 | £69,677 | £9,677 more |
| £80,000 | £92,903 | £12,903 more |
| £100,000 | £116,129 | £16,129 more |
Lisbon vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 10%. Lisbon is the more affordable option.
Rent: Lisbon has a rent index of 55, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Lisbon: £1,376/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Lisbon wins 5, while Manchester wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.