The Verdict
Living in London is 28% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from London 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 London, you would need to earn about £28,800 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 London:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | London | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £2,000 | £1,100 | £-900 |
| Monthly groceries | £350 | £333 | £-17 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £250 | £200 | £-50 |
| Public transport pass | £160 | £136 | £-24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £180 | £162 | £-18 |
| Total Monthly | £2,940 | £1,931 | £-1,009 |
* 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: 82/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (28% 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 London salary
| Salary in London | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £21,600 | £8,400 less |
| £40,000 | £28,800 | £11,200 less |
| £50,000 | £36,000 | £14,000 less |
| £60,000 | £43,200 | £16,800 less |
| £80,000 | £57,600 | £22,400 less |
| £100,000 | £72,000 | £28,000 less |
London vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 28%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: London has a rent index of 100, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: London: £3,800/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, London wins 0, while Manchester wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.