The Verdict
Living in Madrid is 4% cheaper than Manchester.
If you move from Madrid 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 Madrid, you would need to earn about £42,353 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 Madrid:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Madrid | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,160 | £1,100 | £-60 |
| Monthly groceries | £252 | £333 | +£81 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £163 | £200 | +£37 |
| Public transport pass | £120 | £136 | +£16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £148 | £162 | +£14 |
| Total Monthly | £1,842 | £1,931 | +£89 |
* 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 (4% cheaper)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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 Madrid salary
| Salary in Madrid | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £31,765 | £1,765 more |
| £40,000 | £42,353 | £2,353 more |
| £50,000 | £52,941 | £2,941 more |
| £60,000 | £63,529 | £3,529 more |
| £80,000 | £84,706 | £4,706 more |
| £100,000 | £105,882 | £5,882 more |
Madrid vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 4%. Madrid is the more affordable option.
Rent: Madrid has a rent index of 58, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Madrid: £1,978/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Madrid wins 5, while Manchester wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.