The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 20% cheaper than Melbourne.
If you move from Manchester to Melbourne, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Manchester, you would need to earn about £51,111 in Melbourne.
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 Manchester:
Why people love Melbourne:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Melbourne | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £1,900 | +£800 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £322 | £-11 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £220 | +£20 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £136 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £171 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £2,749 | +£818 |
* 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 (20% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential (£3,120/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Melbourne to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Melbourne | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £38,333 | £8,333 more |
| £40,000 | £51,111 | £11,111 more |
| £50,000 | £63,889 | £13,889 more |
| £60,000 | £76,667 | £16,667 more |
| £80,000 | £102,222 | £22,222 more |
| £100,000 | £127,778 | £27,778 more |
Manchester vs Melbourne: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Melbourne has 95.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Melbourne: £3,120/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 4, while Melbourne wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.