The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 58% cheaper than San Francisco.
If you move from Manchester to San Francisco, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Manchester, you would need to earn about £72,222 in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | San Francisco | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £3,900 | +£2,800 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £378 | +£45 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £275 | +£75 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £144 | +£8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £189 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £4,886 | +£2,955 |
* 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 (58% 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 (£5,530/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
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 San Francisco to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £54,167 | £24,167 more |
| £40,000 | £72,222 | £32,222 more |
| £50,000 | £90,278 | £40,278 more |
| £60,000 | £108,333 | £48,333 more |
| £80,000 | £144,444 | £64,444 more |
| £100,000 | £180,556 | £80,556 more |
Manchester vs San Francisco: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 58%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while San Francisco has 195.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs San Francisco: £5,530/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 6, while San Francisco wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.