The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 36% cheaper than Stockholm.
If you move from Manchester to Stockholm, 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 £60,000 in Stockholm.
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 Stockholm:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Stockholm | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,300 | +£1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £333 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £255 | +£55 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £157 | +£21 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £189 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £3,233 | +£1,302 |
* 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 (36% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 86/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,850/mo avg)
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 Stockholm to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £45,000 | £15,000 more |
| £40,000 | £60,000 | £20,000 more |
| £50,000 | £75,000 | £25,000 more |
| £60,000 | £90,000 | £30,000 more |
| £80,000 | £120,000 | £40,000 more |
| £100,000 | £150,000 | £50,000 more |
Manchester vs Stockholm: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 36%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Stockholm has 115.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Stockholm: £2,850/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 5, while Stockholm wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.