The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 20% cheaper than Vancouver.
If you move from Manchester to Vancouver, 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 Vancouver.
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 Vancouver:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Vancouver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,300 | +£1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £308 | £-25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £205 | +£5 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £136 | — |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £140 | £-22 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £3,089 | +£1,158 |
* 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)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,600/mo avg)
- 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
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Vancouver to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Vancouver | 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 Vancouver: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 20%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Vancouver has 115.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Vancouver: £2,478/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 3, while Vancouver wins 2.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.