The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 24% more expensive than Warsaw.
If you move from Manchester to Warsaw, you will pay less 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 £26,667 in Warsaw.
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 Warsaw:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Warsaw | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £760 | £-340 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £158 | £-175 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £105 | £-95 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £83 | £-53 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £99 | £-63 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £1,205 | £-726 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,600/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (24% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- 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
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Warsaw to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Warsaw | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £20,000 | £10,000 less |
| £40,000 | £26,667 | £13,333 less |
| £50,000 | £33,333 | £16,667 less |
| £60,000 | £40,000 | £20,000 less |
| £80,000 | £53,333 | £26,667 less |
| £100,000 | £66,667 | £33,333 less |
Manchester vs Warsaw: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 24%. Warsaw is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Warsaw has 38.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Warsaw: £1,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 0, while Warsaw wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.