The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 73% cheaper than Zurich.
If you move from Manchester to Zurich, 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 £80,556 in Zurich.
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 Zurich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Zurich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £3,300 | +£2,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £473 | +£140 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £375 | +£175 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £208 | +£72 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £216 | +£54 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £4,572 | +£2,641 |
* 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 (73% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 92/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£6,230/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 Zurich to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Zurich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £60,417 | £30,417 more |
| £40,000 | £80,556 | £40,556 more |
| £50,000 | £100,694 | £50,694 more |
| £60,000 | £120,833 | £60,833 more |
| £80,000 | £161,111 | £81,111 more |
| £100,000 | £201,389 | £101,389 more |
Manchester vs Zurich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 73%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Zurich has 165.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Zurich: £6,230/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 6, while Zurich wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.