The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 23% cheaper than Munich.
If you move from Manchester to Munich, 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 £52,778 in Munich.
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 Munich:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Munich | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £1,840 | +£740 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £308 | £-25 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £213 | +£13 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £152 | +£16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £189 | +£27 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £2,702 | +£771 |
* 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 (23% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 88/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£3,096/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 Munich to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Munich | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £39,583 | £9,583 more |
| £40,000 | £52,778 | £12,778 more |
| £50,000 | £65,972 | £15,972 more |
| £60,000 | £79,167 | £19,167 more |
| £80,000 | £105,556 | £25,556 more |
| £100,000 | £131,944 | £31,944 more |
Manchester vs Munich: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 23%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Munich has 92.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Munich: £3,096/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 5, while Munich wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.