The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 53% cheaper than New York.
If you move from Manchester to New York, 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 £69,444 in New York.
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 New York:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £3,600 | +£2,500 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £368 | +£35 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £288 | +£88 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £152 | +£16 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £198 | +£36 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £4,605 | +£2,674 |
* 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 (53% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
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 New York to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £52,083 | £22,083 more |
| £40,000 | £69,444 | £29,444 more |
| £50,000 | £86,806 | £36,806 more |
| £60,000 | £104,167 | £44,167 more |
| £80,000 | £138,889 | £58,889 more |
| £100,000 | £173,611 | £73,611 more |
Manchester vs New York: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 53%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while New York has 180.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs New York: £4,345/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 6, while New York wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.