The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 14% more expensive than Valencia.
If you move from Manchester to Valencia, 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 £32,222 in Valencia.
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 Valencia:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Valencia | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £840 | £-260 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £238 | £-95 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £145 | £-55 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £112 | £-24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £140 | £-22 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £1,475 | £-456 |
* 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 higher earning potential (£2,600/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want lower overall living costs (14% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 79/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
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 Valencia to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Valencia | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £24,167 | £5,833 less |
| £40,000 | £32,222 | £7,778 less |
| £50,000 | £40,278 | £9,722 less |
| £60,000 | £48,333 | £11,667 less |
| £80,000 | £64,444 | £15,556 less |
| £100,000 | £80,556 | £19,444 less |
Manchester vs Valencia: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 14%. Valencia is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Valencia has 42.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Valencia: £1,634/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 0, while Valencia wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.