Cost of Living in Manchester
A major city in the northwest of England with a rich industrial heritage. Manchester is a thriving hub for tech, media (with MediaCityUK), and the arts, offering a more affordable alternative to London.
Rent
| 1-bed flat (city centre) | £1,100/ month |
| 1-bed flat (outside centre) | £750/ month |
| 3-bed flat (family) | £1,800/ month |
Food & Groceries
| Monthly Groceries (1 person) | £300/ month |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | £15 |
| Meal, Fast Food Combo | £7 |
Transportation
| Monthly Transport Pass | £80/ month |
| Taxi Rate | £1.2/ mile |
| Petrol | £1.48/ litre |
Utilities
| Basic Utilities | £180/ month |
| Broadband Internet | £28/ month |
Healthcare
| Private Doctor Visit | £80 |
Entertainment & Leisure
| Gym Membership | £30/ month |
| Cinema Ticket | £10 |
Childcare & Education
| Full-day Nursery (1 child) | £1,100/ month |
Estimated Monthly Costs
Excluding rent, based on average consumption.
Compared to UK Average
Explore Other Cities
A Guide to Manchester's Areas
Northern Quarter
Trendy, creative hub with independent boutiques, bars, and cafes. Popular with young professionals.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£1,200
Spinningfields
Modern business district with high-end restaurants and offices. Expensive and contemporary living.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£1,300
Didsbury
Affluent, leafy suburb with a village feel. Great for families, with good schools and parks.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£900
Salford Quays
Waterfront area, home to MediaCityUK. Modern apartments with good transport links.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£1,000
Salary and Affordability in Manchester
To truly understand affordability, you need to know your take-home pay.
Knowing the cost of living in Manchester is vital, but it's only half the story. To see how far your money will actually go, you need to understand your post-tax income. Our earnings calculator for the UK provides a detailed breakdown of your net pay.
Whether you're relocating or negotiating a new role, don't just guess your budget. Use a precise salary calculator to see your real monthly income. This will help you make informed decisions about living in Manchester. Our main salaries calculator is the perfect tool for this.