Cost of Living in Manchester for Students [Updated 2026]

Manchester is the UK’s third-most populous metropolitan city and is also ranked as the second most affordable UK city for students, according to Top Universities. The city has a vast industrial heritage but has evolved into one of the leading and most modern cities in the UK. Known for its architecture, culture, musical exports, media links, social impact, sports clubs, and transport connections, Manchester welcomes thousands of students from all over the world to its top universities – Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Manchester, and Royal Northern College of Music. Let’s check out the cost of living in Manchester for students.

As an international student in a new city like Manchester, planning your expenses and setting budget targets is essential. When asked about the cost of living in Manchester for students compared to other UK cities, it’s notable that Manchester provides a compelling mix of affordability and quality living. For comfortable living in this student-friendly city, it’s advisable to budget between £1,456 and £1,644 per month. Indian students in Manchester enjoy a cost of living that is 32% lower than London and other Western cities, with an average monthly expense of around ₹1,53,243 to ₹1,72,974 Keep in mind that individual spending may differ depending on your lifestyle, accommodation, and other factors, so prudent budgeting is advisable. Read on further to know about the various expenses that international students often counter when in Manchester.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Manchester For Students?

As mentioned earlier, Manchester is the second most affordable city in the UK for students. The cost of living in Manchester for students is just under the UK average. Here’s a quick monthly breakdown of the cost of living in Manchester for students –

Cost of living in Manchester for Indian Students

*The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability

Factors Influencing Cost of Living in Manchester

Navigating the cost of living in Manchester as a student involves considering a bunch of factors that shape your overall expenses. These primary aspects include:

Accommodation

Living in the city centre or close to universities usually means higher rent, while suburbs are more pocket-friendly. Purpose-built student accommodations often include utility bills in the rent for your convenience.

Transportation

The mode of transportation you choose to go for impacts your overall cost of living as a student in Manchester. Prefer going for public transport as it is a cost-effective way to commute to your university and travel across the city. 

Food and Groceries

Your spending habits on food and groceries play a key role. Whether you prefer dining out or home-cooked meals, these expenses add to your overall food expenditure.

Lifestyle Choices

Your personal spending habits, lifestyle choices, and preferences all play a part. Going for weekend getaways, dining out with friends, shopping, personal care and well-being are all a part of this aspect of expenses.

Manchester Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £244 to £290 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

What Is The Average Rent In Manchester for students?

A majority of students prefer to live in the southern part of the city, particularly around Withington and Fallowfield. The most popular areas here are opposite Owen’s Park, along Mauldeth Road, and Ladybarn Road behind Sainsbury’s. Another great option is Victoria Road as it is a quieter location and everything is still nearby, something you really need as a student. The average rent in these parts of the city ranges from £150 to over £200 a week. 

Where Can I Find The Best Student Accommodation Manchester?

Premium student apartments Manchester Option –

1. iQ Lambert & Fairfield House

Where?

Granby Row, Manchester M60 7LH, United Kingdom

About iQ Lambert & Fairfield House

If you are looking for uber-luxurious and the best student accommodation in Manchester, then look no further than iQ Lambert & Fairfield House. The en-suite rooms, studio rooms, and apartments are reminiscent of a 5-star hotel! You have all your basic in-room amenities like a speedy WiFi connection, a comfortable bed, and even a study desk & chair as well as communal amenities such as a lounge, a study area, social events, bike storage, a garden, a games room and so much more. Make sure you secure this Manchester uni accommodation at the earliest. They’re known to sell out like hotcakes!

Price Range – £188 – £292/week

Mid-Range student houses Manchester Option –

2. iQ Wilmslow Park

Where?

211 Hathersage Road Rusholme Manchester M13 0JQ United Kingdom

About iQ Wilmslow Park

iQ Wilmslow Park specialises in fully furnished en-suite rooms. Students have the luxury of choosing from 8 different variants of the en-suite rooms. iQ Wilmslow Park aims at making the lives of its students easier by offering paid laundry, 24/7 dedicated support, and social events. Another great thing about Manchester accommodation here is that many renowned universities like the University of Manchester are just a short drive away.  

Price Range – £169 – £219/week

Value For Money student accommodation Manchester Option –

3. iQ Manchester Gardens

Where?

2 Hope Rd, Manchester M14 5ET, United Kingdom

About iQ Manchester Gardens – 

Despite its bargain price range, iQ Manchester Gardens offers students fully furnished non-en-suite rooms, en-suite rooms, and even one-bed flats! This property is by far, the best value for money student accommodation in Manchester. They offer you your basic amenities such as a WiFi connection, a wardrobe, and bed, along with fun communal amenities such as bike storage, social events, and study areas.  

Price Range – £105 – £172/week

How To Save Money On Student Accommodation In Manchester

Saving money on student accommodation in Manchester can be a smart move to manage your budget effectively. Here are some tips to help you cut costs:

Research Thoroughly

Start early and research various accommodation options. Check for student discounts, deals, and incentives offered by different providers.

Shared Accommodation

Consider sharing accommodation with roommates to split the cost of rent and utilities. Shared housing, such as student houses or apartments, is often more budget-friendly.

Location Matters

Choose accommodation in areas outside the city centre or university hub. Suburban areas tend to have lower rent prices compared to prime locations. Go for student accommodations which are closer to your university to save travel costs. 

Utilities Inclusive Deals

Look for accommodation where utility bills are included in the rent. This can simplify budgeting and prevent unexpected costs. Go for purpose-built student accommodations as the property pricing is primarily inclusive of the utility bills.

What Is The Cost Of Tuition In Manchester?

The cost of tuition in Manchester varies from university to university. The cost of tuition covers the cost of your study at the university, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations, and graduation. Here is the fee structure for international students at the University of Manchester.

Foundation (pre-undergraduate) tuition fees:

Bachelor, Masters, and PhD tuition fees:

(Please note that these are international fees).

What Is The Cost Of Transportation In Manchester?

Trains – Manchester is served well by its extensive rail network. The two main stations – Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria see a footfall of thousands of people every day. To save on ticket costs, book online for big savings at First TransPennine Express. 

Buses – This city has the most extensive network of buses outside London, with close to 50 bus companies operating in the Greater Manchester region. Many people also tout the Manchester bus network to have the busiest route in Europe. For substantial savings, students are recommended to purchase monthly/yearly passes from Stagecoach, Finglands, or System One. With this pass, you are allowed to travel on almost any bus in Manchester, at any time or day. A monthly public transport pass will cost you around £70.

Cycles – You will see many people commuting to work or uni by cycle. This is because Manchester has come up with better cycle lanes. They link the main student living hubs (ie. Fallowfield/Withington), the universities, and the city centre. That’s why there’s a good number of students who choose to cycle into university.

When it comes to transportation in Manchester, students have various options. To save on costs, it’s advisable to choose public transport over private modes. Monthly bus fares, for instance, amount to approximately Euro 94 (INR 9,901), making it a budget-friendly choice for Indian students.

For students in Manchester, single bus rides cost £2, day tickets £5, and weekly passes £21. Tram fares range from £1.40-£2.80 per ride and £2.70-£4.30 for day passes. Student passes and free travel options are also available.

What Is The Cost Of Food And Other Necessities In Manchester?

By being in one of the biggest cities in the UK, you will have access to some of the most delectable restaurants around. Of course, you’ll find all big restaurant chains like Pizza Express, Zizzi’s, and Nando’s but if you prefer something a little different and unique to Manchester then check out these restaurants – Trof, Curry Mile, Sweet Mandarin, and Gusto. The cost of an average meal in Manchester typically ranges from £12 to £20, while drinks can vary between £5 and £8, depending on the restaurant’s type and the portion size.

Indian students in Manchester can expect to spend around ₹82,155 per year on groceries, and when dining out, an average meal costs ₹1,263 to ₹2106, with drinks priced at ₹526 to ₹842, depending on the restaurant and portion size. Thankfully, affordable local eateries offer tasty options that fit a student budget.

It’s true that preparing your own meals at your student accommodation is much cheaper than eating out every day. We recommend you cook your own food, as food ingredients in Manchester are very affordable. Here is a rough breakdown of the cost of basic food in Manchester –

• Milk (regular), (1 liter) – £0.89
• Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – £0.99
• Rice (white), (1kg) – £1.25
• Eggs (regular) (12) – £2.03
• Local Cheese (1kg) – £5.83
• Chicken Fillets (1kg) – £5.23
• Apples (1kg) – £2.03
• Banana (1kg) – £1.30
• Oranges (1kg) – £2.01
• Tomato (1kg) – £1.77
• Potato (1kg) – £1.36
• Onion (1kg) – £1.01
• Water (1.5 liter bottle) – £1.09
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) – £2.24
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – £2.50
• 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality – £9

Cost of Personal Care

Whether you prefer high-end fashion or love a good thrift store find, the costs for personal care vary widely. From haircuts to salon treats, the prices depend on the service, location, and where you go. Exploring the city, you’ll notice different price points in grocery stores, pharmacies, and beauty salons. Basic self-care won’t break the bank, averaging £5 – £10 per month, while skincare and beauty products range from £15 – £30 monthly. So, whether you’re into luxury labels or budget bargains, Manchester’s personal care scene has something for everyone.

What Is The Cost Of Entertainment And Recreation In Manchester?

Every city has its own set of major attractions and entertainment hot spots. Manchester is no different. The city is filled with some great shopping spots and scenic parks. Northern Quarter, in particular, is a fantastic quirky area to explore for shopping and just as good at night with plenty of live music and chilled bars. Other great tourist attractions include the Manchester arena, The Printworks, Manchester Museum, and the Comedy Store. Here are some of the costs associated with a quality night out. 

• Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub – £29
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the ex-pat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert – £52
• 2 tickets to the movies – £16
• 1 cocktail drink in a downtown club – £9
• Cappuccino in ex-pat area of the city – £3.20
• 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) – £3.94

Job Opportunities in Manchester

In Manchester, there’s a diverse range of job opportunities waiting for students. The availability of part-time gigs depends on factors like your skills, interests, and the time you can spare. Check out these popular job options for students in Manchester:

Retail Jobs

Dive into the world of shops, supermarkets, or malls as a sales assistant, cashier, or customer service representative.

Hospitality

Explore roles to go for in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels – be it as waitstaff, baristas, kitchen assistants, or front-of-house stars.

Administrative and Office Support

Explore part-time positions in offices, handling tasks like data entry, being a receptionist, or an office assistant.

Event Staff

Join the buzz with temporary roles in event management, taking on positions like event staff for concerts, sports events, and conferences.

Sales and Marketing

Unleash your persuasive side with part-time gigs in sales or marketing. You can go for internships as well to get exposure to the practical application of your skills along with getting a stipend for it. 

FAQs on Cost of Living in Manchester

Q1. Is Manchester an affordable city for international students?

Ans: Manchester is the UK’s second most economical city for students. For students, the cost of living in Manchester is slightly lower than the national average.

Q2. Is Manchester a good place to live for students?

Ans: Manchester is a vibrant and eclectic city that welcomes people from all walks of life. 19,000 of Greater Manchester’s 99,000 students come from outside the UK, representing over 150 countries. Manchester is the third most visited city in the UK by foreign tourists.

Q3. How is the nightlife in Manchester?

Ans: Manchester’s clubs and pubs are well-known throughout the UK and the rest of the world for good reason. There is absolutely no shortage of venues to visit while planning your Manchester night. The city is alive with historic pubs, chic wine bars, and wild nightclubs.

Q4. Is 1000 pounds enough for a month in Manchester?

£1000 can cover basic needs like student accommodation, groceries from budget supermarkets, and public transport. However, it might not afford frequent dining out, entertainment, or travel.

Q5. How much is the rent in Manchester for students?

The monthly cost for on-campus accommodation for students will be around £400, while an off-campus accommodation will cost around £600.

Q6. Which are the popular areas to live in, in Manchester?

Ans: Manchester is one of the most renowned destinations to study in the UK, with over 99,000 students scattered across four institutions. Fallowfield, Rusholme, Oxford Road, Hulme, and Didsbury are popular student-friendly areas in the city.