Manchester and London are two of the most vibrant cities in the UK, attracting a diverse population of residents, students, and professionals from around the world. While both cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment, there are significant differences in the cost of living between the two. According to Numbeo’s 2021 data, the Manchester vs London cost of living index indicates that Manchester is 32.54% cheaper than London, with housing being the most significant factor. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manchester is around £706, while in London, it is £1,688. Other factors such as transportation, food, and entertainment expenses also vary between the two cities, making it essential to consider these differences when planning a move or budgeting for living expenses.
Here’s a detailed comparison of costs between the two cities:
Cost of Accommodation
When it comes to housing costs, there is a major difference in the London vs Manchester cost of living. As per Numbeo’s 2021 data, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manchester is around £706, while in London, it is £1,688. This means that renting a one-bedroom apartment in London is over twice as expensive as in Manchester. The cost of living in Manchester vs London also varies when it comes to larger apartments, with the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment in Manchester being around £1,187, while in London, it is £3,163. This means that renters in London pay almost three times more for a three-bedroom apartment than renters in Manchester. Overall, the cost of rentals in London is significantly higher than in Manchester, making Manchester a more affordable option for those looking for affordable housing.
Cost of Gasoline
The cost of gasoline, or petrol as it is known in the UK, is another factor that varies significantly when moving from London to Manchester. According to data from petrolprices.com, the average price of gasoline in Manchester is around £1.33 per liter, while in London, it is around £1.39 per liter. This means that the cost of gasoline in Manchester vs London cost of living is around 4.3% cheaper in Manchester. While this may seem like a small difference, it can add up over time, particularly for those who rely on their cars for commuting or regular travel. However, it is worth noting that the cost of gasoline can fluctuate over time, so it is essential to keep an eye on prices and plan accordingly.
Cost of Utilities
The differences between the cost of utilities in Manchester and London can also help you make an informed decision. According to Numbeo’s 2021 data, the cost of basic utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and garbage disposal for a 915 square foot apartment in Manchester is around £140 per month, while in London, it is around £171 per month. This means that the cost of utilities in Manchester are approximately 18% cheaper than in London. However, it is worth noting that the cost of utilities can vary depending on factors such as the size of the apartment, the number of occupants, and individual usage patterns. Additionally, the cost of internet and mobile phone services also varies between the two cities, with London being more expensive in general.
Cost of Food
Cost of food will be a recurring expense for you wherever you choose to live in the world. Therefore, it only makes sense to draw a comparison in the cost of food looking up Manchester vs London cost of living. According to Numbeo’s 2021 data, the cost of groceries is generally lower in Manchester than in London. For example, the average cost of a loaf of bread in Manchester is around £0.88, while in London, it is around £1.14. Similarly, the average cost of a liter of milk in Manchester is around £0.96, while in London, it is around £1.02. The cost of dining out also varies between the two cities, with London being generally more expensive. For example, the average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Manchester is around £45, while in London, it is around £60. These differences in the cost of food can have a significant impact on overall living expenses, particularly for those on a tight budget.
Cost of Transportation
The cost of transportation will form a significant part of your monthly expenses and is therefore worth considering when comparing the Manchester vs London cost of living. According to Numbeo’s 2021 data, the cost of a monthly public transport pass in Manchester is around £66, while in London, it is around £135. Similarly, the average cost of a one-way ticket in Manchester is around £2.40, while in London, it is around £2.90. It is worth noting, however, that the availability and quality of transportation options may also vary between the two cities. Overall, the cost of transportation is generally lower in Manchester than in London.
Cost of University
Since schooling forms the largest part of your expenses when moving abroad, you may want to choose an affordable option. The cost of universities in Manchester and London can vary vastly. In general, tuition fees for international students are higher in London compared to Manchester. For example, the University of Manchester, which is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, charges international students between £20,000 to £25,000 per year for undergraduate programs, while some of the most prestigious universities in London, such as Imperial College London and University College London (UCL), charge international students up to £30,000 per year for undergraduate programs. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in London is generally higher compared to Manchester, which can offset the lower tuition fees in Manchester. Manchester vs London’s cost of living comparison shows that housing, food, and transportation costs are generally higher in London compared to Manchester, which can make it more expensive to attend university in London.
Cost of Entertainment
The cost of entertainment is an important aspect of the Manchester vs London cost of living comparison, as both cities boast themselves for having a range of cultural and recreational activities. According to Numbeo’s 2021 data, the average cost of a cinema ticket in Manchester is around £9.00, while in London, it is around £13.50. Similarly, the cost of a gym membership in Manchester is around £28 per month, while in London, it is around £41 per month. The cost of visiting museums and other cultural attractions can also vary between the two cities, with London generally being more expensive. For example, the cost of visiting the British Museum is free in both cities, but the cost of visiting the Tower of London is around £25 in London, while in Manchester, it is around £12. These differences in the cost of entertainment can have a significant impact on your overall living expenses, particularly if you enjoy regular leisure activities. However, the availability of entertainment options may also vary between the two cities, with London offering more touristic extravagance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Manchester vs London cost of living comparison shows that there are many differences in living expenses between the two cities. While Manchester is generally more affordable than London in terms of housing, food, and transportation costs, London tends to have higher costs for utilities, schooling, and entertainment. It is important to note that these cost differences can vary based on your preferences such as lifestyle, budget, and location within each city. Ultimately, when considering a move to either Manchester or London, it is crucial to take into account the specific cost of living factors that are most important to you. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that meets your financial needs and lifestyle goals.
FAQs
Q1. How do the healthcare costs compare between Manchester and London?
Ans: The cost of healthcare in the UK is generally covered by the National Health Service (NHS) and does not differ significantly between Manchester and London. However, private healthcare options may vary in cost between the two cities.
Q2. How do the job opportunities and salaries compare between Manchester and London?
Ans: London tends to offer more job opportunities and higher salaries than Manchester, particularly in industries such as finance and technology. However, the cost of living in London is also higher, so it is important to consider the overall financial impact of living and working in each city.
Q3. Are there any tax differences between living in Manchester vs London?
Ans: The tax rates and brackets in the UK are the same across the country, so there are no tax differences between living in Manchester vs London. However, the overall cost of living and income levels may impact the amount of taxes paid.
Q4. What other factors should I consider when comparing the cost of living in Manchester vs London?
Ans: Other factors to consider may include the climate, cultural opportunities, crime rates, and quality of life in each city. It is important to consider your individual preferences and priorities when making a decision on where to live.
Q5. How do the overall living standards compare between Manchester and London?
Ans: The overall living standards in both cities are generally high, but may differ in terms of access to cultural opportunities, infrastructure, and quality of life. It is important to consider individual preferences and priorities when making a decision on where to live.
Q6. Is rent high in Manchester for students?
Ans: Rent is generally not that high in Manchester. However, Average rents in Manchester climbed by 14.8%, bringing the average monthly cost to £1024 – £1212.
We hope that our blog on ‘Manchester Vs London Cost Of Living’ helps you make an informed decision between the two cities. If you are interested in more such blogs, read the ones below:
