How Affordable Is Manchester? What You Need to Know

Manchester is a city with a lot of character—where old mills sit alongside cutting-edge tech hubs and a night out might involve both a world-class gig and a cosy pub. It’s an attractive place for all sorts of reasons: career opportunities, good universities and its vibrant, down-to-earth culture. So if you’re thinking of moving to Manchester it’s an incredible place to live, but as with any move, you’re likely wondering how affordable it is to live in the city. Like in any city, costs can vary widely depending on your lifestyle but in this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about the affordability of living in this energetic northern city.

Is it expensive to live in Manchester?

While Manchester is a major UK hub, it’s surprisingly affordable compared to some other big cities. In fact, it’s ranked among the top 15 cheapest cities to live in. The price-to-earnings (PE) ratio here means the cost of living relative to income is manageable for many residents. Whether it’s your monthly grocery bill or utility costs, living in Manchester won’t break the bank. This makes Manchester an attractive option for those looking to enjoy city life without the hefty price tag.

How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Manchester?

To enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Manchester, your income will depend on your living situation. According to Master Manchester, for a single person, an annual salary of around £33,000 should cover the basics with enough left over for dining out, entertainment and savings. Couples looking to share a good quality of life will find that a combined income of about £50,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle, with room for extras like holidays or occasional splurges. For families, a household income of approximately £67,000 is generally enough to cover housing, childcare and other essentials while still leaving space for some of life’s luxuries. These figures give a solid benchmark for what you might need to earn to make the most of living in Manchester.

Cost of Food/Groceries

The cost of food and groceries in Manchester can vary quite a bit depending on your eating habits and family size. Your grocery bill will reflect your lifestyle so if you’re one for dining out as a family, you’ll need to budget more compared to a single person who likes to cook at home.

For a rough idea, here’s a snapshot of some everyday grocery prices in Manchester:

Cost of Transport

Manchester’s public transport system is one of its standout features. Aptly referred to as the Bee Network after the symptom for Greater Manchester, which is the worker bee, the main sources of transport around the city include bus, tram, cycling and walking routes. The Bee Network is expected to be fully operational by 2025 with commuter rail services joining by 2028.

Single bus journeys cost no more than £1 for children and £2 for adults while a 1-day travel card costs £2.50 for children and £5 for adults. Tram prices depend on how far you’re travelling on the Metrolink and they range from £1.40 to £4.60 for a single fare or £2.70 to £7.10 for a 1-day travel card.

With frequent services and well-connected routes, Manchester’s public transport is designed to make city living more manageable and accessible.

Cost of Property

When it comes to property in Manchester, the market offers a range of options that cater to different budgets. The average cost of a house in Manchester stands at approximately £243,000 (June 2024). For renters, the average monthly cost of private rent is £1,241. These figures reflect the diverse housing landscape here, from modern apartments in the city to charming terraces in quieter suburbs.

Whether you’re looking for a city centre apartment or a spacious family home on the outskirts, Manchester’s property prices provide lots of choices for different needs and preferences. The relatively affordable average house price, compared to other major UK cities, makes Manchester an attractive option for both buyers and renters.

Select Residential has one-bed flats in Affinity Living Riverside, right in the heart of Manchester available from £1,250pcm. These are spacious, modern apartments in a building equipped with social lounges, co-working spaces and more—even free coffee!

If you’re looking for a larger property with panoramic views, Three60 has 3-bedroom apartments available to rent from £2,600pcm. These spacious properties also have plenty of communal facilities—a gym, yoga space, rooftop terrace and garden, a co-working space and a private dining room available for hire.

Whatever your needs, Manchester’s property market has something to suit.