If you’re considering moving to Manchester, one of the most important factors to understand is the cost of living in Manchester. Compared to cities like London, Manchester is seen as a more affordable option, but it’s essential to get an idea of the day-to-day expenses you can expect. Whether you’re moving for work or family reasons, Dream Moves blog below will help you get a better idea of what it costs to live in Manchester.

1. Housing Costs: Rent and Homeownership

The city offers a wide range of housing options, from trendy apartments in the city centre to spacious family homes in the suburbs.

Renting

The cost of renting in Manchester is significantly a lot more affordable than in London, making it an attractive option for many people relocating to the city. On average, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is between £1,100 – £1,400 per month. Outside the city centre, you can expect to pay around £900–£1,100 for a one-bedroom flat.

For families or those needing more space, a three-bedroom house in the city centre will cost between £1,500 and £2,000 per month, while in suburban areas, the price typically ranges from £1,200 to £1,600.

It’s important to keep in mind that rents can vary depending on the area, amenities, and property condition. Popular neighborhoods like Didsbury, Chorlton, and Northern Quarter tend to have higher rental prices compared to areas further out like Salford or Oldham.

Buying a Property

For those considering buying, Manchester offers more affordable property prices compared to many other major cities in the UK. The average property price in Manchester is around £300,000, with prices in the city centre and desirable areas like Spinningfields and Deansgate typically higher.

In more suburban areas, you can find homes at more affordable prices, often between £200,000 and £250,000 for a 2- or 3-bedroom house in the North and East. If you are considering the South and West of Manchester, then housing tends to be a little more expensive at £300,000 – £350,000 for the same standard property.

2. Utility Costs: Gas, Electricity, and Water

Utility bills are another key consideration when moving to Manchester. On average, a single person can expect to pay around £150–£200 per month for gas, electricity, and water, depending on the size of the property and energy usage. For a family living in a larger house, this can rise to £250–£300 per month.

It’s worth noting that all rental properties will have an EPC so you can predict the likely bills. As a guide the newer the property, the lower the utility bills as properties are build with better energy performing materials.

Additionally, keep in mind that energy prices can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to shop around for the best energy suppliers once you’ve settled in.

3. Council Tax: What You Need to Know

Council tax is a local tax that pays for local services such as rubbish collection, street cleaning, and local education. The cost of council tax varies depending on the size and value of your property, as well as the borough in which you live.

On average, council tax for a band A property (the lowest band) in Manchester costs around £1,200–£1,400 per year, while for larger properties in higher tax bands, the cost can exceed £2,000 per year.

Make sure to check your property’s council tax band and if you are a single occupant, then be sure to take advantage of the 25% discount.

4. Transportation Costs: Getting Around Manchester

Manchester boasts excellent public transport options, making it easy to get around the city. The Metrolink tram system, buses, and trains are all part of the Bee Network, a unified transport system that offers convenient connections across the city and beyond.

Public Transport

A single tram or bus journey typically costs around £2. For frequent travelers, a monthly travel pass can save money. The price for a monthly Metrolink travel pass ranges from £60 to £80, depending on your route.

Manchester’s train network is also extensive, with direct links to London, Liverpool, and other major cities. Tickets for train journeys vary dependent on time and popularit, but you can typically expect to pay between £10–£50 for a one-way ticket to nearby cities like Liverpool or Leeds.

Car Costs

If you plan to drive in Manchester, you’ll need to consider parking, fuel, and insurance costs. On average, petrol in Manchester costs around £1.50 per litre, and parking in the city centre can be expensive, with hourly rates often between £2 and £4. If you live outside the centre, parking can be cheaper or even free, depending on your area.

5. Groceries and Food: Dining in Manchester

Manchester has an abundance of supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda, where you can shop for groceries. The average weekly grocery bill for one person is around £40–£60, while a family of four can expect to pay around £80–£120 per week.

For dining out, Manchester offers a wide variety of options. You can expect to pay around £10–£15 for a meal at an affordable restaurant or pub, and a mid-range restaurant may charge around £25–£40 per person for a three-course meal. Manchester also has a thriving street food scene, where you can grab a bite for around £5–£10.

6. Leisure and Entertainment: Things to Do in Manchester

Manchester is a city that knows how to have fun, with plenty of things to see and do, from shopping to concerts to cultural events.

• Cinema tickets typically cost around £10–£15 for a standard showing.
• A gym membership ranges from £20 to £50 per month, depending on the gym’s location and facilities.
• A visit to a museum or art gallery is often free or low-cost, though some special exhibitions may charge an entry fee of £5–£10.

For families, there are plenty of parks and free events throughout the year, especially in the summer.

So Is Manchester Affordable?

Overall, Manchester offers a more affordable cost of living compared to many other major UK cities like London and Edinburgh. Whether you’re renting or buying, the prices for housing, utilities, transport, and everyday expenses are reasonable, making it an attractive option for working professionals and families alike.

Dream Move are Manchester based property finders and relocation agents so if you need more information or have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

You can visit our website or contact our team. With close to 15 years experience and assisting over 1000 relocations to Manchester, Dream Move Relocation is here to help you make your transition to the UK a seamless one.