Cost of living in Manchester

If you have decided to move to a different city, being aware of the job opportunities, salaries, and overall cost of living is super important. Researching this information prior to the relocation can make your life a lot easier.

So if you are someone who:

• Wants to know what is the living cost in manchester;
• Is a future Manchester student and needs to plan your finances properly;
• Is wondering is living in Manchester expensive.

Salaries and the job market in Manchester

The overall job market in Manchester is quite diverse and offers a lot of opportunities in various fields. There is a fair number of production plants, clothing brands and food products that are being produced in the city so that people can have a choice when searching for a job.

The only problem you might face is if you are a recent graduate. Without any experience in the field you are specialized, it might be a bit difficult to compare and compete with other people who have been around longer. Still, one can always look for internships as big companies are always searching for people to go and work for free. For some time, you might not be able to support yourself, but you will gain a lot of experience and see that after this, it can be a lot easier to find a good-paying full-time job.

The average annual wage in Manchester is around £40.2K, and according to a study in 2022, some of the most popular professions are:

• Software Engineer – £35,004
• Software Developer – £30,060
• Graphic Designer – £21,799
• Teaching Assistant (TA) – £15,134

With that in mind, let’s take a look at…

Cost of utility bills in Manchester

To make things easier, we will present you with a shortlist of all the general costs you might have while living in Manchester.

1. Fuel 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas – £1.78
2. Gas for a one or two-bedroom flat per month – £47.92 / the average gas bill for 2021 is £575
3. Basic utility bills for an 85m2 flat (water, electricity, garbage, heating and cooling costs) – £204.7
4. Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – 27.95 £

Average food and restaurant costs in Manchester

Manchester has a large variety of restaurants and supermarkets which offer products from the whole world. Below are some examples of prices you can expect to see in the city.

Average rent in Manchester

The areas in Manchester are considered to be one of the cheapest to rent in the UK, especially if you don’t mind being away from the centre. If you are wondering which region will best suit your needs, check out our article about the best places to live in Manchester.

In summary, the biggest competition for flats is in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, but because of the constantly moving students, there is always an affordable place you can grab. There are also a lot of new buildings being made so that the choice is even bigger.

Wherever you choose, Manchester still remains a city with good transportation options so that you are always a few minutes away from the action.

Apartment renting costs

Here is a shortlist of the approximate flat prices in Manchester per month:

• Single bedroom flat outside of the Centre – £656.20
• Three bedrooms flat outside of the Centre – £1,066.67
• Single bedroom flat in City Centre – £918.40
• Three bedrooms flat in City Centre – £1,738.46

On top of the rent in Manchester, you will have to pay also the council tax, which is usually around £80. If you intend to live alone, you can apply for a special discount with the council. There is also the insurance of tenant’s contents that is £10 – £15.

House renting costs

Houses are a good option for families or students who come in groups. Based on the area and the overall quality of the neighbourhood, the average rent in Manchester for a 3-bedroom house could vary between £900 to £1300 a month. And the rent for a house with 4 to 5 bedrooms can cost more than £2000 per month

Average cost of a house in Manchester

If you have had enough of your landlords’ demands, the constant moving and the uncertainty of a rented property, it may be time to buy your own home. The average cost of a house in Manchester is roughly £243,000 but if you have decided that this is your place and you want to buy a property in Manchester, go for it. Chances are that soon your investment will be covered, because of the fast pace with which the city is growing.

What was the most expensive thing you paid for in Manchester? Share that experience in the comments.

Image source: depositphotos / sakhanphotography