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London vs Manchester

United Kingdom vs United Kingdom · 262 km apart

London

United Kingdom

£1,225 ($1,550)

single / month

VS

Manchester

United Kingdom

£977 ($1,237)

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseLondonManchesterCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$13.26$10.81Manchester
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$53.04$43.25Manchester
Cappuccino$3.98$3.24Manchester
Monthly groceries (single person)$301$245Manchester
Monthly public transport pass$48.62$39.64Manchester
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$128$105Manchester
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$37.13$30.27Manchester
Fitness club membership$37.13$30.27Manchester
Cinema ticket$9.72$7.93Manchester
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$958$742Manchester
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$666$516Manchester
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,999$1,549Manchester
Total single-person budget$1,550$1,237Manchester
Average net salary$4,030$3,286

Verdict

Manchester is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in London runs about $1,550 versus $1,237 in Manchester — a difference of roughly 20%.

Salary-adjusted, London leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in London  ·  Full cost of living in Manchester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London cheaper than Manchester?
No. London costs an estimated $1,550 per month for a single person, about 20% more than Manchester at $1,237.
How far is London from Manchester?
The straight-line distance between London and Manchester is approximately 262 km (163 miles).
Which city has better salaries, London or Manchester?
The estimated average net salary is $4,030 in London and $3,286 in Manchester. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,480 in London versus $2,049 in Manchester per month.