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How Much Does It Cost to Live in Manchester? – 2023
- Last updated on: November 22, 2022
What is the average cost of living in Manchester?
The average cost of living in Manchester for one person is £1,730.48 per month.
Moving to a new city is a big decision. If you’re considering moving to Manchester, which offers a thriving downtown, plenty of open areas, and a strong feeling of community, you should examine the cost of living in Manchester and the lifestyle it offers.
According to the House Price Index, the performance of Manchester’s property prices over the previous five years has been nothing short of exceptional, with prices increasing by 50.8% between January 2016 and today – roughly £74,000 – a run of form that does not appear to be ending anytime soon. Manchester has had some of the most significant increases in house values since 2016, as evidenced by the latest Office for National Statistics report. According to Numbeo.com, the rent for a 1-bedroom flat in Manchester is £656.20.
So, if you want to check if living in this area suits your budget, this article will tell you the cost of living in Manchester while getting the best quality of life.
Cost of living in Manchester - 2023
Housing cost in Manchester
No matter where you live, one of your biggest ongoing costs will be paying for a place to live. Since October 2022, house prices in Manchester have gone up by an average of 3%. The average value of a home goes up by 6.3% every year, which brings the average house value to £304,208.
Below is a list of how much rent costs per month in Manchester:

Studio |
1 Flat |
2 Flat |
3 Flat |
4 Flat |
|
Rental Costs in Manchester |
£895 |
£918.40 |
£1,200 |
£1,665 |
£1,700 |
Below is a list of the housing costs to buy an flat in Manchester:
Flat |
Price Per Square Metre |
Price per Square Metre to Buy Flat in City Centre |
£3,925.74 |
Price per Square Metre to Buy Flat Outside of Centre |
£2,569.71 |
*Housing prices vary throughout the city greatly depending on the location.
(*Numbeo and UK Government)
What is the average rental cost for a 1-bedroom flat in Manchester?
The average rental cost for a 1-bedroom flat in Manchester is £2,482.76 per month.
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Utilities cost in Manchester: Internet, electricity & water
Whether you own or rent, you are responsible for utility costs. Manchester’s utility expenses are comparable to the national average; thus, it will help you determine if the cost of living in Manchester can be affordable to you. And because the weather in Manchester can change quickly, you need enough money to buy a heater and other weather-appropriate items.
The usual basic utility bundle includes heating, electricity, water, and waste collection.
Utilities | Cost Per Month in Manchester |
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Flat | £204.74 |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | £27.95 |
(*Numbeo)
What is the average cost of utilities in Manchester?
The average cost of utilities (Internet, electricity & water) in Manchester is £232.69 per month.
Grocery costs in Manchester
Food is another everyday expense that makes a big difference in how much it costs to live in an area as a whole. Your grocery bill could be one of your largest expenses and it will determine the cost of living in Manchester. According to the Office for National Statistics it shows that food prices in the UK have gone up 13% in the last ten years, but only 0.5% in the last year.
According to Numbeo.com data, the average grocery cost Manchester is as follows:
Groceries | Cost Per Month in Manchester |
Milk (regular) – 1 litre | £1.07 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread – 500g | £1.14 |
Rice (white) – 1kg | £1.65 |
Eggs (regular) – 12 | £2.33 |
Local Cheese – 1kg | £5.89 |
Chicken Filets – 1kg | £5.88 |
Beef Round – 1kg (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | £8.10 |
Apples – 1kg | £1.93 |
Banana – 1kg | £1.34 |
Oranges – 1kg | £1.95 |
Tomato – 1kg | £1.46 |
Potato – 1kg | £1.24 |
Onion – 1kg | £1.15 |
Lettuce – 1 head | £0.70 |
Water – 1.5-litre bottle | £1.16 |
Average cost of groceries per week | £50 |
However, the food costs may vary depending on your area.
What is the average monthly cost of groceries for 1 person in Manchester?
The average cost of groceries for 1 person in Manchester is £217.25 per month.
Public transportation costs in Manchester
Like London, Manchester possesses an extensive and dependable public transit network. Note that transportation is part of what you need to know when it comes to the cost of living in Manchester. The system, which includes trams, buses, and trains, is known as Transport for Greater Manchester, or TfGM, and it links the central part of the city to the outskirts of the city.
Here is a list of how much public transportation costs in Manchester:

Transportation | Cost Per Month in Manchester |
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | £2.50 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £73.04 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | £2.30 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | £1.29 |
Gasoline (1 Litre) | £1.64 |
(*Numbeo)
What is the cost of a Metrocard Monthly Pass for 1 person in Manchester?
The MetroCard monthly pass price is £156.69 in 2022.
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Entertainment costs in Manchester
Manchester is home to an abundance of year-round live performances. You can pick from some of the most forward-thinking nightclubs, world-famous comedy clubs, ground-breaking music venues, and theatres in the country. The Great Northern is a popular place to have fun because of its luxurious casino and theatre. The entertainment cost should be considered as well when checking the cost of living in Manchester.
Entertainment | Cost Per Month in Manchester |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £15.00 |
Taxi (Normal Tariff) | £18.60 |
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat | £9.25 |
What is the average cost of entertainment in Manchester?
The average cost of entertainment in Manchester is £42.85 per month.
Healthcare costs in Manchester
Healthcare | Average Cost |
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare for one person per month | £192.00 |
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare for a family of four (couple + 2 children from 5 to 10 years old) per month | £768.00 |
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £26.30 |
(*Numbeo & NimbleFins.com)
What is the average cost of a gym membership in Manchester?
The average cost of a gym membership in Manchester is £26.30 per month.
Sales tax in Manchester
The regular rate of VAT is 20%, but there are some categories of goods that qualify for a lower rate of 5%. In addition to it, there are a few particular zero-rated reliefs and exemptions.
Conclusion
Relocating to Manchester does not have to be difficult if you plan your money well and budget your expenses. You may use the table below to figure out how much it costs on average to live in Manchester:
Average monthly cost of living in Manchester

Category
Description
Cost
Housing
Average rent price for a one-bedroom flat + Average Utility Cost
£918.40 + £232.69
Healthcare
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare for one person
£192.00
Transportation
Metrocard Cost for one month
£73.04
Food
Average Grocery Cost Per Person Per Month
£217.25
Internet
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
£27.95
Entertainment
Meal Inexpensive restaurant + Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat + Taxi
£15.00 + £9.25 + £18.60
Health and Fitness
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
£26.30
Total
Sum
£1,730.48
Note: The cost mentioned above may vary; for instance, if you are living with someone, your cost will be considerably low. Also, if you have a family, you will need to add the cost of each family member. Finally, the price may also vary depending upon the area you select to live in.
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