The Verdict
Living in Birmingham is 2% cheaper than Manchester.
If you move from Birmingham to Manchester, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Birmingham, you would need to earn about £41,143 in Manchester.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Birmingham:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Birmingham | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,000 | £1,100 | +£100 |
| Monthly groceries | £329 | £333 | +£4 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £195 | £200 | +£5 |
| Public transport pass | £131 | £136 | +£5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £158 | £162 | +£4 |
| Total Monthly | £1,814 | £1,931 | +£117 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (2% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,600/mo avg)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Manchester to match a Birmingham salary
| Salary in Birmingham | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £30,857 | £857 more |
| £40,000 | £41,143 | £1,143 more |
| £50,000 | £51,429 | £1,429 more |
| £60,000 | £61,714 | £1,714 more |
| £80,000 | £82,286 | £2,286 more |
| £100,000 | £102,857 | £2,857 more |
Birmingham vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 2%. Birmingham is the more affordable option.
Rent: Birmingham has a rent index of 50, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Birmingham: £2,400/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Birmingham wins 6, while Manchester wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.