The Verdict
Living in Edinburgh is 6% more expensive than Manchester.
If you move from Edinburgh to Manchester, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Edinburgh, you would need to earn about £36,923 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 Edinburgh:
Why people love Manchester:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Edinburgh | Manchester | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,300 | £1,100 | £-200 |
| Monthly groceries | £336 | £333 | £-3 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £213 | £200 | £-13 |
| Public transport pass | £141 | £136 | £-5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £166 | £162 | £-4 |
| Total Monthly | £2,155 | £1,931 | £-224 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 85/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,800/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (6% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- 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 Edinburgh salary
| Salary in Edinburgh | Equivalent in Manchester | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £27,692 | £2,308 less |
| £40,000 | £36,923 | £3,077 less |
| £50,000 | £46,154 | £3,846 less |
| £60,000 | £55,385 | £4,615 less |
| £80,000 | £73,846 | £6,154 less |
| £100,000 | £92,308 | £7,692 less |
Edinburgh vs Manchester: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 6%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Edinburgh has a rent index of 65, while Manchester has 55.
Average Salaries: Edinburgh: £2,800/month vs Manchester: £2,600/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Edinburgh wins 0, while Manchester wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.