The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 33% cheaper than Paris.
If you move from Manchester to Paris, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in Manchester, you would need to earn about £58,333 in Paris.
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 Manchester:
Why people love Paris:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Paris | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,300 | +£1,200 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £322 | £-11 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £245 | +£45 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £141 | +£5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £171 | +£9 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £3,179 | +£1,248 |
* 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 (33% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Prioritize safety (score: 79/100)
- Want higher earning potential (£2,666/mo avg)
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 Paris to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Paris | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £43,750 | £13,750 more |
| £40,000 | £58,333 | £18,333 more |
| £50,000 | £72,917 | £22,917 more |
| £60,000 | £87,500 | £27,500 more |
| £80,000 | £116,667 | £36,667 more |
| £100,000 | £145,833 | £45,833 more |
Manchester vs Paris: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 33%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Paris has 115.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Paris: £2,666/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 5, while Paris wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.