The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 33% cheaper than Seattle.
If you move from Manchester to Seattle, you will pay more for housing and more 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 Seattle.
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 Seattle:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Seattle | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,700 | +£1,600 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £357 | +£24 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £245 | +£45 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £141 | +£5 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £176 | +£14 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £3,619 | +£1,688 |
* 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
- Prioritize safety (score: 78/100)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
- Want higher earning potential (£4,898/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Seattle to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Seattle | 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 Seattle: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 33%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Seattle has 135.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Seattle: £4,898/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 6, while Seattle wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.