The Verdict
Living in Manchester is 30% cheaper than Sydney.
If you move from Manchester to Sydney, 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 £56,667 in Sydney.
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 Sydney:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | Manchester | Sydney | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £1,100 | £2,400 | +£1,300 |
| Monthly groceries | £333 | £333 | — |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £200 | £230 | +£30 |
| Public transport pass | £136 | £144 | +£8 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £162 | £176 | +£14 |
| Total Monthly | £1,931 | £3,283 | +£1,352 |
* 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 (30% 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 (£3,380/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 Sydney to match a Manchester salary
| Salary in Manchester | Equivalent in Sydney | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £42,500 | £12,500 more |
| £40,000 | £56,667 | £16,667 more |
| £50,000 | £70,833 | £20,833 more |
| £60,000 | £85,000 | £25,000 more |
| £80,000 | £113,333 | £33,333 more |
| £100,000 | £141,667 | £41,667 more |
Manchester vs Sydney: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 30%. Manchester is the more affordable option.
Rent: Manchester has a rent index of 55, while Sydney has 120.
Average Salaries: Manchester: £2,600/month vs Sydney: £3,380/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, Manchester wins 5, while Sydney wins 0.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.