While Manchester may not be the first place you think of when considering a move to the UK, this fast-developing city is becoming an increasingly popular destination among both Brits and expats looking to start a new chapter.
As with any city in the world, there are both pros and cons to living in Manchester. Below are some of the main advantages and disadvantages to bear in mind before deciding to relocate.
Cost of living in Manchester
+ PRO: Low rent prices compared to London, Bristol, and Brighton
While Manchester remains among the top 10 priciest cities in England for rent, the cost is still well below that of other major cities such as London, Bristol, and Brighton.
In Manchester, apartments in the Northern Quarter tend to be the most expensive due to their sought-after location. If you're willing to live further afield and make use of the city’s excellent public transport networks, you can certainly save on rent and have more left in the budget to spend on entertainment or other costs.
Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Manchester
Accommodation in Manchester
+ PRO: A range of accommodation options available
Whether you prefer modern city living or a comfy family home in the suburbs, you’ll find a range of accommodation options available in Manchester. To accommodate the city’s growing population, Manchester has seen a rise in new property developments in recent years, so there is no doubt you will find a suitable home.
Renting Accommodation in Manchester
Lifestyle in Manchester
+ PRO: Fantastic nightlife and music scene
Manchester is famed for its rich musical history and has been dubbed the UK’s music capital. Whether it's live jazz, classical, indie, or electronic music you fancy, you will be spoilt for choice.
+ PRO: Friendly locals
Most visitors to the UK tend to visit London first and often comment about the unfriendliness of the capital’s population. That won’t be the case in Manchester. Here, locals have a reputation for being friendly, curious, and usually eager to engage in conversation.
+ PRO: Culturally diverse and progressive
A long history of immigration has made Manchester a diverse city with a unique culture. From Chinatown to the Curry Mile, you'll be exposed to a range of different cultural offerings in the city.
- CON: Lots of students
With four universities within close proximity of one another, Manchester is home to a massive student population. Being constantly surrounded by large groups of carefree young people may not be everyone’s cup of tea. That said, living further afield in more affluent areas means that you can largely avoid the student crowd.
Shopping, Eating Out, and Outdoor Activities in Manchester
Working in Manchester
+ PRO: A variety of job opportunities
Manchester is a dynamic metropolitan area and if you have expertise in industries such as finance, law, biotechnology, or digital media, you will find great opportunities if you plan on working in the city. Another plus is that the job market in Manchester is slightly less competitive than in London, making it the perfect place for those starting out.
- CON: Lower salaries
While there are plenty of job opportunities in Manchester, salaries are noticeably lower than those in London and other major European cities. On the upside, the salaries here do tend to keep pace with Manchester's cost of living.
Getting around in Manchester
+ PRO: Excellent public transport networks
Getting around the city is pretty straightforward when using its excellent bus and tram networks. The Bee Network has made it easier than ever to get from point A to B.
Public Transport and Driving in Manchester
Education and schools in Manchester
+ PRO: Free government-funded schooling
As is the case throughout the UK, British citizens and foreign nationals legally living in the UK are entitled to send their children to a government-funded school at little to no cost. That said, you are advised to do some serious research into your chosen school, as standards do vary quite dramatically in Manchester. The better-performing schools tend to be oversubscribed and priority goes to students in the local catchment area.
- CON: No international schools in Manchester
If you wish to have your child continue studying their home curriculum, you will have a hard time in Manchester as there are no schools in the city offering the curriculum of a foreign country. That said, there are several good private schools that teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is standardised worldwide.
Schools and Education in Manchester
Healthcare in Manchester
+ PRO: Access to the NHS
Living in Manchester, you'll have access to good healthcare in the form of the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. There are some excellent public hospitals in the city where the standard of care is world class.
- CON: Long NHS waiting lists and expensive private healthcare options
Waiting lists for certain treatments in the UK are long. It's possible to bypass these by exploring private-sector options. Private healthcare in the UK is expensive, though, and if you have any ongoing health issues or chronic illnesses and plan on using private health services, you should invest in a comprehensive insurance policy.
Best Hospitals in Manchester
Healthcare System in the UK
Weather in Manchester
- CON: Constant rain
The rain and associated grey skies are a constant presence in Manchester. Mancunians don’t allow the weather to get in the way of having fun, though, so do as the locals do and invest in a good umbrella.
+ PRO: The city comes to life on rare sunny days
Sunny days are few and far between in Manchester, but locals certainly make the most of them. Expect to see beer gardens full of students and parks full of families the moment the sun appears.