The cost of living in Manchester is a crucial consideration for students planning to study in this vibrant city. As the second-largest city in the UK, Manchester is home to several renowned universities, including the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the Royal Northern College of Music. This bustling metropolis attracts students from around the globe, drawn not only by its academic excellence but also by its rich cultural diversity. However, living expenses in Manchester can be significant, particularly regarding housing, which averages around £800 per month. Additionally, costs for education, food, and entertainment can add up quickly. For new students, understanding the cost of living in Manchester is essential for effective budgeting and planning. This blog will detail the cost of living in Manchester regarding Daily Life, Education and Living options. With the most current data at hand, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your financial journey in this dynamic city.
Cost of Living in Manchester: Daily Life
Manchester is known as the second largest city in the UK, and for students, living expenses can come from all directions.
Food
For most students, supermarket chains in the UK are the most common food source. Typically, students who prefer to cook for themselves will spend around ￡220/month. However, eating out is also one way to relax. There are a variety of well-known restaurants in Manchester, and the price per meal can vary from ￡4 to ￡50. Also, pubs, one of the British favourites, are an excellent choice for students to unwind. A bottle of beer or cocktail can cost between £3 and £15.
Entertainment
For students, entertainment is an integral part of life apart from daily school work. Manchester is home to famous football clubs Manchester United and Manchester City and has a great football atmosphere. It is a must-see for fans with ticket prices ranging from ￡80 to ￡180 per match. Moreover, cinema is a common pastime within the student community, with prices ranging from ￡6 to ￡8 per film. Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre offers products from bargains to high street brands in the city centre area. Depending on each person’s choice, each shopping trip could cost between ￡20 and ￡300.
Mobile Network
In the age of the internet, mobile phones are a necessity for everyone. There are numerous network operators in the UK offering various network packages and products. But for most students, the most basic SIM card deals are enough. The ‘pay as you go‘ type of deals are the most popular as students can cancel it at any time. Please note that most SIM cards require a UK bank card to be provided at the time of purchase.
| The cheap deals of popular networks in UK | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Networks | Price/month | Data | Contract |
| Three | ￡10 | 15G | Pay as you go |
| O2 | ￡10 | 20G | Pay as you go |
| EE | ￡14 | 2G | 24 month plan |
| Vodafone | ￡10 | 2G | 90 days plan |
| giffgaff | ￡10 | 15G | Pay as you go |
Transport cost of living in Manchester
Manchester covers 115.6 square kilometres, and many students have to use transport to get to the campus quickly. The buses operated by Stagecoach are the most common transportation within the city area. There are various routes covering the city centre and around the University of Manchester. Tickets start at ￡2 for a single journey, but students can save money by purchasing different Tickets.
Trains are also a common way of travelling; for example, students must pay ￡30 from Manchester to London. However, they can buy a Railcard for ￡30, which gives them 30% off all train fares for one year, perfect for frequent travellers.
Cost of Living in Manchester: Education
College tuition is a big expense for all students. Depending on the university and major, tuition fees can vary greatly. International undergraduates at the University of Manchester pay around £19,000 per year, postgraduates around £23,000 and PhDs can go up to £38,000. Manchester Metropolitan University has lower tuition fees, with international students paying around £18,000 per year. University of Salford‘s tuition fees range from £13,750 to £20,340.
College tuition is a big expense for all students. Depending on the university and major, tuition fees can vary greatly. International undergraduates at the University of Manchester pay around £19,000 per year, postgraduates around £23,000 and PhDs can go up to £38,000. Manchester Metropolitan University has lower tuition fees, with international students paying around £18,000 per year. University of Salford‘s tuition fees range from £13,750 to £20,340.
Cost of Living in Manchester: Accommodation
Apart from tuition fees, accommodation is the second biggest cost. The rental market in Manchester offers a range of options including university halls, student flats, and social properties. The cost of different options can vary greatly.
On campus student halls
On-campus university residences are always a popular choice, providing students with quick access to a wide range of teaching facilities, as well as increased opportunities to socialise with fellow students. With student hall available on all three of the University of Manchester‘s campuses and prices ranging from around ￡460 to ￡910/month, students have a wealth of choice. Manchester Metropolitan University halls of residence range between ￡520 and ￡850. The University of Salford, on the other hand, offers between ￡485 and ￡600 for students to stay in.
Off campus student accommodation
The best thing about off-campus student accommodation in Manchester is that there is plenty of it and students are free to choose their location. There are over 30 student accommodation options in the city, with prices ranging from ￡460 to ￡1600 per month, depending on decor and facilities.
Private rental property
Some students choose to rent a social property in order to experience local cultural life. This usually offers plenty of space and freedom of room allocation and can cost between ￡600 and ￡2000 per person per month, depending on the area and type of property.
Gas and Utility cost of living in Manchester
Apart from rent, energy cost and utility bill should not be ignored. Most halls of residence and flats have a bill included in the rent, but students living in social properties will have to pay it themselves. According to statistics, the energy and electricity bill in 2025/26 will cost ￡200 per month, the water bill ￡35 per month and the internet bill ￡30 per month.
Manchester Neighborhood Cost Comparison
Rental prices vary significantly by neighborhood; for example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around £1,169, while outside the center it is closer to £883. Here is the rent price of some popular student neighborhoods in Manchester:
Fallowfield: Known for its lively atmosphere and student-friendly amenities, rents typically range from £400 to £600 per month for a shared house.
Withington: Slightly quieter, it offers a mix of local shops and cafes, with average rents around £350 to £550 per month.
Oxford Road: Close to major universities, this area is more expensive, with student rents averaging £500 to £700 for shared accommodation.
These neighborhoods not only provide various living costs but also vibrant atmospheres that cater to student life.
Council Tax
In the UK, Council Tax is a tax determined by the property’s value. Students living in student halls of residence or flats are automatically exempt from the tax. At the same time, those living in social properties can also apply for an exemption of Council Tax on the government website. However, if a student does not apply, they must pay between ￡100 and ￡300 per month in tax.
Cost of Living in Manchester: Healthcare and Insurance
International students in the UK are eligible for National Health Service (NHS) care. Upon paying the health surcharge as part of your visa application, you gain access to essential healthcare services without additional fees. However, some services like dental care, certain treatments, and prescriptions may incur charges, so it’s advisable to budget accordingly. It is recommended to set aside a portion of the budget for emergency funds to deal with sudden health problems or other unexpected expenses.
- NHS Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is a mandatory fee for student visa applications, allowing students to access healthcare services provided by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). - The cost is £470 per year, which allows students to consult doctors when needed, obtain first aid services, and receive free vaccinations, among other things.
- Additional Student Insurance
Some students choose to purchase additional student insurance to supplement their medical coverage, typically including travel and personal property coverage. - The cost is approximately £200 to £300 per year.
Money-Saving Tips for Students in Manchester
To help you save money while living in Manchester, consider these practical tips:
- Use Student Discount Apps: Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans offer discounts on shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Cook at Home: Preparing your meals can be significantly cheaper than eating out.
- Public Transportation: Utilize public transport over taxis; opt for student travel cards for additional savings.
- Buy Second-Hand: For furniture and textbooks, check local online marketplaces or student groups for good deals.
- Shop Smart: Utilize discount supermarkets and local markets for groceries to save on food costs.
- Part-Time Jobs: The city’s vibrant economy provides various job opportunities, especially in hospitality and retail. Students can find part-time jobs to cover living costs while studying.
Conclusion
In summary, university fees are the biggest expense for international students, costing around ￡20,000 per year. Accommodation is the second, which averages at ￡800 per month. Daily life and entertainment will cost between ￡1000 and ￡1,500, but students can reduce costs through various experiences.
Cost of Living in Manchester 2025/26 (Monthly Estimate)
| Category | Item | Average Cost (£) | Price Range (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Student Hall (Single Room) | 650 | 450 – 850 |
| Private Rent (1-bed flat, city centre) | 1,200 | 1,000 – 1,500 | |
| Private Rent (1-bed flat, outside centre) | 900 | 750 – 1,100 | |
| Utilities | Basic (Electricity, Heating, Water) | 220 | 150 – 450 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | 30 | 25 – 45 | |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data) | 15 | 10 – 30 | |
| Groceries | Milk (1 gallon) | 4.60 | – |
| Bread (1 loaf) | 1.10 | – | |
| Eggs (12) | 3.00 | – | |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | 3.00 | – | |
| Monthly Grocery Total | 250 | 200 – 350 | |
| Transportation | Monthly Public Transport Pass | 85 | 75 – 120 |
| One-way Ticket | 2.00 | – | |
| Personal Care | Haircut (Men’s) | 15 | 12 – 25 |
| Toothpaste | 1.50 | – | |
| Entertainment | Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | 15 | 12 – 25 |
| Cinema Ticket | 10 | 8 – 14 | |
| Monthly Gym Membership | 30 | 20 – 55 | |
| Annual Categories (Converted to Monthly) | |||
| Education | Tuition Fees | 1,167 – 3,167 | (Annual: £14,000–£38,000) |
| Entertainment (Annual) | General/Other | 150 – 1,200 | (Annual: £1,800–£14,400) |
| Transport (Annual) | Additional/Other | 42 – 167 | (Annual: £500–£2,000) |
| Network (Annual) | Broadband/Communication | 10 – 42 | (Annual: £120–£500) |
| Total Estimated Monthly Cost (Excluding Tuition) | ≈ £1,300 | £1,000 – £1,800 |
Cost of Living in Manchester: FAQ
Is it expensive to live in Manchester?
Manchester is one of the largest cities in the UK, and the cost of living is generally moderate compared to London. However, Manchester is not the cheapest city either. Housing tends to be the most considerable expense, with rental prices varying wildly from one area to another. Transport, groceries and leisure activities are all reasonably priced.
Is Manchester as expensive as London?
Manchester is considerably more affordable than London. Consumer prices, including rent, are estimated to be 30-40% lower in Manchester. For example, a monthly transport pass in London can cost over £170, compared to around £85 in Manchester. The cost of transport, groceries, and leisure activities is all reasonably priced.
Is Manchester a nice area to live?
Manchester is a fascinating place to live. The city is renowned for its glorious architecture, diverse cultural scene, world-class universities and vibrant nightlife. In addition, Manchester’s thriving economy and promising job market further enhance its appeal.
How much does it cost to live as a student in Manchester?
A student can expect to spend between £1,000 and £1,500 per month, excluding tuition fees. This covers accommodation, utilities, food, transport, and personal expenses. Accommodation is usually between £480 and £800 per month. Food and incidentals can cost around £160-£400 per month, and social activities can cost up to £150 per month. Transport, books and other essentials can cost an additional £100 to £200 per month. Your final budget will depend heavily on your accommodation choice and lifestyle.
How much is student accommodation in Manchester?
University-managed student halls typically range from £450 to £850 per month. Private rentals for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre average around £1,200, while rooms in shared houses in areas like Fallowfield or Withington can be found for £500 to £700.
- Weekly: The average range for student accommodation is £135 to £355 per week.
- Monthly: An estimated monthly accommodation cost for a University of Manchester hall is around £578.
Do students have to pay Council Tax in Manchester?
Full-time students in Manchester are generally exempt from paying Council Tax. However, you must actively apply for this exemption with the local council, and your liability depends on who you live with.
How can I save money on transportation in Manchester?
The best way to save is by purchasing a monthly or annual student bus pass, which offers unlimited travel. Many students also choose to live within walking or cycling distance of their university to eliminate transport costs entirely.
Can a part-time student work in the Manchester?
Yes, part-time students in Manchester can work, with specific hour limits depending on their visa status. For international students on a student visa, the limit is typically 20 hours per week during term time, with no limit during vacations. Common part-time jobs include retail, hospitality, customer service, administration, and opportunities within the university itself, such as research assistant or IT support roles.
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