Birmingham
Manchester

Birmingham vs Manchester — Cost of Living Comparison

Birmingham
United Kingdom
VS
Manchester
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Birmingham

Birmingham

$1,800

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,150,000

Safety

55/100

Quality

68/100

Cost
65
Safety
55
Life
68

Manchester

$1,900

avg. monthly cost

Population

550,000

Safety

58/100

Quality

72/100

Cost
68
Safety
58
Life
72

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~6% lower in Birmingham

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Birmingham

$1,800

estimated per month

Manchester

$1,900

estimated per month

Difference

+5.6%

Monthly savings

$100

Yearly savings

$1,200

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$79,167

+$4,167/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$880.00$950.00
+8.0%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$620.00$680.00
+9.7%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,600.00$1,750.00
+9.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,100.00$1,200.00
+9.1%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$13.00$14.00
+7.7%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$55.00$60.00
+9.1%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$7.50$8.00
+6.7%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.20$1.25
+4.2%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.15$1.20
+4.3%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.35$1.40
+3.7%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.70$2.80
+3.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$7.20$7.50
+4.2%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.00$2.10
+5.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.20$1.25
+4.2%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$75.00$80.00
+6.7%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.50$3.50
0.0%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.35$1.40
+3.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.68$1.70
+1.2%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$190.00$195.00
+2.6%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$20.00$20.00
0.0%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$32.00$33.00
+3.1%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$0.00$0.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$12.00$12.00
0.0%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$38.00
+8.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$11.50$12.00
+4.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.60$3.80
+5.6%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$5.50$5.80
+5.5%
ItemBirminghamManchesterDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$65.00$68.00
+4.6%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$30.00$32.00
+6.7%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$80.00$82.00
+2.5%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Birmingham vs Manchester

Is Birmingham or Manchester more expensive?
Manchester is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 68 compared with 65 for Birmingham.
How much cheaper is Birmingham than Manchester?
Living in Birmingham is around 4% cheaper than Manchester, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Birmingham and Manchester?
Birmingham scores 65 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Manchester scores 68 — where New York City equals 100.