Glasgow
Manchester

Glasgow vs Manchester — Cost of Living Comparison

Glasgow
United Kingdom
VS
Manchester
United Kingdom
Estimated average living costs are ~9% lower in Glasgow

Glasgow

$1,750

avg. monthly cost

Population

635,000

Safety

56/100

Quality

70/100

Cost
64
Safety
56
Life
70

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 ~9% lower in Glasgow

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Glasgow

$1,750

estimated per month

Manchester

$1,900

estimated per month

Difference

+8.6%

Monthly savings

$150

Yearly savings

$1,800

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)

$81,429

+$6,429/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

ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$850.00$950.00
+11.8%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$600.00$680.00
+13.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,550.00$1,750.00
+12.9%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,050.00$1,200.00
+14.3%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$14.00$14.00
0.0%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$58.00$60.00
+3.4%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$8.00$8.00
0.0%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.25$1.25
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.20$1.20
0.0%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.40$1.40
0.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.75$2.80
+1.8%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$7.30$7.50
+2.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.10$2.10
0.0%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.25$1.25
0.0%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$70.00$80.00
+14.3%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$2.50$3.00
+20.0%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$3.80$3.50
-7.9%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$1.40$1.40
0.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.70$1.70
0.0%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
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)
$33.00$33.00
0.0%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
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)
$0.00$12.00
0.0%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$36.00$38.00
+5.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$12.00$12.00
0.0%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.70$3.80
+2.7%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$5.50$5.80
+5.5%
ItemGlasgowManchesterDiff
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: Glasgow vs Manchester

Is Glasgow or Manchester more expensive?
Manchester is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 68 compared with 64 for Glasgow.
How much cheaper is Glasgow than Manchester?
Living in Glasgow is around 6% cheaper than Manchester, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Glasgow and Manchester?
Glasgow scores 64 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Manchester scores 68 — where New York City equals 100.