Manchester

🇬🇧United Kingdom•Northern Europe

City Score

"A gritty, creative, and increasingly international city — far cheaper than London with a booming tech and media scene (MediaCity)."

City Metrics

Cost of Living82

Safety78

Healthcare84

Career Opportunities86

Climate60

Transport90

Air Quality69.5

Family Friendliness84

Education88

Top Neighborhoods

Northern Quarter

Ancoats

Chorlton

Didsbury

Housing Reality

Much more affordable than London. City-centre apartments are plentiful. Referencing checks are standard but less brutal than London's.

Getting Around

Metrolink tram covers the city well. Great rail connections to London (2h), Leeds, and Liverpool. Manchester Airport is the UK's third-busiest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

▸Is Manchester a good place to live?

Manchester scores 79/100 overall. It is very affordable (cost score: 82/100), very safe (safety: 78/100), and has excellent healthcare (healthcare: 84/100). Top neighborhoods include Northern Quarter, Ancoats, Chorlton.

▸What is the cost of living in Manchester?

Manchester has a cost of living score of 82/100 (higher = more affordable). Much more affordable than London. City-centre apartments are plentiful. Referencing checks are standard but less brutal than London's.

▸How do I get around Manchester?

Manchester has a transport score of 90/100. Metrolink tram covers the city well. Great rail connections to London (2h), Leeds, and Liverpool. Manchester Airport is the UK's third-busiest.

▸What are the best neighborhoods in Manchester?

The most recommended neighborhoods in Manchester are Northern Quarter, Ancoats, Chorlton, Didsbury. A gritty, creative, and increasingly international city — far cheaper than London with a booming tech and media scene (MediaCity).

▸Is Manchester safe for expats?

Manchester has a safety score of 78/100. The city very safe and has an air quality score of 69.5/100.

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City Deep Dive

Is Manchester actually livable? See neighborhood rankings, real cost breakdowns, and local quality-of-life scores

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