Dreaming of studying in the UK’s “Capital of the North”? Manchester is considered one of the top choices for students because of how affordable it is to live here. It is a city that will welcome you with open arms. But before you pack your bags, it’s important for you to check your bank balance. Manchester is known to provide you with all of the major perks of a global city without the eye watering price tag. This guide here is going to show you exactly how much money you will need in order to live a happy and stress free life here. Let’s get started!
What is the Average Cost of Living in Manchester for Students?
Going to Manchester doesn’t have to create a big hole in your pocket. While it is one of the major cities, your biggest superpower comes from knowing where your money is going every month. Below is the breakdown of what you will need in order to have a comfortable life while you study here:
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Family of Four people (Excluding Rent) | £3,020 |
| Single Person (Excluding Rent) | £855 |
Restaurants & Eating Out Cost in Manchester
Let’s say you wake up and are in the mood to have your favorite curry on Curry Mile, or you feel like you want to treat yourself to a trendy brunch in the Northern Quarter. In Manchester, the food scene is impeccable and is suitable for every budget. One can easily find an affordable and fancy place for their weekend dinners. So, it is a wise choice to understand how much everything will cost so that you can enjoy the city flavors without losing track of your money:
| Item | Average Price | Price Range |
| Meal at Inexpensive
Restaurant |
£15.00 | £10.00- £30.00 |
| Meal for Two (Mid-Range) | £70.00 | £60.00 -£120.00 |
| Fast Food Combo Meal | £8.00 | £6.70 -£8.99 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | £5.50 | £3.55- £6.50 |
| Cappuccino | £3.60 | £2.00 -£4.50 |
| Soft Drink (0.33L) | £1.85 | £1.00- £3.00 |
| Bottled Water (0.33L) | £1.32 | £1.00- £2.50 |
Transportation Costs in Manchester
Manchester is often called a rainy city because of its ever-changing weather. So, getting around here is comparatively easier and cheaper than you think. Thanks to its massive transportation system, most students find that they can save a fortune by simply walking or cycling. The famous Oxford Road corridor here connects you to the main university campuses. And if you are looking to travel further out, the Bee Network offers capped fares and special student passes to keep your travel budget in check. You can check the specific prices for different travel options in the table given below:
| Transport Type | Average Cost | Range |
| One-Way Local Ticket | £2.00 | £2.00 – £3.00 |
| Monthly Transport Pass | £88.48 | £80.00 – £140.00 |
| Taxi Start Fare | £3.40 | £3.40 – £3.50 |
| Taxi per km | £1.62 | Fixed |
| Gasoline (1L) | £1.37 | £1.35 – £1.40 |
Utilities and Communication Costs in Manchester
In order to keep your student life running smoothly, you must stay warm and connected with your friends and family. To do that you must have a high-speed Wi-Fi, water, gas and electricity. This will help you keep your flat cozy. And if you choose to live somewhere that follows an all-inclusive rent model, then many of these bills will be rolled into one easy payment. In others, you will be required to manage them separately. Following are the specific prices for these monthly essentials:
| Service | Average Monthly Cost | Range |
| Basic Utilities (85m²) | £209.35 | £125.00 – £468.00 |
| Mobile Plan (10GB+) | £13.36 | £8.00 – £30.00 |
| Broadband Internet | £31.57 | £23.00 – £45.00 |
Grocery & Market Prices in Manchester
One of the easiest ways to control your budget is by filling your fridge. It is
comparatively easy to do because of several affordable supermarkets that are right in front of your doorstep. If you want to grab a quick snack, you can go to several high street shops. But real savings happen only in local markets and budget-friendly stores like Aldi or Lidl. Whether you call yourself a master chef or a pro at making breakfast
with toast and beans, knowing the average cost of staples like milk, bread, and fresh veggies makes weekly planning much simpler.
Here are the key average prices for common grocery items in Manchester:
| Item | Average Price | Price Range |
| Milk (1L) | £1.13 | £0.63 – £1.55 |
| Bread (500g) | £1.42 | £0.75 – £2.25 |
| Rice (1kg) | £1.53 | £1.00 – £2.10 |
| Eggs (12) | £2.72 | £1.60 – £4.20 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | £6.56 | £4.00 – £9.00 |
| Beef (1kg) | £13.14 | £6.83 – £20.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | £2.27 | £1.39 – £4.00 |
| Bananas (1kg) | £1.38 | £0.90 – £2.18 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | £3.01 | £1.50 – £6.00 |
| Potatoes (1kg) | £1.35 | £0.80 – £2.20 |
| Bottle of Wine | £8.00 | £6.00 – £12.00 |
Sports, Leisure and Entertainment Costs in Manchester
Being a city that never sleeps, Manchester offers everything from excellent football matches to legendary live music scenes that fit well in every type of student budget. Whether you are a fitness freak or cinema lover, there is always something to do here. There are several venues here that offer massive student discounts, making it convenient for you to enjoy the city’s culture without feeling guilty.
The average prices for popular leisure and entertainment activities are given below:
| Activity | Average Price | Range |
| Gym Membership | £36.33 | £20.99 – £59.99 |
| Tennis Court (1 hr) | £13.39 | £8.00 – £19.50 |
| Cinema Ticket | £10.00 | £7.99 – £15.00 |
How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost in Manchester?
Having a perfect place to call home is a very important part of student life in Manchester. The city offers everything from studios, ensuites, shared flats to private apartments. Your student accommodation Manchester rent is going to be the biggest expense. It doesn’t matter whether you want to live near the action or prefer something that is calm yet budget friendly. There is a spot for every type of budget and vibe.
Check out the average monthly rent of different types of apartments below:
| Accommodation Type | Average Monthly Rent | Price Range |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | £1,251.94 | £1,100.00 – £2,200.00 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | £938.69 | £832.00 – £1,100.00 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | £2,330.00 | £1,800.00 – £3,460.00 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | £1,587.69 | £1,430.00 – £1,900.00 |
What are the Top Student Housing in Manchester?
Manchester is famous for providing its students with rooms that offer more than a desk and a duvet. Think about onsite gyms, 24/7 security and social lounges that are especially designed to assist you in making lifelong friends.
Following are some of the top student accommodation in Manchester:
∙ Uninist Flexi Stays 01
∙ Canvas Manchester
∙ First Street Residence
∙ House of Social
∙ iQ Wilmslow Park
∙ Vita Circle Square
Want to have your place in one of the popular areas in Manchester? Check out University Living today and book some of the best properties before they are gone!
Conclusion
As you can see, Manchester strikes a perfect balance between urban lifestyle and manageable cost of living. Whether you want to save money or treat yourself to a night out, the city is designed in such a way that it is accessible for every type of student. By planning ahead, you can enjoy everything that this city has to offer while keeping track of your finances. Sayonara, until next time!
