Cost of living in Manchester for students
Manchester is a beautiful historical and cultural hub, making it a popular place for students to study and live.
If you decide to live in Manchester, it’s good to know what kind of living expenses you can expect to budget for. Here, we’ll explore average living costs like rent, groceries and transport, so you can have a stress-free time as a student living in Manchester.
Average student living expenses in Manchester
According to data from the University of Manchester, it’ll cost a student around £1,148.30 per month to live in the city.
Of course, the average living expenses in Manchester will depend on several factors, such as rent, daily expenses and how often you travel. Let’s break down some of the costs below.
Housing and accommodation costs
Your accommodation cost will likely be your highest expense, which is why many students choose to live in shared housing or purpose-built student accommodation like iQ, where bills are all-inclusive.
Self-catered student accommodation will cost around £657 per month. If you decide to live alone, the average rent in Manchester for a studio or small 1-bedroom flat is between £910 and £1,200 per month.
Basic utilities like electricity, water and heating usually cost between £228 and £241 per month.
Food and grocery costs
We all eat and shop differently, so it’s tricky to estimate exactly how much monthly groceries will cost. According to data from Numbeo, your monthly food shop can cost you around £247 per month.
Learning how to eat on a budget is the best way to reduce your grocery bill, as well as choosing to cook at home instead of eating out at restaurants.
You can also shop savvy at low-cost supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, which offer handy discounts and offers.
Transport costs
One of the great things about Manchester life is the good public transport links, which make it easy to travel around the city. A lot of mancunians also enjoy cycling around the city, as there are lots of safe bicycle lanes.
A single journey ticket on local transport like buses and trains costs between £2 and £3.50. A monthly travel pass costs about £82.70, which may help you save on public transport in the long run. If you regularly travel on public buses and trains, it’s worth getting a student railcard, as it offers discounts of up to 30% on travel.
Entertainment and social life costs
Living in Manchester means you’re close to some amazing public parks, museums and galleries, such as the Manchester Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. These are almost always free to enter.
Activities such as visiting the cinema can cost up to £8 per ticket. If you’re a football fan, going to a Manchester United or Manchester City game could cost you between £80 to £180.
If you plan to dine out, a meal at a restaurant can cost up to £70 for two people. If pub nights are your thing then expect to pay around £5 for a pint.
Budgeting tips for students in Manchester
Creating a detailed budget is the best way to keep tabs on your overall cost of living in the UK. Make sure to log all your expenses in your budget, including subscriptions and daily expenses like transport. Below are some other helpful budgeting tips.
- Meal prep: Dining out can put a dent in your budget, so try meal prepping at home to save some cash
- Use student discounts: Platforms like UNiDAYS and StudentBeans have great student discounts for lots of brands
- Shop secondhand: Don’t be scared to go thrifting for clothes - you never know what vintage gems you may find
- Use store cards: Most UK supermarkets have store cards that offer discounts on bulk buys and reduced items
FAQs about the cost of living in Manchester
How can I find affordable entertainment options as a student in Manchester?
There are plenty of student-friendly things to do in Manchester. Next time you’re planning a fun day out in the city, browse platforms like Eventbrite, Groupon and visitManchester, which offer year-round discounts on events.
What’s the difference in cost of living between London and Manchester?
The cost of living in Manchester versus London - which is cheaper? Data from Numbeo states that Manchester is 33.3% cheaper to live in compared to London. This is no surprise since London is actually the most expensive city to live in the UK.
How much is a student bus pass in Manchester?
The cost of a student bus pass differs between transport organisations. A seasonal Stagecoach ‘UniRider’ bus pass costs around £146, whereas a year-long bus pass by Bee Network costs £330.
Understanding the cost of living in Manchester is important for budgeting like a pro and making the most of your time exploring the city.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Manchester, we have buildings located across the city, including Fletcher House, Kerria Apartments and Wilmslow Park. Take a look at all our Manchester accommodation options to see what’s available.
