The United Kingdom is one of the countries offering the best academic standards. It is home to some of the top universities in the world.
Manchester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK. It is a student hub as it offers one of the best students’ lives with opportunities and experiences.
Apart from exciting student life, the main attraction to this city is its cost of living. Manchester is 32% lower in living cost as compared to London and other western countries.
For an international student, the cost of estimation is approximately GBP 12,000. But, this can vary depending upon your lifestyle, accommodation, and other expenses. Before we list the details of the cost of living in Manchester, let’s give you a brief summary of its cost.
| Expense | Cost |
| Average Tuition Fees | £16,000-35,000 / year |
| Accommodation | £500-1100 / month |
| Meals | £100-200 / month |
| Public transport | £70-80 / month |
| Household bills | £40-50 / month |
| Internet and mobile phone | £50 / month |
| Miscellaneous | £250-300 / month |
Tuition Fees
Manchester is home to many top universities. And tuition fees vary from one university to another. So, while planning to study at any of the universities in Manchester, consider the tuition fees as part of your cost of living and know your budget.
| Tuition Undergraduation Fee | Tuition Post-Graduation Fee |
| £9,750 – £20,760 / year | £12,950- £24,700 / year |
Cost of Student Accommodation in Manchester
The cost of student accommodation depends on a few factors. It depends upon the type of accommodation, provider, amenities, and distance from your university. The starting rate weekly for a single room is £101, and prices vary accordingly.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Apartments | £133- £400/week |
| Studio | £90-£350/week |
| Ensuite | £80-£250/week |
| University Hall | Price |
| Shared | £110-£200/week |
| Ensuite | £150- £250/week |
Meals
Food is an important part of your cost of living. It can be expensive if you do regular takeout, but it can be affordable if you manage to cook your meals. Eating out is expensive and will increase your expenditure. It will cost around £15 at an expensive restaurant, £6 or less for fast food, and £3 for coffee or soda.
Household Bills
The cost of your bills depends upon the type of accommodation you stay. There are some who include utility bills under rent, while others do not. The cost of water, energy, and broadband can reach £67 a month. depending on your usage.
Local Transport
Manchester is the second-largest city in the UK. It has plenty of public transportation linking and connecting every inch and corner of the city. If you use local transport regularly, it would cost around £2.50, while a monthly pass would cost £73. So, on average, the monthly cost of transportation in Manchester will be £100.
Fun and Leisure
Manchester is a vibrant city. It is a city filled with young hearts and mixed cultures. As a student, you would want to socialise and make new friends. There are plenty of places for you to visit and get away from your university life for the weekend. On average, you will spend £30 or more monthly.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous expenditure includes a lot of things. Expenses can vary depending on your lifestyle and the location of the place. You can save money on these things if you make use of the tools around you. For instance, if your university allows you to print documents, etc., it can help cut down on your budget. Printing costs a lot of money.
How can you save money?
Manchester is an affordable city, no doubt! But, you still need to get niffy and look for ways to budget your life and save money. Finding affordable student accommodation in Manchester is a budget saver. We thought of laying down a few handy tips to help you with the costs of living in Manchester. And here’s how you can do it:
Budgeting is the foundation for saving money
If you want to live a balanced and fun life in Manchester, start with your budget. It might sound hard at first and be a difficult routine to follow. But it helps in the long run. There are many budgeting apps to help you, or you can simply jot down your expenses in your notebook.
Travel Smart
Make use of the public transportation available in Manchester. For instance, invest in a monthly ticket rather than a daily ticket. It will save you money. Another way to save money is to find accommodation close to your university.
Cooking meals at home
The money you spend on one meal can get you a lot of food from the grocery store. You can stock up on groceries at home; this way, you have a budget for your monthly groceries. But when you eat outside, you can never keep track of your budget.
The cost of living in Manchester is affordable if you know how to live within your means! Be mindful of your spending; the key is to budget and plan before you spend. We hope you follow our tips and have a fulfilling student life experience in Manchester.
