{"id":25099,"date":"2026-06-04T16:18:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=25099"},"modified":"2026-06-04T16:18:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T10:48:18","slug":"cost-of-living-in-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/cost-of-living-in-manchester\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living in Manchester for Students: 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re an international student thinking of moving to Manchester, you have made an awesome decision. This is because you\u2019ll experience the big-city feeling that includes world-class universities, music, football, diversity, and great nightlife without the huge cost of living of London<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The average cost of living in Manchester for students<\/strong> ranges between \u00a3900 to \u00a31,300 a month<\/strong>. The expenditure will cover rent, food, travel, and some extras. It is cheaper than the living costs in London and most other British cities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will walk you through the monthly costs, good places to live, how to save, additional costs, and much more that will make your life easier as an international student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need help with finding student accommodation Manchester<\/strong><\/a>, check out University Living. Are you ready? Let\u2019s make your move a little easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Manchester<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It becomes easier for you to live in Manchester as a student only when you are aware of how much money one needs to spend on monthly expenses. For most students, the cost of living in Manchester <\/strong>ranges from \u00a3900 to \u00a31,300 per month<\/strong>, depending on their lifestyle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The highest cost for students is rent, which can reach about 50% of total monthly expenses if you do not use your student budget in Manchester<\/strong> cleverly. In this case, it would be beneficial to choose shared accommodation in student areas such as Fallowfield, and living alone in a private flat in the center of Manchester will cost more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What else makes costs vary? Our habits affect us greatly. Buying your own food, using discounts, and saving money help you avoid extra spending. Going out regularly and visiting clubs every weekend leads to additional costs. However, remember that you are the one who controls your finances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expense Category<\/strong> <\/td>Average Monthly Cost<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Rent <\/td>\u00a3500 \u2013 \u00a3750 <\/td><\/tr>
Food & Groceries <\/td>\u00a3150 \u2013 \u00a3250 <\/td><\/tr>
Transportation <\/td>\u00a340 \u2013 \u00a370 <\/td><\/tr>
Utilities <\/td>\u00a340 \u2013 \u00a380 <\/td><\/tr>
Internet & Mobile <\/td>\u00a325 \u2013 \u00a345 <\/td><\/tr>
Entertainment <\/td>\u00a360 \u2013 \u00a3110 <\/td><\/tr>
Health & Insurance <\/td>\u00a315 \u2013 \u00a330 <\/td><\/tr>
Total Estimated Cost<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a3900 \u2013 \u00a31,335<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Students must note these figures are just a rough estimate, and you can use <\/em>University Living\u2019s Cost of Calculator<\/em><\/strong><\/a> <\/em><\/strong>for a more accurate budget.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student Accommodation Costs in Manchester<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Accommodation is the only expense that will impact your budget in full. When you get this bit sorted, the rest cost of living in Manchester<\/strong> becomes easy to manage. It is a good idea to investigate the popular neighbourhoods for students such as Fallowfield and Rusholme. Selecting an appropriate room type will make the biggest difference to your finances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) will allow you to benefit from flat rates and all-inclusive student accommodation in Manchester <\/strong>compared to the changing costs of living in private accommodation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Student Accommodation in Manchester <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the best student accommodation in Manchester for international students<\/strong> when you are studying abroad will be easy and convenient for you. There are many types of accommodation depending on your preferences and budget. Whether you require PBSA with all the expenses covered or you are looking for cozy en-suite accommodation or shared apartments on a budget or even studios for complete privacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): <\/strong>It is a fully furnished student accommodation in Manchester<\/strong> for international students. These modern properties offer fully furnished rooms, 24\/7 security, high-speed Wi-Fi, study spaces, gyms, and social areas. Most PBSAs also include all utility bills in the rent and offer welcoming and social environment. Average costs typically range between <\/strong>\u00a3640 \u2013 \u00a31,040 per month<\/strong>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n