Manchester has a unique history, being the center of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th CE. Its moderate oceanic climate is chief among the many reasons to visit Manchester. Another positive aspect is that the cost of living in Manchester is relatively cheap for a big city.
In pleasing contrast, the city is home to some of the top universities in the world. This is why Manchester attracts top eclectic students every year from all parts of the world. Students primarily travel to and from their universities via a light rail system known as the Manchester Metrolink.
The system connects 99 stops and covers most of the city. Other modes of public transport, like trams and buses, fill in the gaps to ensure a smooth commute.
Besides its rich history and popularity for Football and music, Manchester has much more to offer its residents. Listed below are five reasons students should consider moving to this city.
Climbing the Career Ladder
Over the years, Manchester has emerged to be at par with cities like London in terms of its job market. Young aspirants often choose Manchester to move up the career ladder. Students can find job roles in IT, Finance, Retail, Construction, and more.
Affordable Cost of Living
The living expenses in Manchester are not exorbitant. Since it is more affordable than London, many students choose to move to this city. Students can choose to stay in university residences or rent an affordable apartment. Some top areas to rent include Wigan, Whitefield, Chorlton, and Tameside. Even purchasing an apartment in this city is cheaper than in London.
Fun and Entertainment
When it comes to shopping, the Northern Quarter and Market Street are the two top options. Designer labels are found in King Street. The music scene is big, with tight band gigs always on the run.
Strong Transport Links
The city is well-connected with a strong network of buses, trams, and trains.
Average Living Expenses in Manchester
The average cost of living in Manchester might differ depending on their lifestyles. However, even those on a tight budget will find this city affordable. Listed below is an estimate of the most common costs –
Transportation-
Within the city center, the free bus provides a free ‘hop on, hop off’ service linking all of the main rail stations, shopping districts, and business areas.
Trams and bus tickets are affordable, starting at £2
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)-£70.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)- £ 2.30
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) – £1.29
Food and Dining-
Restaurant Meal for 1 – £15
McMeal at McDonalds – £6
Utility Costs-
Electricity, Cooling, Heating, Garbage, Water- £212.20 per month
Internet- £29.69 per month
Entertainment and Recreation
Fitness Club- £26 per month (one person)
Tennis Court Rental- £9.14 (1 hour)
Movie Ticket- £9.75 (1 seat)
Housing-
The average cost to rent 2 BHK in the city is £1,127 per month
The average cost to rent 2 BHK outside the city is £750-800 per month
5 Top Universities in Manchester
The table below shows the top universities in Manchester, their QS World Ranking 2024, popular courses, and average tuition fees.
The average base salary for working professionals in Manchester, England, is GBP 31,000 per year. It differs based on the sector. On average, a software engineer can expect to earn GBP 35,343 annually. On the other hand, a teaching assistant may earn around GBP 15,144 per year. Some job roles like that of a project manager offer better than the average – GBP 40,904 per year.
Some of the most popular employers in the city include –
Accenture
Barclays Bank PLC
BBC
JD Group, and
Siemens
Conclusion
A study conducted by Time Out Index found that only 10% believed that Manchester was an expensive city to live in. The city was awarded the title of one of the least expensive cities in the world in 2022.
It is a student-friendly city. Low Manchester living expenses are primarily why thousands of students flock to this city yearly. And this is one of the top reasons for you to consider this city.
In fact, students planning to choose Manchester for overseas education benefit from good food, affordable living, top educational infrastructure, and lots of fun and entertainment.
What makes Manchester a student-friendly city to live in?
Besides world-class universities that make it to the QS World Rankings 2024, other factors that make Manchester a student-friendly city are the music scene, rich cultural diversity, unbeatable access to surrounding areas, and inexpensive cost of living in Manchester.
What is the scope of employability in Manchester UK?
Manchester’s job market is a hotspot for national employment and is growing faster than ever. Most Manchester universities offer career services like guidance on career options, CV and interview preparation, career mentoring, and more to increase student employability chances. This makes career prospects promising.
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical insights into international education and study abroad programs, particularly in addressing the unique opportunities and challenges of studying in Ireland.
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