Moving from London to Manchester

Moving from London to Manchester is a popular choice for those seeking better affordability and lifestyle. Ranked as the UK’s most liveable city, Manchester offers a strong work-life balance at lower costs. Before you move, it’s important to understand the true expenses involved — from removals to living costs. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Why People Are Moving from London to Manchester

There are several key reasons why Londoners are choosing Manchester. The cost of living in London continues to soar, making it increasingly unaffordable for many. In contrast, Manchester offers lower housing costs, excellent job opportunities, and a thriving cultural scene. The Manchester Evening News reported that more than 10,000 people moved from London to Manchester in a single year, with numbers continuing to rise.

Manchester’s appeal also lies in its shorter commute times, family-friendly suburbs, and slower pace of life compared to the capital. It’s a vibrant, multicultural city with access to beautiful countryside, including the Peak District, just a short drive away.

Average House Removal Costs from London to Manchester

When planning your move, understanding the typical removal costs is crucial. On average, moving a 3-bedroom house from London to Manchester costs around £975. This estimate is based on distance (approximately 200 miles), the size of the property, and the volume of belongings.

Here’s a general breakdown:

1-bedroom property: £700 – £900
2-bedroom property: £850 – £1,200
3-bedroom property: £975 – £1,500
4-bedroom property: £1,200 – £2,500

Factors such as access difficulties, parking, or extra services (packing, disassembly) can increase costs slightly. Many removal companies also offer fixed-price packages to avoid surprises on moving day.

If you opt for a man and van service, prices are lower — starting at around £50–£75 per hour, depending on the van size and number of movers.

Set your budget using our house removal cost calculator.

Extra Moving Costs to Consider

Aside from basic transportation, there are additional services that can impact your moving budget:

Packing services: Around £200–£250 for a 3-bedroom house.
Furniture dismantling and reassembly: Approximately £100–£150.
Storage solutions: Ranging from £25–£50 per week depending on the volume.
Cleaning services: Around £15–£30 per hour if you want professional end-of-tenancy cleaning.

Some companies offer discounted packages if you bundle multiple services together, so it’s wise to request detailed quotes and compare offers.

Cost of Living Comparison: London vs Manchester

Moving to Manchester means significantly lowering your overall living costs compared to staying in London.

For example, a public transport pass in London typically costs around £150 per month, while in Manchester it’s much more affordable, ranging between £54 and £70 per month. Basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost approximately £265.78 per month in London, whereas in Manchester, the average is around £212.20.

When it comes to fitness and leisure, a monthly fitness club membership will set you back about £42.86 in London, while in Manchester you would only pay around £25.14. Grocery shopping is cheaper too: one kilogram of chicken fillets costs roughly £6.69 in London but about £5.78 in Manchester.

Dining and social life are notably more affordable as well. A pint of beer in a London pub averages £6.00, compared to just £3.00 in Manchester. Taxi fares are lower too, with starting prices around £4.00 in London and £2.30 in Manchester. For parents, the cost of preschool is another important factor — in London, monthly preschool fees average £1,517.74, whereas in Manchester they are significantly lower, averaging around £1,054.90.

Even eating out is more budget-friendly: a meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant costs about £30 in London, compared to around £20 in Manchester.

Overall, the cost of living in Manchester (excluding rent) is roughly 8–10% lower than in London, and rental costs are over 100% lower, making it a financially attractive option for those considering relocation.

Property and Rental Prices

Housing is one of the biggest savings you’ll notice after relocating. According to the UK House Price Index and Rightmove:

Average house price in London: £743,741
Average house price in Manchester: £234,629

That’s a 57% difference — making home ownership a much more achievable dream in Manchester.

Rental prices show an even starker contrast:

London: 1-bedroom flat average £1,667/month
Manchester: 1-bedroom flat average £611/month

Popular and affordable areas to rent or buy in Manchester include Wigan, Tameside, Altrincham, Didsbury, and Manchester city centre.

Employment and Salary Differences

While salaries are typically higher in London, the gap isn’t as wide as you might think when adjusted for living costs:

Average salary in London: £40,000
Average salary in Manchester: £31,000

Manchester’s job market is thriving, with top sectors including digital media, healthcare, finance, education, and logistics. MediaCityUK, home to BBC and ITV studios, has also positioned Manchester as a major UK hub for creative industries.

Woman using the removal costs calculator

Cultural Life and Social Scene

Manchester rivals London when it comes to lifestyle, music, food, and entertainment.

You’ll find:

World-class museums like the Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.
An outstanding nightlife and restaurant scene, including the famous Curry Mile.
Vibrant multicultural events, art festivals, and football culture led by Manchester United and Manchester City.
Proximity to the Peak District and countryside retreats.

It’s an energetic city with friendly locals — Mancunians are known for their warmth, humour, and pride in their city.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Manchester

Here’s a quick look at the main advantages and challenges:

Pros:

Property and rent much cheaper than London
Shorter commute times
Plenty of green spaces nearby
Strong cultural scene and social life
Friendly, welcoming community
Many job opportunities across multiple sectors

Cons:

Lower average salaries
Manchester is a smaller city than London
Higher rainfall than the south of England
Some areas are still developing compared to London’s established infrastructure

Is one van enough to move to Manchester? Find out in under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from London to Manchester

How long does it take to move from London to Manchester?

On moving day, the drive from London to Manchester usually takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. Full moving processes, including loading and unloading, often take 6 to 8 hours.

Is it cheaper to live in Manchester compared to London?

Yes, living in Manchester is much cheaper. Housing costs can be over 100% lower, and overall living expenses (utilities, food, transportation) are 8–10% cheaper than in London.

Can I move from London to Manchester with a man and van service?

Yes. For smaller moves or lighter loads, a man and van service is a cost-effective option. Prices usually start from around £400 to £700, depending on the van size and number of movers needed.

When is the best time to move from London to Manchester?

If possible, try to avoid peak times like weekends, month-end dates, and summer holidays. Booking a mid-week, off-peak date can often save you money and guarantee better availability.

What are the best areas to live in Manchester after moving?

Popular areas for newcomers include Didsbury, Chorlton, Altrincham, and Sale for families, or Northern Quarter and Ancoats for young professionals seeking a vibrant city life.

Do removal companies offer packing and storage for long-distance moves?

Most professional removal companies provide full packing services, furniture disassembly, and short- or long-term storage options as part of a London-to-Manchester move. Always confirm these services during your quote process.