Pros and Cons of Moving to Manchester

While Manchester may not be the first place you think of when considering a move to the UK, this fast-developing city is becoming an increasingly popular destination among both Brits and expats looking to start a new chapter.

As is the case with any city in the world, there are both pros and cons to living in Manchester. Below are some of the main advantages and disadvantages worth bearing in mind before making the decision to relocate.

Cost of living in Manchester

+ PRO: Rent prices are relatively low

Compared to other major British cities, rent prices in Manchester are low. Apartments in the Northern Quarter tend to be the most expensive because of their sought-after location. If you are willing to live further afield and make use of the city’s excellent public transport networks, you will certainly save on rent and have more left in the budget to spend on entertainment or other costs.

Accommodation in Manchester

+ PRO: A range of accommodation options available

Whether you prefer modern city living or a comfy family home in the suburbs, you’ll find a range of accommodation options available in Manchester. To accommodate the city’s growing population, Manchester has seen a rise in new property developments in recent years, so there is no doubt you will find a suitable home.

Working in Manchester

+ PRO: A variety of job opportunities

Manchester is a dynamic metropolitan area and if you have expertise in industries such as finance, law, biotechnology, or digital media, you will find great opportunities if you plan on working in the city. Another plus is that the job market in Manchester is slightly less competitive than in London, making it the perfect place for those starting out.

- CON: Lower salaries

While there are plenty of job opportunities in Manchester, salaries are noticeably lower than those in London and other major European cities.

Lifestyle in Manchester

+ PRO: Fantastic nightlife and music scene

Manchester is famed for its rich musical history and has been dubbed the UK’s music capital. Whether it's live jazz, classical, indie, or electronic music you fancy, you will be spoilt for choice.

+ PRO: Friendly locals

Most visitors to the UK tend to visit London first and often comment about the unfriendliness of the capital’s population. That won’t be the case in Manchester. Here, you will likely find the locals friendly, curious, and usually eager to engage in conversation.

+ PRO: Culturally diverse and progressive

Manchester is a culturally diverse city thanks to a history of immigration. From Chinatown to the Curry Mile, you will be exposed to a range of different cultural offerings in the city.

- CON: Lots of students

With four universities within close proximity of one another, Manchester is home to a massive student population. Being constantly surrounded by large groups of carefree young people may not be everyone’s cup of tea. That said, living further afield in more affluent areas means that you can largely avoid the student crowd.

Getting around in Manchester

+ PRO: Excellent public transport networks

Manchester is home to a bus route that is thought to be the busiest in all of Europe. You will find getting around the city is relatively easy thanks to excellent bus and tram networks. Plus, bus fares remain competitive owing to the fact that there are a number of different service providers operating on similar routes.

+ PRO: Increased investment into cycling infrastructure

In the past, Manchester was known for being notoriously inhospitable for cyclists. Roadwork, traffic and lack of cycle lanes were just some of the issues that made getting around difficult for cyclists in the city. In recent years, however, the city has invested considerable time and money into improving infrastructure to enable you to cycle safely.

Weather in Manchester

- CON: The rain

Mention Manchester to a Brit and rain is probably the first thing that'll come to mind. This is no exaggeration – the rain and associated grey skies are a constant presence in Manchester. Mancunians don’t allow the weather to get in the way of having fun, however, so do as the locals do and invest in a good umbrella.

+ PRO: The city comes to life on rare sunny days

Sunny days are few and far between in Manchester, but locals certainly make the most of it. Expect to see beer gardens full of students and parks full of families the moment the sun makes an appearance.

Education and schools in Manchester

+ PRO: Free government-funded schooling

As is the case throughout the UK, British citizens and foreign nationals legally living in the UK are entitled to send their children to a government-funded school at little to no cost. That said, you are advised to do some serious research into your chosen school, as standards do vary quite dramatically in Manchester. The better-performing schools tend to be oversubscribed and priority goes to students in the local catchment area.

- CON: No international schools in Manchester

If you wish to have your child continue studying their home curriculum, you will have a hard time in Manchester as there are no schools in the city offering the curriculum of a foreign country. That said, there are several good private schools that teach the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is standardised worldwide.

Healthcare in Manchester

+ PRO: Access to the NHS

Living in Manchester, you will have access to good healthcare in the form of the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. There are some excellent public hospitals in the city where the standard of care is world-class. While patients are required to pay for certain medications, the cost of these is often subsidised and therefore works out considerably cheaper.

- CON: Long NHS waiting lists and expensive private healthcare options

Waiting lists for certain treatments in the UK are long. It's possible to bypass these by exploring options in the private sector. Private healthcare in the UK is expensive, though, and if you have any ongoing health issues or chronic illnesses and plan on using private health services, you should invest in a comprehensive insurance policy.