Cost Comparison 2025

VancouvervsManchester

Canada
United Kingdom

Overall

💰

-10.0%

Vancouver is 10.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-50.0%

Housing is 50.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-4.0%

Restaurants 4.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-15.0%

Food shopping 15.0% less

Comparing the cost of living between Vancouver, Canada and Manchester, United Kingdom reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vancouver is more affordable than Manchester by approximately 10.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Vancouver are higher than in Manchester by 100%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver's city center costs around CA$2,600, while the same in Manchester is approximately £1,100.

Dining out in Vancouver costs about the same compared to Manchester. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Vancouver versus £14 in Manchester.

Public transportation in Vancouver is more expensive, with monthly passes at CA$131 compared to £80 in Manchester.

Grocery shopping in Vancouver is more expensive by approximately 18%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Vancouver can expect to spend approximately CA$698 per month (excluding rent), while in Manchester, the same lifestyle would cost around £516. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,443 monthly in Vancouver versus £1,805 in Manchester. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Vancouver, Canada
Manchester, United Kingdom

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,600
£1,100
1BR Outside Center
CA$2,100
£800
3BR City Center
CA$4,500
£2,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
£14
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
£55
Cappuccino
CA$6
£3
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
£5

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
£1
Bread (500g)
CA$4
£1
Eggs (12)
CA$5
£3
Cheese (1kg)
CA$18
£8

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
£3
Monthly Pass
CA$131
£80
Taxi Start
CA$4
£3
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
£2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$120
£175
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$85
£33
Mobile Minute
CA$0
£0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Manchester to Vancouver, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Vancouver to Manchester requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Vancouver

Cost of Living Index80
Rent Index80
Purchasing Power Index90

Manchester

Cost of Living Index72
Rent Index40
Purchasing Power Index82

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vancouver more expensive than Manchester?

No, Vancouver is approximately 10.0% cheaper than Manchester. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Vancouver compared to Manchester?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 91% of your Manchester salary when living in Vancouver. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Manchester, you'd need about $45,455 in Vancouver for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vancouver and Manchester?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 100%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Vancouver offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Vancouver provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Vancouver if you prioritize earning potential, or Manchester for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Vancouver vs Manchester?

In Vancouver, a single person needs approximately CA$2,798 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,943. In Manchester, these figures are £1,316 for singles and £3,205 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Vancouver and Manchester in 2025 shows moderate differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Manchester to maintain your lifestyle from Vancouver

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers