Everyone knows the cost of living in London, the exorbitant house prices, and overpriced coffee or a pint. This had led many people to be forced to commute. With the Covid-19 pandemic moving many businesses to operate on an entirely or partly remote basis, London appears to be declining, allowing other cities to thrive. One notable example is Manchester which is becoming increasingly popular. That being said, its popularity has also led to a rise in house prices, particularly in the scenic suburbs surrounding the city of Manchester, such as Altrincham and Hale.
One of the main reasons Manchester is growing rapidly is due to it being home to the students of multiple universities. This has created a knock-on effect as graduates who have settled in the area decide to buy or rent flats in the city after securing grad jobs in the locality. This increasing population is one of the reasons that Manchester is on track to become the next London.
Job prospects
Manchester
With such a large graduate population, Manchester is full of university leavers looking for a job in their chosen field of study. This provides companies with an excellent opportunity to hire recently qualified employees who they can train up to suit their business needs.
Furthermore, the cheap land and office cost of the city is another great advantage for businesses. One of the most recent and highly publicised examples of companies foregoing the Capital in search of cheaper land and property in the North is the BBC, who recently moved to Salford’s media city. This has provided a whole host of new opportunities for northerners looking for these jobs, and it means they don’t have to move to London to achieve their goals.
London
A recent report suggests that London has a record job availability while having the most significant unemployment rate in the UK. This means that it is crucial to learn how to get a job in London if you decide that is where you want to work. Despite this, London is still classed as the UK city that offers the most career opportunities, probably due to the city’s sheer size.
Nightlife
Manchester
There is a mixture of clubs in Manchester which give it such a vibrant nightlife. Regardless of what music you like to listen to, there are options for everyone. We’ve created a list of the top nightclubs to suit each music preference.
42’s- Indie
Warehouse project- Techno
Hidden- Tech and dance
Revolution- House
Club liv- Dance, RnB
Factory- 3 floors of indie, techno/ dance and RnB/ grime
Ultimately, the nightlife you get is dependent on the area of the city you visit. Around Deansgate locks are a variety of standard clubs that play typical club and house music and where you can wear anything from 6-inch stilettos to trainers. Spinningfields is best known for its classier nights out with high-end clubs and Boujee bars. Northern Quarter is always bustling and is the fashion centre of the city; all of the bars here are unique and edgy, playing the hottest tracks and boasting the coolest locations.
London
The capital is famed for its nightlife; it offers world-class theaters, an alternative and exciting scene in Camden, which really is a must-visit, and cool nights out in Shoreditch. Regardless of what night out you fancy, London has something for everyone. Here are some of the top clubs in the Capital:
Fabric- Techno and disco
Printworks- hip hop, dance, and DnB
Studio 338- tech and dance
XOYO- dance
Electric Brixton- dance
Bars and Restaurants
Manchester
Another positive of living in Manchester is that there is something for everyone. Manchester truly has it all, whether you fancy a more stylish, classy cocktail or a cheap pint at a traditional pub. From bars and restaurants situated on top of skyscrapers with unbelievable city views to canal-side dining or exciting clubs. Our favourite sky bars are cloud 23 and 20 stories.
On the other hand, if you want more of a last-minute meal, why not visit hatch or escape to freight island? Here, various foods are served, meaning you have a vast range of options to choose from. You can get anything from Italian to Mexican to Thai, meaning there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds. You can read more about some of the great bars, and restaurants Manchester has to offer on the Enjoy Manchester site.
London
In London you can expect some of the best food in the city, from celebrity chefs to Michelin star restaurants galore, the food here truly is fantastic. If you fancy a meal with a view, why not head up The Shard. If you want a meal by the stars, why not head over to one of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants. If you want some tasty street food, Camden markets are a must-see with a range of delicious cuisines from all over the world.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Manchester is considerably cheaper than it is in London, this goes for more than just rent. To put the rent into perspective, a one-bedroom rented apartment in the city centre of Manchester would cost between £600-950 per month, whereas London, on the other hand, has an average rental cost of around £1,300-2300 for a one-bedroom apartment. Although there is not much difference between the costs of eating out between the two cities, the difference in drink prices does make the average cost of a meal out in London add up, making Manchester a much cheaper option. Groceries, on the other hand, cost a little bit more in London than in Manchester.
- Rent prices in Manchester are 54% lower than in London
- Groceries cost 7% lower in Manchester than in London
Overall, Manchester is a more affordable option concerning the cost of living. However, as Manchester becomes a more and more popular option for graduates, prices will continue to rise. Unlike salaries, they aren’t any higher in Manchester to match the rising cost of living.
So, what do you think, is Manchester the new London? You’ll probably have to visit both before you can make an accurate judgement. We know which city we prefer the sound of.
