Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Aberdeen vs Manchester

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Manchester?

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Manchester. After living costs, Manchester professionals have £7/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Manchester?

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Manchester: £2,517/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Manchester's £1,467/month.

Q: What salary in Manchester matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £34,550 in Manchester delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 68.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Manchester cheaper to live in?

Manchester is cheaper (COL 68 vs 73). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Manchester £1,050/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In Manchester the equivalent is 42%.

Manchester wins on purchasing power. Manchester foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £7/month more disposable income after rent than their Aberdeen counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Manchester salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Manchester wins by

+£7

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Manchester

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester retains £7/month more than in Aberdeen — that's £84/year extra in purchasing power.

+£7

per month

Aberdeen

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,460

Manchester

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,467

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Manchester	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£1,050	0%
Transport	£60	£75	+25%
Council tax	£148	£128	-14%
Groceries	£285	£280	-2%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£839	+1%

Sources: NHS Scotland 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 68 for Manchester, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £34,550 in Manchester.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£34,550

in Manchester

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Aberdeen 33%

Manchester 33%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Manchester £2.58

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Manchester £1.79

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Manchester £37/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Manchester £10.88

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Manchester? +

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Manchester — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Manchester professionals have £7/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Manchester? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Manchester: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Manchester's £1,467/month.

What salary in Manchester matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £34,550 in Manchester delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 68 (Manchester).

Is Aberdeen or Manchester cheaper to live in? +

Manchester is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 68 vs 73 for Aberdeen (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £1,050/month in Manchester.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In Manchester the equivalent ratio is 42%.