London vs Manchester — which is cheaper for students?

London: +£558/mo
Manchester: +£500/mo
£58/month better off in London
£2,088 over 3 years

Monthly breakdown

London students receive £358/month more in maintenance loan. This partially offsets higher accommodation costs, but rarely fully.
LondonManchester
Maintenance loan£1,529/mo£1,171/mo
Cheapest halls−£671/mo−£411/mo
Transport−£100/mo−£60/mo
Food (estimate)−£200−£200
Monthly balance+£558+£500
Work hours/week0 hrs0 hrs
Over 3 years+£20,088+£18,000
Loan rateLondonStandard

Based on maximum maintenance loan (household income under £25,000). Halls figure uses the cheapest option at any university in that city. 2025/26 rates.

The verdict

The financial difference between London and Manchester is small — just £58/month. Other factors (course quality, career outcomes, where you want to live) should carry more weight.

Universities in each city

Compare University College London vs University of Manchester →

Student stories

London

Zac's story

What it's actually like to be a student in London

Read Zac's story →

Manchester

Aisha's story

What it's actually like to be a student in Manchester

Read Aisha's story →

After university — what do graduates earn?

Estimated monthly take-home pay after income tax and National Insurance, at starting salary.

CareerLondonManchester
Software engineer£2,394/mo£2,394/mo
Nurse (Band 5)£2,034/mo£2,034/mo
Teacher (M1)£2,093/mo£2,093/mo

Salaries in London are often higher, but so is the cost of living. Net financial position varies by career and employer. Starting salary figures. After-tax estimates only — excludes pension contributions.

Student guide to London →Student guide to Manchester →

Choosing between London and Manchester?

Send this comparison to your parents before the UCAS reply deadline.