Located in the northwestern region of England, Manchester is a vital part of Greater Manchester and ranks as the second-largest city in the country. As of 2025, the city is home to of 627,700 people. Greater Manchester as a whole has a population of approximately 2.83 million people. Manchester holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution between 1760 and 1820, catalysing the growth of trade in businesses in Europe and the US. Â
Today, Manchester is a thriving hub for various industries, including creative, financial, manufacturing, media, startup and research sectors. The city is an ideal destination for expats seeking a vibrant and diverse place to call home.
Additionally, the presence of four universities creates a dynamic international community here, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere and making Manchester a prime destination for those looking to live and work in a diverse, innovative and culturally rich environment.
The best neighbourhoods in Manchester
There are several apartments in the city that you can rent or buy, but they are likely expensive. Many opt to stay in the city centre, mainly due to the ease of transportation, job opportunities and social life.
There are more houses than apartments in the outer area, which are relatively cheaper to rent or buy. However, staying in these areas may require longer commutes to the city centre. If you still wish to remain in the outer area, consider transportation options, especially if you work in the city centre.
You can either use a car or, if that's not an option, rely on the tram or train, the most practical commuting choices in the city. With to the Metrolink network, though, connectivity to outer areas is expected to improve significantly in the coming years.
Central Manchester
Manchester's city centre is divided into several different areas, each with distinct identities that help address various needs and tastes.
We go into each one in more detail below, but for a quick look:
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- /New Islington;
- Victoria/Green Quarter;
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- Millennium Quarter;
- University/Oxford Road;
- MediaCity.
The Northern Quarter
Manchester's bohemian hub features bars, live music venues, exhibition spaces and coffee shops. Known for its alternative identity and street art, the is a highly sought-after residential area within walking distance of Piccadilly and Victorian stations. Average rents here range from £1,400 to £1,500 for one-bedroom apartments.
Ancoats/New Islington
A younger urban area in Manchester's north with restaurants, event spaces and independent cafes. attracts young professionals with converted mill buildings and modern developments, while New Islington offers abundant green spaces and tram connections to Piccadilly.
Rents here range from £1,600 to £1,700 for a two-bedroom apartment in New Islington, or between £1,800 and £2,000 for premium Ancoats apartments.
Victoria/Green Quarter
This is a quieter residential area just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, close to Victoria Station. Popular with commuters for easy access to both the city centre and outer Manchester. Known for modern apartments, shops and pubs as part of Manchester's regeneration.
The Village
This is Manchester's vibrant LBGTQ+ district centered around Canal Street. features numerous bars, clubs and music events in converted industrial properties. Parking is challenging, but transportation networks are well-developed here.
Castlefield
is a picturesque canal area in southwest Manchester with iconic canal walks, red brick bridges, converted loft apartments and the Manchester Science and Industry Museum. Features the Castlefield Viaduct urban park. Expensive but growing steadily, with excellent motorway, Deansgate and Oxford Road connections.
Millennium Quarter
Regenerated after the 1900s IRA bomb attack, the includes Printworks entertainment centre, the cathedral, Triangle and the Arndale shopping center. Close to the central and northern quarters, bustling on weekends with many young professional residents. Rents here can range between £1,750 and £1,850 for a spacious one-bedroom apartment.
University/Oxford Road
Home to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, creating the University Quarter. Features vibrant nightlife with pubs, bars, live music and events. Housing is cheaper, especially towards Rusholme, with a large student population.
MediaCity
Manchester's media and digital business district (known as ) houses the BBC's regional headquarters as well as ITV. It's not in the city centre but offers bars, restaurants, museums, shops and theatre all within walking distance.
There are high living costs due to the business district status, but they're not as high as The Northern Quarter, Ancoats and New Islington. Living here means you'll have a 15-minute tram connection to the city centre, and rents range from £1,500 to £1,600 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.
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Greater Manchester area
Greater Manchester is the second populous urban area in England. Several popular residential areas offer different advantages in terms of social activities, commuting and affordability.
In fact, there's ten borough areas that make up Greater Manchester, these are:
- Bolton;
- Bury;
- Manchester;
- Oldham;
- Rochdale;
- Salford;
- Stockport;
- Tameside;
- Trafford;
- Wigan.
Below, we take a look at three of the most popular areas with expats in Greater Manchester due to their close proximity to the city.
Salford
Just a five-minute walk from the city centre,  offers an urban vibe with good bars, cafes, and a train station. It provides relatively affordable living compared to central Manchester while hosting the University of Salford and over 150 major companies, including Cussons, Avis and BUPA.
Didsbury/Chorlton
These popular South Manchester areas attract residents with their blend of residential charm, vibrant dining scene, and 15-minute tram journey to the city centre. Prices have risen significantly - large detached houses now cost seven figures - but the friendly, community atmosphere makes them popular with expats.
Trafford
Home to the (one of the UK's largest shopping malls) and (Manchester United's football ground), this diverse area offers a mix of residential neighbourhoods and commercial centers, blending urban and suburban living.
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Types and cost of accommodation in Manchester
Manchester's living costs are reasonable and significantly lower than London's cost of living. According to , rent is approximately 46% lower than in London in 2025, as this gap has narrowed slightly due to recent price increases in Manchester.
According to the (ONS), the average monthly rent reached £1,316 - representing a 5.8% increase from the previous year. This upward trend reflects Manchester's strong economic growth and increasing demand for housing.
Various types of accommodation, from rooms to apartments and houses, are available for rent in Manchester. Prices vary according to the type of accommodation and location, with prices being relatively lower in outer areas. South Manchester areas like Didsbury and Chorlton, mentioned above, are very expensive compared to North Manchester, but you can still find houses within an affordable price range.
Rochdale offers some of the cheapest rent at aroundfor a house, while properties in Salford can be found for £1,200 to £1,400.
Finding accommodation in Manchester
No matter the type of accommodation you're looking for, connecting with a real estate agent is a good idea. After all, Manchester's rental market is highly competitive, with strong growth driven by high demand, limited housing supply and broader economic conditions.
Competition is fierce, especially at lower price points, so preparation and quick action are essential.
Where to search
The easiest place to start is online - there are several websites that expats can use to help them find accommodation, whether to rent or buy.
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- Facebook Groups (eg ).
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If you live in East Manchester, you may get a house with views of the Pennine Hills, a continuous range of mountains.
Working and life in Manchester
Manchester, also known as the ‘capital of the North', is a great place to live and work in England. Life here offers all the opportunities of a big city while being more community-oriented than London, with the added benefit of being close to nature through two nearby national parks, which enhances work-life balance.
Economy and employment opportunities
Manchester's economy is currently experiencing significant growth, with the city an annual average growth of 2.2% between 2024 and 2027, making it the second fastest-growing economy in the country. This expansion is creating numerous job opportunities across various sectors, particularly in technology, finance and creative industries.
Key employers include The Christie NHS Foundation Trust for Cancer Care and Research, Ericsson, Kellogg's and Siemens. The BBC's regional headquarters are in Manchester Salford Quays' MediaCity, which is also the location of ITV, England's oldest commercial network.
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The worker bee has been one of Manchester's most potent symbols since the mid-1800s, representing Mancunians' hard work ethics, and the city's thriving activities and business environment.
Digital connectivity and lifestyle
Manchester is digitally advanced, with initiatives designed to benefit its residents. The city is constantly connected to the internet - meaning you can roam the city while accessing online services like bike shares, online ticket purchases and updated travel information with ease.
It's not all about technology here, though; the city is close to the Peak District and Lake District National Parks, which both offer plenty of outdoor adventures. In addition, the coast overlooking the Irish Sea is less than a two hour drive away.
Sports and culture
Sports lovers will appreciate Manchester being the home of two of the world's biggest football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City.
There's also so much to see and do if you're into the arts. , which is part of the and is located in Whitworth Park on the university campus has a collection of no less than 55,000 items. Other museums worth visiting are the , the (the entry for the permanent exhibition is free) and the
Interesting facts
The correct demonym for the people of Manchester is Mancunians, which originates from the Latin word for the area, ‘Mancunium'. This was also the name that the Roman invaders gave to the fort they built.
is one of the city's most cherished annual events, organised by the Manchester City Council. Central to the festivities are a lively parade, family-friendly activities, and many market stalls. This celebration represents Manchester's history, culture, and vibrant community.
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Transportation
Navigating Manchester is convenient through the Metrolink, an extensive tram and light rail network that spans 105 kilometers throughout Greater Manchester. The network is part of the expanding ‘', with plans to extend lines to surrounding towns including Stockport, Rochdale and Bolton.
Manchester's uses a zone-based pricing structure. For most residents, a Zone 1+2 monthly pass costs around £99 to £200, depending on where you live, which covers central Manchester and its immediate surrounding areas.
If you need access to the outer Greater Manchester areas, all-zone monthly passes range from £141 to £242.
With that said, most people living in central Manchester find Zone 1+2 coverage sufficient for daily commuting, while those in the suburbs may need the comprehensive all-zone pass.
As for travel, is a significant gateway for national and international air travel. Lastly, London is easily accessible by train, which takes approximately two hours.
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