Cost of Living in Bolton vs Manchester: Where’s Better Value?

Cost of Living in Bolton vs Manchester

Understanding how Bolton and Manchester stack up financially can help with decisions on where to live, work, or study. Bolton is just 10 miles northwest of Manchester and offers a quieter, more affordable alternative—but how significant is that saving in practice?

Rent and Housing

In Bolton, average private rents reached around £804 per month in June 2025, up 7.7% from the previous year. By contrast, Manchester’s average rental prices are significantly higher: Numbeo reports that even outside the city centre, rents are approximately 15–35% higher, with one-bedroom apartments going up to around £935–£1,186.Zoopla’s data also shows rental growth in Bolton has surged by 31% from 2022 to early 2025. Despite that, Bolton remains more affordable than Manchester.

Groceries, Dining & Everyday Purchases

Numbeo data indicates:

• Restaurant meals in Manchester cost 9.9% more than in Bolton.

• Groceries are approximately 14.1% more expensive in Manchester.

So for daily expenses, Bolton offers a clear saving.

Transport and Utilities

• The cost of a one-way local transport ticket is similar in both cities, but a monthly pass in Manchester is about £90, compared to £64 in Bolton—a difference of around 40%.

• Utility costs (electricity, heating, water) in Bolton are about £237 per month, slightly higher than Manchester’s £219, though the gap is modest.

Salaries and Income Power

Numbeo reports a higher average net salary after tax in Bolton—£2,650, compared to Manchester’s £2,319, or about 14% more take-home pay in Bolton.

This means not only are living costs lower in Bolton, but residents may also keep more of what they earn.

Overall Cost of Living

• Livingcost.org estimates a monthly cost of living in Bolton (including rent) at approximately $2,058, whereas in Manchester it’s around $2,233.

• That’s around a 9% overall saving in Bolton, factoring in accommodation, food, transportation, and utilities.

Summary Table

Category	Bolton	Manchester	Difference
Rent (1-bedroom, outside centre)	£804/month	£935–£1,186/month	~15–35% less in Bolton
Groceries / Dining	Lower	Higher	~10–14% cheaper in Bolton
Transport (monthly pass)	£64	£90	~40% cheaper in Bolton
Utilities (monthly)	£237	£219	Slightly higher in Bolton
Net Salary	£2,650/month	£2,319/month	~14% higher in Bolton
Overall Cost (incl. rent)	~$2,058/month	~$2,233/month	~9% lower in Bolton

FAQs

What’s cheaper: rent or day-to-day items in Bolton? 

Rent shows the most substantial savings. A monthly transport pass and groceries are also notably cheaper.

Are wages higher in Bolton? 

Yes—average net income is approximately 14% higher in Bolton compared to Manchester.

How much could a family save?

Estimates suggest around £100–£150 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Is Bolton suitable for students or professionals? 

Absolutely—lower rent, better earnings, and lower daily costs make Bolton attractive for a range of residents.

Why Bolton Is Better Value

Bolton frequently offers higher net income, lower rent, cheaper everyday costs, and still maintains convenient access to Manchester by road and rail. For students, families, or professionals looking to make their money go further, Bolton offers a compelling balance.

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