For a long time, Manchester was seen as an industrial city with a working-class past and a lot of history—but not necessarily a top international destination. That’s changed. Quietly but steadily, Manchester has become an increasingly popular choice for people moving to the UK from abroad. It’s no longer just a cheaper alternative to London—it’s a place people come to, and stay.

Here are some of the main reasons why so many people from different countries are choosing to call this city home.

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A more manageable cost of living

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Living in London can be overwhelming when it comes to expenses. Rent is sky-high, public transportation adds up quickly, and finding a decent place or job feels like a full-time job in itself. Manchester, by comparison, is a lot more affordable. A nice apartment in the city center costs significantly less, and eating out, getting around, or even doing your weekly grocery shopping tends to be easier on the wallet.

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And you’re not sacrificing comfort. Manchester has solid infrastructure, cool neighborhoods, green spaces, and all the basics of city life—without the constant pressure.

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Solid job market

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Manchester has been attracting all kinds of companies in recent years—big names and smaller players alike. You’ll find offices for Amazon, the BBC, Deloitte, and plenty of other tech, finance, and creative firms. Startups are also popping up regularly.

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That means there are real opportunities for international professionals: developers, engineers, designers, marketers, data analysts, you name it. A lot of companies are open to hiring from abroad, especially if you bring valuable experience or speak multiple languages. The work environment feels active, but not as intense or draining as in other large cities.

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A mix of cultures, languagesa and faces

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Manchester is a very mixed city. You’ll meet people from just about everywhere, Spain, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, China, Pakistan, and many more. It’s easy to find someone who’s been through a similar move, or who’s also figuring things out.

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There are plenty of meetups, language exchanges, expat groups, and international events around the city. You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one—lots of people here are in the same situation.

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Plenty to do

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Even though it’s smaller than London, Manchester has a lot going on. Live music, galleries, museums, independent cinemas, food festivals, sports matches, vintage markets, there’s always something happening.

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You can walk or bike almost anywhere, and each neighborhood has its own vibe, with local cafés, pubs, and community events. It’s easy to build a routine that works for you, whether you’re into going out or just like taking quiet walks and finding good coffee.

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Good for families too

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Manchester isn’t just for young professionals. A lot of families from abroad have moved here because of the schools, healthcare, or the more relaxed pace compared to other big cities.

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There are good public schools, international schools, and respected universities. You’ll also find calm residential areas, big parks, and activities for kids all over the place. Many families arrive thinking they’ll stay a couple of years—and end up settling in long term.

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Well connected

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Manchester Airport offers direct flights to dozens of European cities and a few long-haul destinations as well. For people who travel often or want to stay close to home, that’s a big plus.

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You can also take a fast train to London in about two hours, and other nearby cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield are just a short ride away. If you live in or near the center, you probably won’t need a car.

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A city that keeps evolving

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Manchester has been changing a lot in the last decade. Areas like Ancoats, Salford Quays, and New Islington—once seen as a bit rough—are now full of cafés, new apartments, art studios, and co-working spaces. There’s been a lot of investment, but the city has kept its personality.

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You’ll find a mix of options depending on your taste and budget—modern and newly developed, or more traditional and characterful. It’s not polished to perfection, and that’s part of what makes it feel real.

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Manchester isn’t perfect—but it’s got something that makes people stay. It might not be as flashy as some other cities, but it offers a more grounded, balanced, and approachable way of living. If you’re looking for something different without going too far off the map, it’s a solid choice.

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You don’t need to be a football fan, an Oasis lover, or have a job lined up to make the move. A bit of curiosity and a willingness to adapt are more than enough. The rest, you figure out along the way.

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