Travel Budget for Manchester Visit Manchester on a Budget or Travel in Style

Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Europe / United Kingdom / England /
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Manchester is a dynamic city known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Manchester, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Manchester?

You should plan to spend around $289 (£224) per day on your vacation in Manchester. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $124 (£96) on meals
  • $24 (£19) on local transportation
  • $183 (£142) on hotels

A one week trip to Manchester for two people costs, on average, $4,051 (£3,136). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $289
    £224
  • One Week Per person
    $2,025
    £1,568
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $4,051
    £3,136
  • One Month Per person
    $8,681
    £6,720
  • One Week For a couple
    $4,051
    £3,136
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $8,102
    £6,272
  • One Month For a couple
    $17,361
    £13,440
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Manchester cost?

A one week trip to Manchester usually costs around $2,025 (£1,568) for one person and $4,051 (£3,136) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Manchester on average costs around $4,051 (£3,136) for one person and $8,102 (£6,272) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Manchester will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Manchester on average costs around $8,681 (£6,720) for one person and $17,361 (£13,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Manchester expensive to visit?

Manchester is a bustling city full of activities to keep you entertained. With travelers coming from all walks of life, you'll see everything from budget adventurers to high-end explorers enjoying the scene. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Manchester can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $115 (£89) per day, mid-range travelers spend $289 (£224) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $719 (£557) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Manchester.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Manchester is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lausanne or Lemnos.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Manchester Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Manchester?

The average Manchester trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Manchester travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Manchester cost?

Manchester on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$37
(£29) 		$92
(£71) 		$217
(£168)
Local Transportation 1 $10
(£7.69) 		$24
(£19) 		$56
(£44)
Food 2 $51
(£40) 		$124
(£96) 		$279
(£216)
Entertainment 1 $17
(£13) 		$39
(£30) 		$75
(£58)
Alcohol 2 $3-8
(£2-6) 		$6-19
(£5-15) 		$13-40
(£10-31)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Manchester cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $115 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Manchester, such as YHA Manchester and PH Hostel Manchester NQ1. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Additionally, the city boasts excellent public transit, allowing budget travelers to evade costly taxi or Uber trips. Visitors to Manchester often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Manchester wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $289 per person, per day.

Manchester boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel is an excellent family-friendly option, while Didsbury House Hotel is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Manchester here.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $719. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Manchester

In Manchester, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $84 and peak summer season rising to an average of $157. Prices typically range from $50 to $269, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Manchester for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $183 (£142). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $92 (£71) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $92
    £71
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $183
    £142

Hotels in Manchester

Looking for a hotel in Manchester? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Manchester

The average hotel room price in Manchester based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $84 in the low season and $157 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Manchester include:

  • Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel starting at $148
  • Didsbury House Hotel starting at $136
  • Hotel Football Old Trafford a Tribute Portfolio Hotel starting at $85
  • Innside by Melia Manchester starting at $90
  • Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford starting at $84
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Manchester

Manchester features a wide selection of places to stay, as it is a large city. From budget hostels such as YHA Manchester to vacation rentals and luxurious hotels, there are options for everyone. However, if you choose to stay in the city center, be ready for higher prices while enjoying the convenience of public transit and nearby attractions.

You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the city in Manchester thanks to a great public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.

Manchester is known for being family friendly, so when traveling with kids, look for accommodations that offer more space. Rooms in a big city like this can be small and feel a little cramped.

If you plan your trip outside of summer and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Manchester

Manchester is a vast city, so transportation is crucial, but thankfully, the public transit system here is excellent. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel. Public transit is the most economical choice, but taxis and rideshares are available if you need them.

Some regions of Manchester are walkable, which can enhance your sightseeing experience. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $24 (£19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Manchester. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Manchester is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $24
    £19

Transportation Tips

If public transportation is in your plans often, be sure to take advantage of multi-day transit passes for savings.

Watch out for pickpockets while traveling on buses and trains and in the stations. Remember, Manchester is a bustling city.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Manchester Airport MAN to Liverpool in Business Car for $119 details
  • Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club - Arrival Transfer for $43 details
  • Round Trip Transfer to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for $45 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Manchester
How much does it cost to go to Manchester? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Manchester
The price of renting a car in Manchester will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Manchester?

Below, you'll find common transit prices in Manchester, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00


Food Budget in Manchester

You can't miss the fantastic food in Manchester. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Manchester can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Manchester is $124 (£96) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $124
    £96

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Manchester is around $124 (£96) per person, with previous travelers spending from $51 to $279. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Manchester are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $12 to $37
  • Lunch: $19 to $50
  • Dinner: $37 to $87
  • Coffee: $10
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $19

Like any metropolitan hub, Manchester has a rich and varied dining scene. Traditional fare of England consists of anything you might find in a British pub-fish and chips, bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes), stews, soups, and just about any kind of meat pie you could ask for. A few additional specialties include black pudding (black sausage), Manchester caviar (mushy peas), a carbonated beverage called Vimto, the Manchester egg (a pickled egg coated in black pudding and sausage meat, wrapped in panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden-brown), a pastry known as the Manchester tart, and the Lancashire hotpot made with lamb or mutton and onions and topped with sliced potatoes. With England's imperial history, curry is also a very popular specialty in many British cities, including Manchester-the Curry Mile, for example, features an 800 meter-long stretch of curry restaurants and other Indian goods. English pubs can be found just about everywhere, as well as kebab and pizza shops, but there are also plenty of restaurants serving Asian, Indian, Italian, American, and more.

Food in Manchester

Food & Dining Tips

Eating at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner is a great way to save money. Many dining venues in tourist areas or business centers feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are often smaller and cheaper versions of the dinner menu. If you're willing to search, you might discover a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price. For dinner, you can just enjoy a light meal.

When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Manchester, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience for $64 details
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch for $97 details
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch for $97 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Manchester

It's evident that Manchester is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Manchester typically cost an average of $39 (£30) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $39
    £30

Historically, Manchester dates back to the ancient Roman settlement of Mamucium. The area of this settlement is today known as Castlefield, which still features architectural remnants from the 16th century. Other highlights of this area include its central location in Manchester's canal network, greenery and wildlife at the Urban Heritage Park, and its important role in industrial times, which is showcased at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Landmarks in architecture and history include sights like the University of Manchester, Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Town Hall, St. Ann's Church, and John Ryland's Library, which is home to the earliest known fragment of the New Testament. Known as the "Manchester Fragment," it is a part of St. John’s gospel found near Alexandria, and dates from the first half of the second century, not long after the gospel was first written.

As far as culture, art, and historical learning go, some of Manchester's best museums and galleries include the Museum of Science and Industry, Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Museum, Home, Manchester Art Gallery, and the People’s History Museum, amongst others.

For sports enthusiasts, Old Trafford is the stadium that is home to the Lancashire County Cricket Club and the Manchester United Football Club.



Visitors can explore the sights of central Manchester easily on foot, either at their own pace or on planned tours for a more guided experience. You might be interested in acquiring a tourist discount card known as the Manchester Card to save money on tours and the city's main attractions. There is plenty to see and do throughout the city from art galleries, historic and cultural museums, and architectural landmarks, to shopping, dining, and theatre entertainment.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in ManchesterManchester is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Music:
Manchester boasts a vibrant music scene that brings in a diverse crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Shopping:
Shopping in ManchesterYou won't want to miss out on the shopping here. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Manchester. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester for $79 details
  • Manchester City Walking Tour for $18 details
  • Inspirational guided walking tour of Media City & Salford Quays for $13 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Manchester

The nightlife scene in Manchester is exciting and dynamic, drawing visitors who enjoy exploring the local bars, clubs, and parties. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $13 (£9.90) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Manchester per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $13
    £9.90

Nightlife in Manchester

Nightlife Tips

Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.

When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Manchester. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry for $19 details
  • Manchester : Private Stag Party Pub Crawl with Free Shots for $38 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Manchester

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of summer. To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Manchester offers a vast selection of prices for various services, including accommodations, dining, and entertainment. To save some cash, consider shopping around, booking early, and taking advantage of complimentary activities.
  • Slowing your travel tempo can not only save you money but also let you enjoy the stunning beauty of your surroundings. When you pack each day with activities, costs can rise rapidly. However, a more relaxed pace usually leads to lower expenses and a more enjoyable experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • When traveling with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely on your agenda. It's often easier to avoid the headaches of public transportation, though it may cost you a little extra.
  • Manchester isn't the best place for hostels, so if you're aiming for a budget dorm, you might want to rethink your plans. Checking for cheap hotels or apartment rentals is a better alternative.
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Traveling in Manchester
Manchester Manchester, England

Located in the heart of Northern England, Manchester is the unofficial Capital of the North. Though it dates back as a Roman city, the city boomed in growth during the Industrial Revolution in textiles, and is today one of the most-visited cities in England by overseas travelers.



Neighborhoods & Around

Manchester is generally divided into seven districts, which are further broken down into neighborhoods. East Central, North Central, and West Central make up the very heart of the city, and are surrounded by the remaining districts-North, South, University Corridor, and Salford and the Western Districts.

East Central: Includes the Northern Quarter (many independent shops, local live music), Chinatown (east-Asian restaurants, Chinese food and goods), the Gay Village (historic cotton warehouses, famous bars and club, one of the oldest and most-established gay communities in Europe), and Piccadilly Gardens.

North Central: Millennium Quarter, Deansgate, Spinningfields (business district), St. Anne's Square (upmarket shopping), Market Street (shopping), Arndale Center (shopping), St. Peter's Square, and Albert Square (political center, town hall).

West Central: Castlefield (site of the original Roman settlement Mamucium and has been known as Castlefield since Medieval times), and Peter’s Fields (also known as the Exhibition Quarter, with concert halls and exhibition centers).

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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