Is Manchester cheaper than London for students?

Yes — in general, Manchester is cheaper than London for students, often by a noticeable margin.

The biggest difference is usually accommodation. Student rent in London is typically much higher than in Manchester, though prices in both places can vary a lot by neighbourhood, property type, and year.

Other costs are often lower in Manchester too:

• Transport: Manchester student areas often have cheaper, simpler travel to campus, while getting around London usually costs more over a term because of the Tube, rail, and longer travel distances.
• Social life: Pints, club entry, eating out, and many gig tickets are often cheaper in Manchester than in London.

So the short answer is yes: Manchester is usually cheaper than London for students. That said, it is not especially cheap compared with smaller UK university cities, and the exact difference depends on the course, area, and year you move. Check current rent averages and the latest official student finance figures before deciding.