Manchester, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#618
53.479489, -2.245114
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England, known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 550,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 70 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GBP ≈ 1.39 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include EE, Vodafone, and O2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include Revolut, Monzo, and traditional banks like HSBC and Barclays. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local letting agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo offer extensive options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include YHA Manchester and Hatters Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces Manchester in the Northern Quarter is popular among freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | North Tea Power is a work-friendly cafe with good coffee and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com features various tech and startup networking events regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Manchester Expats Facebook Group for meetups and socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates widely across Manchester, alongside local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobikes can be rented easily throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Blackpool Beach is about 1 hour away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Flybe operates frequent domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Manchester Airport serves many major international airlines including British Airways and Ryanair. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | M60 motorway provides major road connections. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Manchester Piccadilly Station is the main train station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | System includes Day Saver tickets and monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains to nearby cities like Liverpool and Leeds are frequent and reliable. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Manchester Royal Infirmary is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Manchester offers various classes across the city. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | PureGym and The Gym Group both offer affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services such as Express Laundry are widely available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the famous Manchester tart. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan food options include The Allotment and Eighth Day Cafe. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Treat yourself at the infamous Cow Cheap Cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Arndale Market for budget shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK operates widely in Manchester. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Asda offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Northern Quarter and Deansgate are popular nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cloudwater Brewery is one of the most famous local breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinyl Wine Café offers a cozy atmosphere for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Smithfield Market hosts various street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try a curry on the famous Curry Mile in Rusholme. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic Beetham Tower and the John Rylands Library. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Art Gallery are essential visits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Royal Exchange Theatre is an important cultural site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Manchester Cathedral for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Manchester International Festival is held every two years. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Northern Quarter is known for its artists and musicians. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Palace Theatre hosts numerous performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Manchester Christmas Markets are a must-visit in winter. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The O2 Apollo is an iconic music venue. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art around the Northern Quarter. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery offers various workshops across different cuisines. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Explore independent galleries in the Northern Quarter. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Manchester Town Hall is a notable landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Manchester is known for its rich industrial history and contributions to music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Peak District is an accessible national park within an hour's drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bridgewater Canal offers scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the top of the Beetham Tower is stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore Platt Fields Park for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Heaton Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Royal Mail provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store and Currys PC World offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Parlour in the Northern Quarter welcomes enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Manchester Academy offers various language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Manchester Central Library is a great study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Zion Centre provides diverse community resources. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nexus Gaming is a popular gaming lounge. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Grosvenor Casino is a well-known venue for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The UK standard corporate tax rate is 19%. (Note: Set to rise in 2023) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Standard dividend tax rates apply, with 0%, 7.5%, 32.5%, and 38.1% depending on earnings. |
| 🏦 Tax System | UK residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, the UK has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Council tax applies based on property value and local council. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax is applied at various rates depending on the purchase price. |