Manchester is England's third-largest city after Birmingham and London and is one of the most dynamic economic hubs in the country and Europe. This thriving industrial and cultural center offers plenty of professional opportunities across diverse sectors, making it an increasingly attractive destination for expats seeking alternatives to London's high costs and competitive market.Â
Located at the heart of Greater Manchester, the city is surrounded by significant urban areas, including Trafford, Bolton, Stockport, Oldham, Bury, Rochdale, and Salford. Manchester's economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with the city now positioned as one of England's fastest-growing economic centers.
Manchester's economy
Manchester is expected to record the growth of all towns and cities in England from 2025 to 2028, with job numbers forecast to grow at an average annual rate of 1.3%.
By 2028, Manchester's local economy is projected to be larger than in 2024, demonstrating the city's economic growth in the coming years.
The city's economy is powered by several key sectors that continue to drive growth, including technology, finance, science, creative sectors, logistics, construction, the agriculture industry, sports, and infrastructure. The city remains home to major national and international companies, including companies like the BBC.
The transportation industry is another thriving sector in Manchester, along with the hotel industry and catering. Tourism plays a significant role here thanks to its sports heritage, attracting fans from all over. The city also owes its history to several industrial revolutions, discoveries, and scientific inventions. The prominent music culture and the proximity of the Lancashire countryside have also played a significant role in this.
Last but not least, with five higher education institutions and more than 90,000 students every year, Manchester is also a leading European student city.
Finding a job in Manchester
As an expat, you need to have a good command of English before applying for any job in Manchester.
Also, you should ensure that your CV and cover letter are adapted to British standards before distributing them to companies.
The best way to find a job in Manchester is via online job search engines and setting up notifications for jobs that interest you. Popular websites include:
- ;
- ;
- .
For those searching for academic positions, try and the . For healthcare, visit the .
Before applying, make sure your resume is updated regularly and readily available for recruiters.
Additionally, consider signing up with recruitment agencies and uploading your CV to their website, or visit the agency directly.
Take the interview as seriously as possible and invest time in preparing for a panel interview, a common recruitment process in the UK—even if it is conducted online due to the pandemic health and safety measures.
Good to know:
The hospitality and retail industries in Manchester are the best options for those who need a job urgently, whereas students can explore part-time job opportunities provided by universities. Check out the updated job list, which is available at the university administration.
Useful links:
Why Manchester is a good place to work
Manchester offers excellent transportation links with an integrated public transport system that's made up of buses, trams and trains. The developing aims to create London-style integrated transport, making commuting throughout Greater Manchester increasingly convenient.
For expats, the city offers an exceptional quality of life thanks to its rich cultural scene, nightlife and dining options. You also have easy access to natural areas like the Lake District, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales from here, and the city as a whole offers lower living costs compared to London - all while maintaining high professional opportunities for workers.
Everyday life in Manchester
As one of England's most liveable cities, Manchester provides expats with an excellent quality of life, diverse neighbourhoods and a strong sense of community that makes settling in both enjoyable and straightforward. Plus, thanks to the city's compact size and excellent transport, it's easy to navigate the city while building a lifestyle.
Cost of living
The cost of living overall here remains lower than in London, but the city still offers comparable amenities and opportunities.
Understanding the main expense categories will help you budget effectively for your new life in the city - this should include housing costs, transportation (car ownership versus a bus or tram pass), and daily expenses like food, dining out, utilities and entertainment.
Daily life
Manchester is home to many shopping outlets, including high-fashion boutiques like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY and Emporio Armani. Shopping malls, department stores and independent markets are abundant, such as Affleck's indoor market and Manchester Arndale. Outside of the city centre, you'll also find the Trafford Centre a short drive away.
As far as the city's food scene goes, there's plenty to choose from—including Rusholme's Curry Mile, authentic Chinatown, modern British restaurants, and traditional pubs. Entertainment here spans legendary music venues (like the AO Arena, O2 Apollo, and Co-op Live), a varied nightlife, world-famous football clubs, and over 50 galleries and museums.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
