Whether you are thinking of moving or vacationing in the UK, Manchester and Liverpool are two of the best places that you can be. Both of these cities are located in the Northwest of England and have good transportation systems, these cities have distinct characteristics. 

There are many considerations when it comes to deciding which city is better for you. It will boil down to what your preferences are and what your lifestyle is.

If you are looking for a city that offers bigger space and a more diverse population, then Manchester is a good place for you. On the other hand, Liverpool is a better choice for those who prefer a more affordable lifestyle. 

Want to know more about these cities to help you decide? Read on. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city is bigger?

Although Liverpool is larger than Manchester by 3.28%, the difference between the two cities is so small that it is almost negligible. If the space of the city is your primary consideration, there is not much of a distinction between the two cities. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city is more beautiful?

Both of these cities have breathtaking natural views and admirable architecture. Since beauty is subjective it may be best to explore both places and find which one suits your taste better.

Notable Landmarks in Manchester

Manchester is home to many groundbreaking architectural masterpieces. There is no shortage of stunning educational establishments here such as The Imperial War Museum North, The Manchester Central Library, The John Rylands Library, and many more. 

There are also religious hallmarks like The Manchester Cathedral. It proudly features a cloister garden, stained-glass windows, and a grand organ.

Those who love nature will not be disappointed as there are also many parks across the city. The most popular one is The Heaton Park, which boasts both a lake and an animal shelter. 

Notable Landmarks in Liverpool

Liverpool is a unique city because of its direct access to natural water wonders. That being said, it is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site called The Royal Albert Dock.

Many musical and art icons also hailed from the city, which is why homage to these big names is a common sight wherever you go. 

For instance, there are the Beatles’ childhood homes, where members of the band spent most of their formative years. 

It is also rich with religious buildings with impressive architecture such as The Liverpool Cathedral.

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city is cheaper?

One of the best ways in identifying the cheaper city between Manchester and Liverpool is to consider the cost of living in each one. 

According to statistics, it is more affordable to be in Liverpool and it is also considered as the 15th most affordable city to live in in the UK.

Below is the breakdown of cost of living in both cities.

Cost of Living in Manchester and in Liverpool

If you are looking for a more affordable city to live in, Liverpool may be the best option for you. Here, you and your family can save up to 20% of monthly expenses. 

The rent, food, and transportation is generally more affordable in Manchester. However, it is also worth noting that the average monthly salary in Liverpool is also 20% lower compared to Manchester. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city is more diverse?

Manchester and Liverpool are also almost similar when it comes to their population. In the latest census, Manchester has more people by over 60,000. 

When it comes to its demographics, Manchester is more diverse since the population is composed of a significant number of Southeast Asian residents. There is a Chinatown in the city.

On top of this, Manchester is also known for its large LGTBQA+ community. In fact, it even has a thriving gay village.

On the other hand, the population in Liverpool is 90%, white residents. However, the city is still multicultural as it has a notable Irish, Chinese, African, and Caribbean community as well. 

These influences are present in the attractions found in each city such as their restaurants, museums, galleries, music, and more. There are even festivals to commemorate the culture of each sub-group in the area.

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which has a better location?

Both of the cities are located in Northwest England. So, there is not much difference as well.

However, Manchester is nearer to the capital of the UK, which is London. If you want quicker access to trade and establishment in London, then Manchester may be a better choice. 

On the other hand, since Liverpool is closer to the banks of the River Mersey and the Irish Sea, it has better access to ports. With this, travelling by sea is significantly easier in Liverpool. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city offers better transportation?

Both cities have commendable urban planning, which makes it easy for commuters to move around both these cities.

First, Manchester and Liverpool have reliable taxis and car-hailing mobile applications. This option is available for those who prefer a more private mode of transportation. 

On top of this, It is also worth noting that both cities are walkable and bike-friendly – a great option for those who prefer a healthier, cost-effective, and environmentally-conscious mode of transportation. 

There are just a few significant differences that set them apart from each other. 

Public Transport in Manchester

For instance, Manchester’s major modes of transportation are trains and trams. This is run by Metrolink, which allows Mancunians to move across the city without worrying about traffic.

There are also city buses that run across train tracks. Some of the buses that pass through famous tourist destinations are free, which is an advantage to tourists. 

Public Transport in Liverpool

With this in mind, the backbone of Liverpool’s commute is their buses. In fact, about 82% of their everyday public transport is by bus.

This is the city’s initiative for its residents to avoid using cars in order to resolve traffic issues. 

On top of this, there are also ferries available in the city. However, ferries are more often used as a cruise for tourists instead of a practical mode of transportation. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city has more cultural offerings?

Manchester is a good tourist attraction because of its wide range of tourist destinations. It would be a great place to explore if you want to expand your knowledge as it is rich with museums and galleries. 

On top of this,  there are also many nightlife activities that you can explore. Deansgate has a series of clubs and pubs that are perfect for a night of partying or relaxed drinking. 

On the other hand, Liverpool is a good place to be if you want to explore football stadiums. There are two premiere football stadiums with about 40,000 capacities in the city – perfect for sports enthusiasts.

The two stadiums are only about a mile apart, which will make it easy for tourists to visit the two within one day. 

On top of this, you may also be closer to nature with some of the city cruises that you can enjoy in the city. There is a  350-metre-long floating structure in the River Mersey, which is called the Liverpool Cruise Terminal.

Since there are many icons from Liverpool, such as The Beatles, there are also many guided tours where you can trace the footsteps of such popular musicians. 

Just note that since Liverpool is more popular than Manchester, the tours are usually more crowded and more expensive. Either way, both cities are great for tourists. 

Manchester vs. Liverpool: Which city has better entertainment options?

Since the cities are in close proximity, there is not much difference in terms of the lifestyle of their residents. Both Mancunians and Liverpudlians have an affinity for sports and music.

With this, there are a lot of stadiums and music venues that one can enjoy every day.

Aside from this, there are also a lot of shopping malls, restaurants, and other recreational establishments in both places. 

However, there are a few things that set them apart from each other. 

Lifestyle in Manchester

Since Manchester has many renowned schools and universities, there are many students in the area. Most of them hailed from various parts of the world and are seeking advanced education at The University of Manchester, The Manchester Metropolitan University, and other learning institutions.  

This adds to the youthful vibe of the city, where you will find fun and modern establishments. 

Manchester is also known for its vibrant nightlife. Here, there is never a shortage of lively establishments where one can dine, drink, and dance until the morning.

Furthermore, the gay village in Manchester is also home to businesses where LGTBQA+ members are welcomed and celebrated.

Lifestyle in Liverpool

The lifestyle in Liverpool is generally centred on two aspects: sports and music.

There are many sports stadiums that regularly host football games where residents can either play or watch. This is a popular activity for friends and family.

When it comes to music, the city continues to pay homage to the icons who came from the place. Of course, the most popular one is The Beatles.

However, there are others like The La’s, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Echo & the Bunnymen, and many others. One can enjoy countless establishments and events that celebrate the work of such musicians. 

On top of this, there are also many music venues where popular and upcoming artists perform regularly.

Employment Opportunities: Which city has better livelihood?

Both Manchester and Liverpool are major cities in the UK. With this comes a lot of work and business opportunities for its residents. 

It is also worth noting that the employment rate for both cities is around 4%, which is relatively low. This means that there is space for those who want to move to these cities and try their luck in making a living here.

Employment Opportunities in Manchester

Manchester is known for its wide range of opportunities in industries such as finance and technology. Many big corporations hold their business here, much to the delight of Mancunians and residents of nearby cities, since it provides a lot of employment opportunities for them. 

On top of that,  there is also a demand for expatriates who can offer their expertise in such fields.

There are also a lot of professional services in the city. There is space for medical, legal, and digital practitioners to conduct business here.

Employment Opportunities in Liverpool

Liverpool provides a distinct set of job opportunities to its residents because of its maritime industry. Here, ship captains, deck officers, port operators, and other roles essential for sea shipping and transportation are in demand.

The manufacturing sector in the city is also strong. In fact, it ranks 8th in the list of highest value manufacturing hotspots in the UK by Advanced Engineering.

With this, there are endless job opportunities for those who want to work in factories and other similar establishments. 

Real Estate Market: Which city offers more affordable properties?

Because both Manchester and Liverpool have bustling economies, each also has an active real estate market for locals, internal migrants, and expatriates.

Real Estate Market in Manchester

The cost of living in Manchester is higher compared to Liverpool. This is why it is only understandable that the real estate market is also more costly here. 

The average cost of a home here is £284,922 – which is 3.7% more affordable when compared to the UK’s average of £296,000.

When it comes to rentals, it costs about £600 to £2,000 per month to lease a place in the city. This is in line with the UK’s average rate which is £1,174.

Real Estate Market in Liverpool

Real estate in Liverpool is significantly more affordable when compared to Manchester. It costs about £215,741 to buy a property in the area – 27% less than the national average. 

Renters are expected to shell out between £450 to £1,800 per month – which is much lower in comparison to nearby cities like Manchester. 

Education: Which city is better for students?

When it comes to education, Manchester and Liverpool offer the same level of learning opportunities for their students.

Each one has two prestigious universities that focus on innovation and research. There are also a lot of notable faculty members and graduates from these universities. 

There are the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester. While Liverpool has the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.

With this, both cities attract international students, making them two of the most popular education hot spots in the area. 

However, despite the higher cost of living in the area, there are 30% more students in Manchester than in Liverpool.

This can be attributed to better school rankings. For instance, the University of Manchester ranks as the sixth-best learning institution in the country. 

On the other hand, the University of Liverpool is in the 28th spot in the same list released by the QS World University Rankings.