Lyon vs Manchester on €80,000: take-home pay, rent and cost of living in 2026
On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, a single employee takes home €4,392 a month in Lyon (66% of gross) and £4,167 a month in Manchester on the equivalent £68,000 (74%), after income tax and social security contributions.
Manchester is 23% more expensive than Lyon overall (cost-of-living index 56 vs 45.7, New York = 100). A one-bedroom flat in the city centre rents for about £1,367 a month in Manchester and €771 in Lyon, which leaves £2,799 and €3,621 of take-home pay after rent. Keeping the same standard of living and saving 15% of your pay would cost about £3,909 a month in Manchester — this salary leaves £258 a month on top.
By category, groceries cost 15% less in Manchester than in Lyon, eating out 12% more and rent 73% more.
| Lyon | Manchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary per year | €80,000 | £68,000 |
| Take-home pay per month | €4,392 | £4,167 |
| One-bedroom rent, city centre | €771 | £1,367 |
| Left after rent | €3,621 | £2,799 |
| Cost-of-living index (New York = 100) | 45.7 | 56 |
How each figure is taxed: France tax calculator and United Kingdom tax calculator. Single employee without children; rent and price data from Numbeo, refreshed monthly.
Questions about Lyon vs Manchester
Is Manchester, United Kingdom more expensive than Lyon, France?
Manchester, United Kingdom is 23% more expensive than Lyon, France overall. On a gross salary of €80,000 a year, you take home €4,392 a month in Lyon, France and £4,167 a month in Manchester, United Kingdom after income tax and social contributions.
How much can I save living in Manchester, United Kingdom vs Lyon, France?
Keeping the same standard of living as in Lyon, France, you could save about £258 a month (£3,094 a year) in Manchester, United Kingdom on this salary, after rent and living costs.
What taxes will I pay in United Kingdom vs France?
On €80,000 gross a year you take home €4,392 a month in France and £4,167 a month in United Kingdom. The calculation applies each country's 2026 income tax and social security rules for a single employee.