Townleap

Cost of Living: Graz vs Manchester (2026)

Austria vs United Kingdom — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 55% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1703/mo). Graz summers average 25°C vs 20°C. Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
68
Livability Score
🇬🇧 Manchester
United Kingdom
Full profile
Graz edges ahead 77 to 68. Manchester isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Graz
Manchester
$772/mo
Rent
$1703/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
8.3/10
0.9/100k
Safety
1.1/100k
74/100
English
100/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$931/mo cheaper on rent alone
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 20°C summers
🗣️
English
Manchester
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Manchester
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1703/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$786/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$5,531
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
1.1 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
56 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
20°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
3°C
Internet speed
102 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
8.4 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
8.3 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
100/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$62k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.3% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
68 / 100
Grid reliability
92/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
92/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
digital-mediafintechhealthcareadvanced-manufacturing
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
92/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Moderate
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Moderate

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 55% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1703/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 20°C).
  • Street-level English is easier in Manchester (100/100 vs 74/100).

Graz vs Manchester — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Manchester?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1703/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Manchester?

Graz is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Manchester has 1.07 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Manchester?

Graz edges ahead 77 to 68. Manchester isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Graz or Manchester?

Graz: no specific remote work visa. Manchester: UK Skilled Worker Visa (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Manchester?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°C vs 20°C). Manchester has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Graz or Manchester without speaking the local language?

Manchester is easier for street-level English (100/100) than Graz (74/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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