Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Manchester vs London

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Manchester or London?

Manchester pays £37,068 vs £39,068 in London. After living costs, Manchester professionals have £880/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester vs London?

In Manchester: £2,517/month net. In London: £2,637/month net. After rent, Manchester leaves £1,467/month vs London's £587/month.

Q: What salary in London matches Manchester purchasing power?

Approximately £54,500 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Manchester, based on a COL index of 68 vs 100.

Q: Is Manchester or London cheaper to live in?

Manchester is cheaper (COL 68 vs 100). Rent: Manchester £1,050/mo vs London £2,050/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In London the equivalent is 78%.

Manchester wins on purchasing power. Manchester foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £880/month more disposable income after rent than their London counterparts.

Manchester salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

London salary

£39,068

£2,637/mo take-home

Manchester wins by

+£880

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Manchester

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester retains £880/month more than in London — that's £10,560/year extra in purchasing power.

+£880

per month

Manchester

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,467

London

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £39,068

Net monthly £2,637

Rent (1-bed) £2,050

Rent-to-income 78% — High pressure

After rent £587

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Manchester	London	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£2,050	+95%
Transport	£75	£185	+147%
Council tax	£128	£165	+29%
Groceries	£280	£320	+14%
Disposable income remaining	£839	£-225	-127%

Sources: NHS Employers 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 68 for Manchester and 100 for London, a salary of £37,068 in Manchester delivers equivalent purchasing power to £54,500 in London.

Manchester £37,068 ≈

£54,500

in London

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Manchester 33%

London 0%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Manchester £2.58

London £3.80

Transit (single trip)

Manchester £1.79

London £4.40

Gym membership

Manchester £37/mo

London £55/mo

Cinema ticket

Manchester £10.88

London £16.00

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Manchester or London? +

Manchester pays a median £37,068 vs £39,068 in London — a gross difference of £2,000. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Manchester professionals have £880/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester vs London? +

In Manchester: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In London: gross £39,068 → £2,637/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Manchester leaves £1,467/month vs London's £587/month.

What salary in London matches Manchester purchasing power? +

Approximately £54,500 in London delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Manchester, based on a cost-of-living index of 68 (Manchester) vs 100 (London).

Is Manchester or London cheaper to live in? +

Manchester is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 68 vs 100 for London (London = 100). Rent in Manchester averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £2,050/month in London.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Manchester earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In London the equivalent ratio is 78%.