Cost of Living in Salford
What everyday life really costs — and how to plan your budget
Compared to cities in the south of England (like London or Cambridge), Salford is much more affordable — especially for rent, food, and transport. But prices can still vary depending on the area, your lifestyle, and whether you live alone or share with others.
Here’s what to expect as of 2025.
🏠 Rent
Rent is your biggest monthly cost. In Salford, many newcomers live in flatshares (shared housing), one-bedroom flats, or small family homes.
| Accommodation | Average Monthly Rent |
| Room in shared house | £400–£550 |
| Studio or bedsit | £550–£700 |
| 1-bedroom flat | £650–£850 |
| 2-bedroom flat or house | £800–£1,000 |
| Family house (3+ beds) | £950–£1,200+ |
💡 Swinton, Eccles, and Pendleton are more affordable. Salford Quays and MediaCity are more expensive due to newer buildings.
💡 Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water, Internet)
If you rent privately (not through the hospital or agency), you’ll usually need to pay bills separately.
| Service | Average Monthly Cost (1 person) |
| Electricity & gas | £60–£100 (can be higher in winter) |
| Water | £30–£40 |
| Broadband/Wi-Fi | £25–£35 |
| TV Licence | £13/month (only if you watch live UK TV or BBC iPlayer) |
💡 If you’re sharing, these costs are split. Always ask if bills are included before signing a rental contract.
🛍️ Groceries & Essentials
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Weekly groceries (1 person) | £30–£50 |
| Milk (2L) | £1.50 |
| Bread (loaf) | £1.20–£1.80 |
| Rice (1kg) | £1.50–£2.50 |
| Halal meat (1kg) | £6–£10 |
| Shampoo | £1–£4 |
| Washing powder (1.5kg) | £4–£6 |
🛒 Best supermarkets for price: Aldi, Lidl, Asda. International shops in Eccles and Salford Precinct sell African, Asian, and Eastern European products.
🚍 Transport
Salford has good bus, train, and tram options. Most people use public transport or walk.
| Transport | Cost |
| Weekly bus pass | £15–£22 (depending on route) |
| Tram (one-way) | £2.80–£4 |
| Train to Manchester | £3–£6 |
| Taxi (short distance) | £6–£10 |
💡 Download the Transport for Greater Manchester app or get a Bee Network card for local discounts.
📱 Phone & SIM
| Item | Cost |
| SIM card with data (monthly plan) | £10–£20 |
| PAYG top-up (basic use) | £5–£10/month |
📱 Lebara, Lycamobile, and Giffgaff are popular with international staff — low-cost calls to overseas numbers.
🍽️ Eating Out (Occasionally)
| Item | Cost |
| Takeaway meal | £6–£12 |
| Restaurant meal | £12–£20 |
| Coffee | £2.80–£3.50 |
| Fast food (McDonald’s) | £5–£7 |
💡 There are many budget-friendly restaurants and food trucks near Eccles, Cheetham Hill, and Manchester city centre.
💰 Monthly Budget Estimate (Solo, Basic Lifestyle)
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Rent (shared house) | £450 |
| Bills & Wi-Fi | £100 |
| Groceries | £160 |
| Transport | £80 |
| Phone | £15 |
| Occasional eating out & personal items | £50–£100 |
| Total | £850–£1,000/month |
💡 Living with a flatmate, shopping smart, and meal prepping can save you a lot — many healthcare workers live well under £1,000/month.