Salary Comparison

Software Engineer Salary:
London vs Manchester

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

London
$93,597
/ year
+51%
difference
Manchester
$62,155
/ year
Bottom line: London wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
London
Manchester
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$93,597✓ higher
$62,155
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$62,101✓ higher
$41,239
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$141,067✓ higher
$93,679
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$63,646✓ higher
$45,373
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$62,398✓ higher
$56,505
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.50×
1.10×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$49,060✓ higher
$32,579
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$111,443✓ higher
$74,006

What if you move from London to Manchester?

Gross salary change
$31,442
51% decrease
Take-home change
$18,273
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$5,893
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

London$93,597
P10: $49,060Median: $93,597P90: $111,443
Manchester$62,155
P10: $32,579Median: $62,155P90: $74,006

More Software Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Software Engineer earn more in London or Manchester?

The median Software Engineer salary in London is £73,942/yr compared to £49,102/yr in Manchester. London pays 51% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Software Engineer salary worth more in London or Manchester after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your London salary has the purchasing power of $62,398/yr in a median-cost city, vs $56,505/yr for Manchester. London offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Software Engineer in London vs Manchester?

After estimated taxes, a Software Engineer in London takes home approximately $63,646/yr, vs $45,373/yr in Manchester. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.