Although we’d all probably love to live conveniently in Manchester city centre for work, gigs, restaurants and the general city vibe, most of us settle for a commuter lifestyle. Of course, there are perks that come along with this, usually more space, a garden, peaceful downtime, but which commuter areas are the most affordable for working in Manchester?
A new study by property experts Buzz Capital has analysed train prices and renting costs across 19 popular Greater Manchester commuting areas. Since 2022, the cost of renting an apartment in Manchester city centre has increased exponentially, rising by well over 20%. This, in combination with a shortage of rental properties and an influx of people from London and other areas, has forced many renters to move away from the city.
Aspull has been named Manchester’s most affordable commuter area in the study, with both Wigan and Blackburn following closely behind. In Aspull, the average rent costs £668 per month. A return on-peak train ticket, meanwhile, costs £11.40, resulting in a combined average cost of £773 per month.
Aspull falls between Horwich and Wigan, with plenty of green space surrounding it. Historically a Lancashire village, Aspull is covered by Wigan Borough Council, with easy access to Horwich Parkway, Lostock, Blackrod, Westhoughton and Wigan train stations.
Aspull is a particularly pretty area, within easy reach of Rivington and the Leeds Liverpool Canal running down one side, and potentially if it was located south of Manchester as opposed to north west, prices could be much different, since the entire affordable list but Glossop and New Mills are decidedly north and east of the city − and the top five being south of Manchester.
The top 10 most affordable Manchester commuter areas:
(Average Rent and Train Combined (£) )
- Aspull − 773
- Wigan − 784
- Blackburn − 799
- Stalybridge − 830
- Ashton-Under-Lyne − 839.58
- New Mills − 854
- Horwich − 855
- Bolton − 867
- Glossop − 877
- Middleton − 902
The top 5 least affordable Manchester commuter areas:
(Average Rent and Train Combined (£) )
- Wilmslow − 1375
- Altrincham − 1366
- Stockport − 1333
- Cheadle − 1318
- Urmston − 1241.34
Although Wilmslow came in at most expensive commuter town for Manchester at an average of £1375 for rent and train travel, the beautiful Cheshire spot was voted the most desirable, so it would seem you get what you pay for.
Train fare is calculated on the assumption that a person is travelling to the office two times a week and that there is an average of 4.6 weeks in a month.