25 Ways To Make Extra Money In Manchester (That Actually Work)

If you’re living in Manchester and feeling the cost of well, everything creeping up - you’re not alone.

With the average monthly rent for a one-bed flat now around £1,205 in the city centre (Zoopla), and the price of a brew at your local café pushing £3.50, finding ways to top up your income isn’t just helpful… it’s essential.

The good news? Manchester is one of the best cities in the UK for side hustles.

It’s buzzing with creative energy, digital jobs, and a massive student and working population.

Whether you're based in Didsbury, the Northern Quarter, or anywhere in between, here are 25 tried-and-tested ways to make extra money in Manchester.

If you need some more ideas, Prograd's network of online jobs can help you make money online, from the comfort of your home.

1. Become A Private Tutor

With the city being home to two major universities and countless schools, tutoring is always in demand.

Whether it's GCSE maths, A-Level biology, or helping international students with English, you can easily find students through local schools or websites like Tutorful.

💸 Earning potential: £20–£40/hour depending on subject and experience.

2. Sell Items on Facebook Marketplace or Vinted

Manchester's love for thrifting and secondhand fashion means there's always a market for vintage, designer, or upcycled goods. Clean out your wardrobe and make some cash - and fast.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£500/month depending on what you sell.

3. Become a Delivery Driver (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Amazon Flex)

From the Curry Mile to Ancoats, people in Manchester love their food delivered. You don’t need a car - a bike or even a scooter will do.

💸 Earning potential: £10–£15/hour + tips.

4. Rent Out a Spare Room on Airbnb

With Manchester drawing tourists, football fans, and concert-goers year-round, short-term lets are hot. If you’re near the city centre or a tram line, you’re in prime territory.

💸 Earning potential: £300–£1,200/month depending on location and occupancy.

5. Start Freelance Writing

With its digital and creative scene, Manchester’s the perfect place to dive into content writing, blog creation or copywriting.

Start on Upwork or pitch local agencies.

💸 Earning potential: £50–£300 per article depending on experience and niche.

6. Become a Social Media Manager for Local Businesses

Independent cafés, boutiques in the Northern Quarter, salons - they all need help online.

Offer to manage their Instagram or TikTok accounts, especially if you're already social-savvy.

💸 Earning potential: £200–£800/month per client.

7. Dog Walking with Rover or Local Ads

Manchester’s full of dog owners, but not everyone has time to walk them during work hours. Post in local Facebook groups or join Rover to start.

💸 Earning potential: £10–£15/walk (or more if you do group walks or offer pet sitting).

8. Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy

Arts and crafts are big here. If you make candles, jewellery, or home décor, Etsy gives you a global platform. Even better? Sell your products at Manchester craft markets on weekends.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£1,000/month depending on sales.

9. Take Online Surveys (for extra cash, not full income)

It won’t make you rich, but it’s an easy win while you’re on the tram or binging Netflix. Stick to sites like Prograd or Swagbucks.

💸 Earning potential: £10–£50/month.

10. Start a YouTube Channel

Manchester’s mix of local pride and diverse culture is content gold. Whether you vlog your life in the city or review food spots, YouTube rewards consistency.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£2,000/month (once monetised — takes time).

11. Rent Out Your Driveway

Live near the city centre, Etihad Stadium, or Manchester Arena? Rent out your parking spot during gigs or match days.

💸 Earning potential: £50–£200/month depending on location.

12. Become a Virtual Assistant

You can support small business owners (and there are loads in Manchester) with admin tasks - all from your sofa. Use sites like PeoplePerHour or LinkedIn to find clients.

💸 Earning potential: £15–£30/hour.

13. Sell Digital Templates or Resources

Are you good with Canva or Excel? Sell planners, budgeting sheets, CV templates - there’s a solid market on Etsy and Gumroad.

💸 Earning potential: £50–£500/month with a few popular products.

14. Deliver Groceries with Instacart or Local Services

Places like Morrisons and Co-op often use gig drivers. Perfect if you have a car (or even a bike for city deliveries).

💸 Earning potential: £10–£14/hour + tips.

15. Work as a Housesitter or Petsitter

Busy professionals and holiday-goers are always looking for someone trustworthy. Use sites like HouseSitter.com or local word-of-mouth.

💸 Earning potential: £20–£50/day.

16. Flip Furniture or Decor

With so many students and renters moving in/out, there are gems to be found on the curb or charity shops. Paint it up, and sell for a profit.

💸 Earning potential: £50–£300/month.

17. Offer Music or Art Lessons

If you’re musically inclined or artistic, teach kids or adults locally or online. Chorlton and Didsbury especially love creative gigs.

💸 Earning potential: £25–£50/hour.

18. Work as a Mystery Shopper

Manchester’s full of retail stores and restaurants that want feedback. Register with legit platforms and get paid to shop or eat.

💸 Earning potential: £5–£30 per task (plus free products/meals).

19. Become a Social Media Influencer

Even micro-influencers in Manchester are landing collabs - especially if you focus on local fashion, food, or events. Start by building up your following and read up about the rise in UGC.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£2,000/month depending on niche and following.

20. Start a Blog or Local Newsletter

Share what’s on in Manchester, review cafes, or explore hidden gems. Make money through affiliate links or sponsored posts.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£1,000/month once you’ve built an audience.

21. Translate Documents or Content

Manchester’s multilingual population creates demand for translation gigs. If you’re fluent in another language, it’s a great niche.

💸 Earning potential: £15–£40/hour.

22. Become a Drone Photographer

From real estate to wedding venues around Greater Manchester, drone shots are in demand. You'll need to pass the proper certification, but it’s worth it.

💸 Earning potential: £100–£500 per shoot.

23. Work Events or Gigs (Part-Time)

Manchester’s music scene is massive - think gigs at AO Arena or festivals in Heaton Park. Look for bar, setup, or ticketing roles.

💸 Earning potential: £10–£15/hour + tips or free entry.

24. Offer Resume or LinkedIn Revamps

With so many grads and job seekers in the city, helping people polish their CVs or LinkedIn profiles is super valuable.

💸 Earning potential: £40–£150 per client.

25. Start a Dropshipping or Print-on-Demand Shop

Use platforms like Shopify to sell custom t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags with Manc sayings or street art vibes. No inventory needed.

💸 Earning potential: £200–£2,000/month depending on marketing.

Making Extra Money In Manchester

Life in Manchester is exciting, but it’s not always cheap. Whether you’re trying to clear debt, save for a house, or just want to afford the £6 oat latte without guilt - these side hustles can genuinely help. The trick is choosing something that fits your lifestyle, skillset, and how much time you’ve got to spare.

Start small, try a few, and build up. The opportunities are here - especially in a city as fast-moving and full of life as Manchester!