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Is there a noticeable difference in fuel costs between auto & manual cars of the same cc rating? And which would be more economical for trips around town?

A good question and one which the answer to has changed for many models in recent times. Traditionally, a manual car was more economical than an automatic. This was mainly due to the slip associated with an auto and the added weight.
However, in more recent times, many modern automatic transmissions have reversed this trend, with automatics now having intelligent management systems and in some cases little or no slip, and gear shifts that are much quicker than you can do manually.
A good example is the latest VW Golf, where the thirstiest model in the range is the manual at 5.2l/100km, compared with the auto at 5.0l/100km.
However, as you can see, the differece is minimal, and the advice is really to buy the one you're happiest driving.
If you want to tell us the type of car you're considering, we may be able to tell you what figures the manufacturer claims. Bear it in mind, that you're unlikely to achieve the claimed figures as they are calculated in ideal conditions with an ideal driving style.