Cost of Living in Cardiff
The capital of Wales, Cardiff offers a compact city centre, a stunning waterfront at Cardiff Bay, and a proud sporting and cultural heritage. It is one of the most affordable capital cities in the UK.
Rent
| 1-bed flat (city centre) | £900/ month |
| 1-bed flat (outside centre) | £650/ month |
| 3-bed flat (family) | £1,400/ month |
Food & Groceries
| Monthly Groceries (1 person) | £280/ month |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | £14 |
| Meal, Fast Food Combo | £6.5 |
Transportation
| Monthly Transport Pass | £60/ month |
| Taxi Rate | £1.2/ mile |
| Petrol | £1.48/ litre |
Utilities
| Basic Utilities | £170/ month |
| Broadband Internet | £28/ month |
Healthcare
| Private Doctor Visit | £70 |
Entertainment & Leisure
| Gym Membership | £28/ month |
| Cinema Ticket | £9 |
Childcare & Education
| Full-day Nursery (1 child) | £1,000/ month |
Estimated Monthly Costs
Excluding rent, based on average consumption.
Compared to UK Average
Explore Other Cities
A Guide to Cardiff's Areas
Cardiff Bay
A modern waterfront development with apartments, restaurants, and cultural venues like the Millennium Centre.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£950
Pontcanna
Trendy and affluent area known for its Victorian houses, independent boutiques, and proximity to Bute Park.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£850
Roath
A diverse and popular suburb with a large park and lake, popular with students and young professionals.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£750
Penarth
A charming seaside town just outside Cardiff, offering a relaxed lifestyle, Victorian pier, and independent shops.
Est. 1-Bed Rent / Month
£800
Salary and Affordability in Cardiff
To truly understand affordability, you need to know your take-home pay.
Knowing the cost of living in Cardiff is vital, but it's only half the story. To see how far your money will actually go, you need to understand your post-tax income. Our earnings calculator for the UK provides a detailed breakdown of your net pay.
Whether you're relocating or negotiating a new role, don't just guess your budget. Use a precise salary calculator to see your real monthly income. This will help you make informed decisions about living in Cardiff. Our main salaries calculator is the perfect tool for this.