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Cost of Living in Cardiff

If you're moving to Cardiff, understanding the the cost of living in Cardiff helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Cardiff

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Cardiff is £735 per month. A two-bedroom apartment costs around £845 per month. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing a one-bedroom apartment in Cardiff is £150,000. A two-bedroom apartment costs around £180,000. Prices can vary depending on the area and the quality of the apartment.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Cardiff is relatively inexpensive. A single bus ticket costs £1.50, while a day pass costs £4.50. A monthly pass costs £60. Taxis are also available and the cost of a taxi ride depends on the distance travelled.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Cardiff is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs around £1.50, a liter of milk costs £1.20, and a dozen eggs costs £2.50. Prices can vary depending on the store and the quality of the product.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Cardiff varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs around £5, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around £15. Prices can vary depending on the restaurant and the quality of the food.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Cardiff is relatively low. The average cost of electricity is £50 per month, while the average cost of gas is £30 per month. Prices can vary depending on the size of the home and the amount of energy used.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Cardiff varies depending on the school. The average cost of preschool tuition is £2,500 per year, while the average cost of elementary school tuition is £4,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is £5,000 per year, and the average cost of high school tuition is £6,000 per year. Prices can vary depending on the school and the quality of the education.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Cardiff

“The cost of living in Cardiff is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Rent prices are generally lower than in other major cities in the UK, and groceries and other everyday items are also relatively affordable. Public transport is also relatively inexpensive, with monthly passes available for a reasonable price. Overall, Cardiff is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life without breaking the bank,” said one expat living in Cardiff.

Can I live in Cardiff on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cardiff for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find a place to live that’s affordable. I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like Splott, Adamsdown, or Grangetown. These areas are a bit more affordable than some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Pontcanna, Roath, or Canton. You can find a one-bedroom flat in these areas for around £500-£600 per month, which is roughly $700-$800. Next, you’ll need to budget for utilities, groceries, and transportation. Utilities can cost around £100-£150 per month, depending on your usage. Groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl, and you can expect to spend around £200-£250 per month on food. As for transportation, a monthly bus pass in Cardiff costs around £50, but you can save money by walking or cycling if you live close to your workplace.Eating out and entertainment will be the areas where you’ll have to make the most sacrifices. Cardiff has a lot of great restaurants and bars, but they can be quite expensive. You’ll need to limit how often you eat out and look for deals and discounts when you do. The same goes for entertainment – going to the cinema, concerts, or sporting events can add up quickly, so you’ll need to be selective about what you choose to do.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Cardiff is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, shopping smartly for groceries, and limiting your entertainment expenses, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Cardiff.

Can I live in Cardiff on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cardiff for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to afford a large, luxurious apartment in the city center, but there are plenty of more affordable options in the surrounding neighborhoods.One area I’d recommend looking into is Roath. It’s a bit further out from the city center, but it’s still well-connected by public transport, and you can find some really nice, affordable apartments there. The area has a good mix of students and young professionals, so there’s a nice community vibe, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and parks nearby.Another option to consider is Canton, which is a bit closer to the city center and has a more diverse population. It’s a bit more expensive than Roath, but still within your budget, and it has a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops.On the other hand, I’d probably avoid looking for accommodation in areas like Pontcanna or Penylan, as they tend to be more expensive and might be out of your budget. These neighborhoods are known for their beautiful, large houses and green spaces, but they come with a higher price tag.In terms of other sacrifices, you might have to be more mindful of your spending on things like eating out, entertainment, and travel. Cardiff has a great food scene, but dining out can add up quickly, so you might want to cook at home more often or look for more budget-friendly options when you do go out. Similarly, you might have to be more selective about the events and activities you attend, as ticket prices can be quite high for some of the more popular attractions.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Cardiff on $3,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to make a few compromises and be mindful of your spending. It’s a great city with a lot to offer, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here,” said one expat living in Cardiff.

Can I live in Cardiff on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Cardiff for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. In fact, Cardiff is known for being one of the more affordable cities in the UK. Of course, you might have to make a few sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.Firstly, you’ll want to choose a neighborhood that’s within your budget. Some of the more affordable areas in Cardiff include Roath, Cathays, and Splott. These neighborhoods have a mix of students and young professionals, so you’ll find plenty of affordable housing options, as well as shops, restaurants, and other amenities. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Pontcanna, Llandaff, and Cyncoed, as these areas tend to have higher rent prices and more upscale amenities.When it comes to transportation, Cardiff has a pretty good public transport system, so you might want to consider using buses and trains instead of owning a car. This will save you money on car payments, insurance, and petrol. Plus, the city is quite walkable and bike-friendly, so you can easily get around without a car.As for other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, utilities, and other day-to-day costs are generally lower in Cardiff compared to other major UK cities. However, if you’re used to eating out a lot or going to high-end bars and clubs, you might need to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget. There are still plenty of affordable restaurants and pubs in the city, so you won’t have to sacrifice your social life completely.In terms of entertainment and leisure, Cardiff has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks and historic sites to museums and theaters. Many of these attractions are free or low-cost, so you can still enjoy a rich cultural life without breaking the bank.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Cardiff on $5,000 a month is not only doable but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle, but you’ll still be able to enjoy all the modern amenities and experiences that the city has to offer,” commented an expat living in Cardiff.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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