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Cardiff, United Kingdom
Capital City

Follows United Kingdom Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,000
Retiree Score
82.0
Safety Index
64.1
Healthcare
28 facilities

With a population of 383,536, Cardiff is a fast-paced capital city that offers a mix of economic opportunities and cultural attractions. However, the city's heavy bureaucracy and wet, windy climate can be persistent headaches for residents. While Cardiff has emerged as a top tourist destination, its suitability as a place to live depends on one's tolerance for paperwork and unpredictable weather.

Can I afford Cardiff?

$

Cardiff

You could save

1,000/mo

Savings Rate33%

Monthly Costs

Rent $1,050
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$950

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
33/100
Retiree Score
(i)
82/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
55/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets United Kingdom Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
64
Safety
28
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $1
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $3
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$9

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$15
Meal (Mid-range) $84
Cappuccino $3
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $233
Mobile Plan (mo) $16
Gym (mo) *$32
Cinema Ticket $8

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $840
1BR Outside (mo) *$870
3BR Center (mo) $1,560
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,413

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Pontcanna, Roath, Cyncoed
Best For
families, students

Expat Life Notes

The Welsh capital is incredibly friendly, green, and affordable compared to London.

Pros

  • ✓ Lower cost of living for UK
  • ✓ Excellent park system
  • ✓ Strong cultural identity

Cons

  • ✗ Rainy weather
  • ✗ Slower job market than SE England
  • ✗ Welsh language can be seen everywhere (but English is primary)

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
3°C°C - 21°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1513 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiff

Click any question to expand the answer.

Cardiff has a population of approximately 383,536 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $2,625 per month in Cardiff, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1050/month.

The nearest airport to Cardiff is CWL, approximately 15km away.

Cardiff is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 64.1. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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