Living in Cardiff: the ultimate expat guide

Cardiff is the economic powerhouse of Wales, accounting for approximately 17.4% of the Welsh economy and hosting around 242,000 jobs. The city has successfully transitioned from its industrial heritage to become a major centre for services, particularly in finance, media, healthcare, and the public sector. With a highly educated workforce and competitive operating costs compared to other UK cities, Cardiff continues to attract both established corporations and innovative startups.

Key Industries and Major Employers

The financial and business services sector is one of Cardiff's strongest, employing over 50,000 people and generating approximately £4 billion in output. Major employers include Admiral Insurance, Legal & General, Principality Building Society, and Confused.com. The public sector is also significant, with NHS Wales, Cardiff Council, and the Welsh Government providing substantial employment.

Cardiff has emerged as a leading media and creative hub, hosting BBC Wales, ITV, S4C, and Pinewood Studio Wales. Productions like Doctor Who, Sherlock, and His Dark Materials have been filmed here. The technology sector is growing rapidly, with Cardiff becoming a centre for compound semiconductors, cybersecurity, and fintech.

Work Permits and Visa Requirements

Non-UK nationals typically require a Skilled Worker visa to work in Cardiff. As of 2025, the minimum salary threshold is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. Applicants must have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor. The visa application fee ranges from £719 to £1,519 depending on duration, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year. Skills must now be at RQF Level 6 (degree equivalent) for most occupations.

The table below provides key employment indicators for Cardiff:

Sources: Office for National Statistics, Welsh Government

Cardiff is one of the UK's leading university cities, with a student population exceeding 70,000 across its institutions. The city's universities attract students from over 150 countries, creating a diverse and internationally-minded academic community. Higher education contributes significantly to Cardiff's economy and cultural vitality, with a combined turnover of approximately £700 million.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a prestigious Russell Group institution, ranking among the top 30 universities in the UK and #186 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Founded in 1883, it offers over 300 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate programmes across diverse fields. The university is particularly renowned for its School of Journalism (often called the 'Oxbridge of Journalism'), medical sciences, and engineering programmes. Approximately 7,500 international students study at Cardiff University, benefiting from world-class facilities including modern libraries, research centres, and student accommodation.

International tuition fees at Cardiff University range from £18,700 to £25,500 for undergraduate programmes and £19,450 to £30,200 for postgraduate courses annually. Scholarships such as the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,500-£10,000) help offset costs.

Other Universities

Cardiff Metropolitan University, awarded UK and Ireland University of the Year 2021 by Times Higher Education, is known for its practical, career-focused programmes and strong international community of 1,800+ students from over 140 countries. The University of South Wales also operates a campus in Cardiff, offering vocational courses with excellent industry links.

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is one of the UK's leading conservatoires, while Cardiff Sixth Form College has been ranked among the top independent schools in the UK for A-level results.

Admission and Student Visas

International students typically require a Student visa for courses longer than six months. The standard application fee is £490, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. English language requirements generally include IELTS 6.0-7.0 depending on the programme. Most applications are submitted through UCAS for undergraduate courses.

Sources: Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff offers excellent educational options for expatriate families, with over 125 schools across the city. The Welsh education system follows the National Curriculum with some distinctive features, including the teaching of Welsh language in all schools. Parents can choose between English-medium and Welsh-medium schools, with bilingual education becoming increasingly popular. Education is compulsory for children aged 4 to 16, with many continuing to sixth form or further education.

State Schools

Government-funded state schools in Cardiff are free and generally of good quality. Schools are regularly inspected by Estyn, the Welsh education inspectorate, with reports available online. Admission to state schools is based on a catchment area system, making the choice of neighbourhood important for families prioritising specific schools. Popular state schools include Whitchurch High School (one of the largest in Wales), Fitzalan High School, and Welsh-medium schools like Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf.

Wales has implemented a new curriculum (Curriculum for Wales) focusing on developing ambitious, capable learners through six Areas of Learning and Experience, emphasising creativity and well-being alongside academic achievement.

Independent Schools

Cardiff has several respected independent (private) schools offering small class sizes and extensive facilities. Notable options include:

1. Cardiff Sixth Form College – Consistently ranks among the top UK schools for A-level results
2. Howell's School Llandaff – Historic girls' school with excellent academic record
3. The Cathedral School Llandaff – Co-educational school from nursery to age 18
4. St John's College – Independent school in Old St Mellons

Independent school fees typically range from £10,000 to £18,000 per year for day students, with some offering boarding options.

International Baccalaureate Options

For families seeking international curricula, Westbourne School in Cardiff and UWC Atlantic College (30 minutes west in the Vale of Glamorgan) offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. UWC Atlantic College is particularly prestigious, being one of 18 United World Colleges globally.

Sources: Independent Schools Council, Estyn

Cardiff offers diverse housing options to suit different lifestyles and budgets, from Victorian terraces and modern apartments to detached family homes. The city's property market is more affordable than many other UK capitals, though prices have been steadily rising. The average house price in Cardiff was approximately £270,000 in late 2025, while the average monthly rent reached £1,146. Most rental agreements are for 6-12 months, with deposits typically equivalent to 4-5 weeks' rent.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

Pontcanna is one of Cardiff's most sought-after areas, featuring leafy streets, Victorian and Edwardian homes, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Popular with families and professionals, properties here command premium prices. Canton, adjacent to Pontcanna, offers a vibrant mix of independent cafés, restaurants, and the Chapter Arts Centre, with slightly more affordable housing options.

Roath is a diverse, multicultural neighbourhood popular with young professionals, students, and families. It features beautiful Roath Park with its lake, eclectic shops on Albany Road, and a mix of period properties and modern apartments. Cardiff Bay offers modern waterfront living with contemporary apartments, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre.

For families seeking suburban living, Cyncoed and Llandaff offer larger homes, excellent schools, and green spaces while remaining well-connected to the city centre.

Rental Costs

The table below shows typical monthly rental costs across Cardiff:

Sources: Office for National Statistics, Zoopla

Cardiff punches above its weight when it comes to cultural offerings and leisure activities. From world-class sporting venues to historic castles, free museums to a vibrant nightlife scene, the Welsh capital offers something for everyone. The city was ranked 6th in the world as an alternative tourist destination by National Geographic and welcomed over 21 million visitors in recent years.

Cultural Attractions and Museums

Cardiff Castle, located in the heart of the city, offers 2,000 years of history from Roman times to Victorian Gothic revival. National Museum Cardiff houses one of Europe's finest collections of Impressionist art alongside natural history exhibits—and entry is free. St Fagans National Museum of History is one of Europe's leading open-air museums, featuring over 40 re-erected historic buildings from across Wales.

Cardiff Bay has been transformed into a vibrant waterfront area, home to the stunning Wales Millennium Centre (Wales's premier arts venue), the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), and the historic Norwegian Church. The area offers excellent restaurants, cafés, and attractions including Techniquest, an interactive science discovery centre.

Sports and Recreation

Cardiff is a sports-mad city, home to the iconic Principality Stadium (74,500 capacity), which hosts international rugby, football, and major concerts. Cardiff City FC plays at Cardiff City Stadium, while rugby enthusiasts can catch matches at Cardiff Arms Park. The city also features Cardiff International White Water centre for rafting and kayaking, and numerous parks including Bute Park (130 acres of parkland in the city centre), Roath Park with its beautiful lake, and the scenic Taff Trail for walking and cycling.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Cardiff's nightlife centres around St Mary's Street, Mill Lane, and the independent music scene on Womanby Street. The city offers everything from traditional Welsh pubs to craft beer bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Clwb Ifor Bach is an institution for Welsh music, while Chapter Arts Centre in Canton provides arthouse cinema, theatre, and exhibitions. After a night out, Caroline Street (locally known as 'Chippy Lane') is the traditional stop for late-night food.

Sources: Visit Cardiff, Visit Wales

Daily life in Cardiff offers a pleasant balance between urban convenience and relaxed living. The city is compact and walkable, with most amenities within easy reach. Welsh culture adds a unique character to everyday life, from bilingual signage to local traditions, though English is spoken universally. Cardiff enjoys a mild maritime climate with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in winter or exceeding 25°C in summer.

Public Transportation

Cardiff has a comprehensive public transport network that continues to improve with the ongoing South Wales Metro project (£1.3 billion investment). Cardiff Central Station is the main rail hub, offering direct services to London Paddington in approximately 2 hours, as well as connections throughout Wales and the UK. The new Cardiff Bus Interchange, opened in June 2024, serves as the main hub for the city's extensive bus network operated primarily by Cardiff Bus.

Transport costs are reasonable: a single bus journey costs approximately £2.20, while a monthly bus pass is around £65. Train services connect the city centre to Cardiff Bay in minutes, with the Metro project set to deliver new tram-trains and increased frequencies by 2026. Cycling is popular, with dedicated lanes and the scenic Taff Trail running through the city.

Shopping and Groceries

Cardiff offers diverse shopping options, from the historic Victorian arcades in the city centre to the modern St David's Centre—one of the UK's largest shopping centres. Cardiff Central Market has operated since the 1700s, offering fresh produce, Welsh specialties, and local atmosphere. Major supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and budget options like Aldi and Lidl.

Healthcare

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to residents. Cardiff is served by the University Hospital of Wales (one of the largest hospitals in the UK), along with several other NHS facilities. Expatriates on long-term visas pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their visa application, which grants full NHS access. Private healthcare is also available through providers like Spire Cardiff Hospital.

Sources: Transport for Wales, Cardiff Bus

Cardiff is one of the most affordable capital cities in the UK, with the cost of living estimated to be 15% lower than the UK average and significantly lower than London. While housing costs have risen in recent years, everyday expenses including food, transport, and entertainment remain reasonable. The city offers excellent value for those seeking quality urban living without the premium prices of larger UK cities.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table provides estimated monthly expenses for a single person living in Cardiff:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo