Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is a cultural and economic hub located on the southern coast of the country. It blends modernity with history, with attractions like Cardiff Castle, the thriving Cardiff Bay area, and the impressive Wales Millennium Centre. The city boasts a growing cultural scene with lots of museums, galleries, and theaters, alongside beautiful green spaces like Bute Park.
The Good
- ๐ Good nightlife
- ๐ Decent food options
- โ Coffee
- ๐ผ Plenty of places to work
- ๐๏ธ Shopping
The Bad
- ๐ Traffic
- ๐ฅถ Cold winters
- ๐ง๏ธ Rains a lot
Living costs
- Cardiff is the 6th cheapest place (out of 14) to live in United Kingdom
- The average salary in Cardiff is
- It's about 38% more expensive to live in Cardiff than it is Bangkok
- You can expect to spend around $2,543.90 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026
Safety
Cardiff is generally safe with low crime rates, though some areas may experience petty crime. It has a friendly culture and good public services.
Transport
Train
Cardiff has an excellent train service that connects the city with the rest of Wales and beyond. The South Wales Railway operates regular services from Cardiff Central Station, which is conveniently located in the city centre. Frequent trains travel to destinations such as Swansea, Newport, and even London.
Bus
The bus network in Cardiff is extensive, with multiple routes that cover the entire city and serve surrounding areas. The main bus station is located at Cardiff Central Bus Station, close to the train station, making it easy to transfer between services.
Iff Card
If you plan to use the bus often during the day, consider getting an Iff Card. This ticket offers unlimited travel across all buses in Cardiff and the surrounding region for a single day - via the Day to go ticket - making it great value for tourists.
Iff CardTaxi
Taxis are readily available in Cardiff, with both traditional black cabs and private hire vehicles accessible throughout the city. You can find taxi ranks in various locations or book through local taxi companies. Although convenient, they can be more expensive compared to public transport.
Ride-Hailing Services
For those looking for a more flexible transport option, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Cardiff. These services can often provide a competitive fare, especially for short journeys around the city.
Bicycle
Cardiff is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes. You can rent bicycles for short trips around the city, which is a great way to explore Cardiff at your own pace.
Internet speed
Time difference
When to visit
Average temperatures
Who it suits
Places near Cardiff
Bristol
Banksy, cider, and West Country charm.
Birmingham
Brummies and top class curries.
Wrexham
Ryan Reynolds, lager and football
London
Cockneys, jellied eels and black cabs.
Liverpool
Scousers, Football and musical heritage.
Brighton
Hipsters, seagulls, and rainbow vibes.
Manchester
Rain, music, and Coronation Street.
Leeds
Yorkshire sass and epic nights out.
Dublin
Lively pubs, friendly locals, and the River Liffey.
Cork
Rebel spirit, music, and incredible local food.