Best Places to Live in Cardiff- Your Complete Local Guide!

Cardiff, located in the southeast of Wales, is the largest city and also the capital of Wales. Renowned for its diverse culture, rich history, and modern lifestyle, Cardiff combines modern living with rich heritage. The city is welcoming and has a lot of affordable facilities, making it the top choice among students, families, and professionals. In this blog, we will take you through some of the best places to live in Cardiff.

About Cardiff 

Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities and the best place to live in UK. The cost of living is lower than in other cities in England. Still, the expenses of living in the city are higher, as Cardiff is the capital city.  Monthly living costs range from £1,038 to £1,293. Property and rent prices are lower than the other cities in London and Manchester. Students here can find affordable housing options in the nice areas of Cardiff that cater to their budget and preferences. Students pay between £400 and £800 per month for student accommodation, depending on location and room type. Education in Cardiff is excellent and full of opportunities. It is home to some of the renowned universities, including Cardiff University, the University of South Wales, and Cardiff Metropolitan University. 

Discover the best places to live in Cardiff 

If you are planning to move to Cardiff for studies, a job, or to live with your family, it is important to be aware of the good areas to live in Cardiff. Let's dive in and learn more about these neighbourhoods. 

1. Cathays

Best for: Student life, nightlife, proximity to city/university
Average rent: £900–£1,350
Student accommodation: Shared houses, student halls, HMOs
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Met University.
Tourist attractions: Cardiff Castle, National Museum, Bute Park

Located just a short walk from Cardiff University, Cathays is a lively and student-friendly neighbourhood. Local parks and quiet streets make this area perfect for students and professionals. As Cathays is close to the city centre, residents experience and have easy access to shopping, nightlife, and other basic facilities. The houses are affordable, Victorian terrace-style, and divided into student shared houses. Public transport is good as the area is walkable and there are cycling routes. No wonder Cathays ranks among the Cardiff best place to live. 

2.  Roath 

Best for: Green spaces and community
Average rent: £850–£1,300
Student accommodation: Shared flats, studios, private flats
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Met University
Tourist attractions: Roath Park/Lake, Waterloo Gardens, Albany Road Shops

Roath is a student favourite area that is lively and cultural. It is also a family-friendly place due to its cultural and community vibes. The neighbourhood is famous for Roath Park and its lake. There are vast green spaces that encourage lots of outdoor activities. Victorian terrace-style houses, shared and budget-friendly flats, and modern flats are different housing options with average costs. Good bus routes make transport convenient. The area offers cafes, restaurants, shops, and eateries, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Roath is one of the best places to live in Cardiff, which provides convenience, safety, and peace.

3. Penylan

Best for: Quiet, families, green areas, long-term value
Average rent: £850–£1,400
Student accommodation: Studios, flats, family houses
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Met University
Tourist attractions: Roath Recreation Ground, Penylan Library, Wellfield Road

Penylan is the sought-after neighbourhood and the best area to live in Cardiff for families and professionals. It is known for its mix of Edwardian and Victorian architecture houses, along with modern apartments and detached, semi-detached houses. The leafy streets, beautiful parks like Waterloo Gardens, and a strong community atmosphere make Penylan a must-experience suburb. Travel is affordable and easy, as there are buses and cars frequently available. Local facilities include shops, cafes, eateries, large parks, and top-rated schools. The area has a high cost of living but offers a peaceful lifestyle with a lot of facilities, and it is favoured by professionals and students. 

4. Cardiff Bay

Best for: Entertainment, waterfront living, luxury apartments
Average rent: £1,100–£1,600
Student accommodation: Private studios, premium apartments
Nearby universities: University of South Wales, Cardiff University
Tourist attractions: Wales Millennium Centre, Techniquest, Mermaid Quay

Cardiff Bay is the city’s most picturesque area. It has a modern waterfront lifestyle with scenic views and beautiful landscapes. The housing market is highly valued and filled with stylish flats, penthouses, modern apartments, and luxury apartments, including townhouses, too. The neighbourhood has luxuries like bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Wales Millennium Centre. Transport is good with buses and easy roads. Overall, Cardiff Bay is considered ideal by professionals and students, making it one of the best places to live in Cardiff

5. Canton

Best for: Young professionals, arts, cafes, value
Average rent: £950–£1,200
Student accommodation: Shared flats, trendy apartments
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Met University
Tourist attractions: Chapter Arts Centre, Victoria Park, Cowbridge Road

One of the most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods, Canton offers a good community and an affordable lifestyle. There are Victorian terraces and new apartments as housing options. The Market Road in Canton offers diverse shopping and dining options. Transport is very convenient with buses to the city and universities. The lively atmosphere with green surroundings makes the neighbourhood famous among students and professionals, and one of the best places to live in Cardiff. 

6. Pontcanna

Best for: Trendy, green spaces, independent shops/cafes
Average rent: £1,100–£1,800
Student accommodation: Upscale flats, shared houses, studios
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, Cardiff Met University.
Tourist attractions: Pontcanna Fields, Llandaff Fields, Local Markets

Pontcanna is known as one of Cardiff’s stylish and desirable neighbourhoods. It has a leafy and peaceful environment with tree-lined streets and stylish houses with a mix of Victorian and Edwardian styles. Many of these houses have been converted to modern apartments. Pontcanna offers modern facilities like cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. The transport is good, and the housing cost is higher compared to other areas. With a balance of leisure and modern features, this neighbourhood is one of the best places to live in Cardiff for students and professionals. 

7. Llandaff

Best for: Village vibe, history, family-friendly
Average rent: £950–£1,300
Student accommodation: Family houses, shared HMOs, studios
Nearby universities: Cardiff Met University, Cardiff University.
Tourist attractions: Llandaff Cathedral, Insole Court, Cathedral Green
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Llandaff is a historic village located in Cardiff and home to the iconic Llandaff Cathedral. The village offers charm with its cathedral, old stone buildings, and quiet streets. The housing options range from traditional-style cottages to modern homes and Victorian-style houses. Llandaff has basic and important facilities like top-rated schools for good education, local shops, and transport with good bus connections in and outside the area. This area is perfect for those who wish to live in and invest in large historic homes. Students prefer living here as Llandaff is considered one of the best places to stay in Cardiff. 

8. Heath

Best for: Hospitals, medical students, quiet residential
Average rent: £900–£1,500
Student accommodation: Shared houses, HMOs, flats
Nearby universities: Cardiff University (Heath Park Campus)
Tourist attractions: Heath Park, University Hospital, All Nations Church

One of the most sought-after areas in Cardiff, Heath is located in the north of the city centre and is known for its amazing facilities and strong community culture. The University Hospital of Wales, located here, enhances the area’s popularity among medical students and healthcare professionals. Transport links are great with two railway stations, buses that provide easy access to Cardiff University, and the city centre. The housing options are varied, offering detached and semi-detached houses, and rental homes that are priced reasonably. There are basic facilities like shopping centres, healthcare, good schools, and many more, making Heath the best place in Cardiff.

9. Grangetown

Best for: Urban living, multicultural, up-and-coming
Average rent: £800–£1,200
Student accommodation: Flats, terraced houses, house shares
Nearby universities: Cardiff University, University of South Wales
Tourist attractions: Tramshed, Grange Gardens, Cardiff International Sports Village

Grangetown, located just south of the city centre, is diverse, fast-developing, and close to Cardiff Bay. It offers affordable housing options like Victorian terraces, flats, and modern apartments, making it popular among students and professionals. The neighbourhood has good transport links and is well connected by trains and buses. There are local shops, cafes, gyms, and cultural spaces. Grangetown is modernisng, with facilities and enhancing its atmosphere, making it one of the best places to live in Cardiff.

10. Llanishen

Best for: Suburban, families, parks, good schools
Average rent: £800–£1,200
Student accommodation: Semi-detached houses, flats, studios
Nearby universities: Cardiff Met University
Tourist attractions: Llanishen Reservoir, Parc Cefn Onn

Llanishen is situated in the north of Cardiff, Wales. It offers good schools, parks, community centres, and other important facilities that enhance lifestyle. It is one of the best areas to live in Cardiff. The transport here is well served, with the help of bus routes that are close to retail parks. Housing options are semi-detached and detached, with highly competitive prices compared to other areas. 

Those who wish to live in an affordable suburb within Cardiff with a decent lifestyle prefer Llanishen, as it is one of the best places to live in Cardiff.

Why Cardiff is Popular for Students, Professionals, and Families? 

Being the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a mix of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. There are amazing attractions like Cardiff Castle, National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales Millennium Center, and Cardiff Market. The Principality Stadium organizes great sporting events. Beyond these attractions, students will find many other things to do in Cardiff, and it offers a unique lifestyle with arts, theatre, and live music festivals. The city boasts of energetic nightlife, global dining options, and provides more greenery locations that are great for outdoor activities, and you can also find some of the best places to live. 

Cardiff welcomes students and professionals with great amenities. For students, there are excellent universities, plenty of academic and job opportunities. Students benefit from student discounts, social life and activities, and accommodation. Professionals seeking career opportunities are attracted to the growing industries, stylish homes, and business hubs with affordability. Cardiff, rated among the best places in UK, features high-quality parks,  green spaces easily accessible throughout the city, contributing to an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Conclusion

Cardiff offers a great student life and different student housing options, making it a fantastic place to live, study, and work. With the best student-friendly facilities, green spaces, and good transport facilities, newcomers can settle and enjoy whatever the city has to offer.