Cost of Living in Cardiff for Students in 2025

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing student cities, attracting thousands of learners every year to institutions like Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales. Known for its welcoming community, thriving nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Cardiff combines quality education with affordability. But the question every student asks before arriving is simple: What is the cost of living in Cardiff for students?

Compared to cities like London or Oxford, Cardiff is considered one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. The living cost in Cardiff for international students covers expenses such as housing, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare, all of which shape your monthly budget. Understanding the average cost of living in Cardiff, UK, for students is essential not just for day-to-day planning but also for scholarships, visa applications, and financial security.

On average, the living expenses in Cardiff for international students range between £900 and £1,400 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices. For many, this makes Cardiff far more manageable compared to other UK student hubs.

Average Cost of Living in Cardiff for Students

On average, most students spend between £1,100 and £1,700 per month on the cost of living in Cardiff. This includes accommodation, groceries, transport, utilities, internet, health insurance, study supplies, and entertainment. For international students, financial planning is crucial as visa applications often require proof of sufficient funds. The UK Home Office sets a guideline of around £9,207 per year outside London, which closely matches the average student cost of living in Cardiff.

Accommodation is by far the largest expense, taking up nearly 40–55% of monthly budgets. Food and transport follow, with Cardiff offering cheaper options compared to cities like Bristol and Birmingham.

Here’s a breakdown of the average living costs Cardiff students should expect:

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Expense Category	Budget (£)	Mid-Range (£)	Premium (£)
Accommodation	400–600	700–950	1,100–1,400
Food & Groceries	150–220	250–350	400–500
Transport	45–70	80–110	120–160
Utilities & Internet	70–120	130–170	200–250
Entertainment	40–100	120–180	250–400
Study Supplies	30–60	70–120	150–200
Health Insurance / NHS	50–70	70–80	80–100
Phone Plan	15–25	30–40	50–60
Miscellaneous	70–120	150–250	300–400

Monthly Total: £900–1,200 (Budget), £1,300–1,600 (Mid-range), £1,800–2,500 (Premium)
Annual Total: £10,800–14,400 (Budget), £15,600–19,200 (Mid-range), £21,600–30,000 (Premium)

These estimates reflect the living costs in Cardiff for international students across different lifestyles.

Budget vs Mid-Range vs Premium Lifestyle Estimates

The Budget Student Experience (£900–1,200 monthly)

Students on a budget typically live in shared housing in areas like Cathays, Roath, or Heath, where rent is much cheaper. Grocery shopping happens at budget-friendly chains like Aldi or Lidl, while entertainment is focused on free or low-cost activities such as Cardiff Castle grounds, Bute Park, or student union events. This lifestyle represents the living cost in Cardiff for international students on a tight budget.

The Mid-Range Student Experience (£1,300–1,600 monthly)

This is the most common lifestyle among students. It typically involves living in purpose-built student accommodation near the city centre or Cardiff Bay, dining out at restaurants occasionally, and enjoying Cardiff’s music and sporting events. Students can also afford gym memberships, cinema trips, and weekend excursions. This range represents the average cost of living in Cardiff.

The Premium Student Experience (£1,800+ monthly)

Students with a higher budget often choose private studios in Cardiff Bay or luxury apartments near the university campus. Weekly fine dining, concerts at St David’s Hall, and frequent travel across the UK form part of this lifestyle. While the living cost in Cardiff remains lower than London, premium living still requires substantial financial support or scholarships.

Student Accommodation Costs in Cardiff

Accommodation is the biggest factor shaping the cost of living in Cardiff for students. Options range from university-managed halls to private rentals.

On-Campus Housing

University-managed accommodation provides convenience and community but often comes at higher costs. Weekly rents typically fall between £150 and £250, depending on the hall, facilities, and whether meals are included.

Cardiff University: £500–800 per month (utilities, WiFi, furnished rooms)
Cardiff Metropolitan University: £480–720 per month (utilities, WiFi, student services)
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama: £450–700 per month (utilities, WiFi, support services)

These options are competitive and require early application.

Off-Campus and Private Rentals

Private rentals are popular among international students and vary by area:

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Area	Shared Room (£/week)	Vibe	Transport to City Centre
Cathays	120–180	Student hub, social	5–10 min walk
Roath	110–160	Affordable, diverse	10–15 min bus
Cardiff Bay	180–250	Modern, riverside	15–20 min bus/train
City Centre	170–240	Convenient, central	Walkable
Heath	100–150	Near hospitals, quieter	10–15 min bus

This variety makes Cardiff student accommodation costs highly flexible depending on your budget. Accommodation choices make a major difference in the living expenses in Cardiff for international students.

Food and Groceries Costs in Cardiff

The average cost of living in Cardiff, UK for students includes a monthly grocery budget of £150–250, which is lower than in many UK cities.

Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco are popular for budget shopping.
Eating out ranges from £8–15 at casual spots to £30+ at mid-range restaurants.
Coffee prices are around £3–4, while brunch in Cathays or City Centre costs £10–15.

Dining out may cost more than home cooking, but the food scene in Cardiff makes it tempting for students to explore. Transport concessions for students make commuting affordable and contribute to lowering the Cardiff cost of living student budget

Transportation Costs in Cardiff

Public transport in Cardiff is affordable and reliable. Students benefit from discounted travel cards.

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Category	Cost (£)
Single bus ticket	2–3
Monthly student pass	45–70
Taxi (5 miles)	12–16
Bike rental (per day)	3–5

These expenses are vital components of the student cost of living in Cardiff.

Scholarships and Part-Time Jobs

Many scholarships help reduce the living cost in Cardiff for international students:

Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Cardiff Metropolitan Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama International Award

Part-time work opportunities also play a key role in the cost of living in Cardiff for students. Students often work in retail, cafes, or tutoring, earning £10–14 per hour, with flexible hours to balance studies and finances.

Tips to Save on the Cost of Living in Cardiff

Share accommodation in Cathays or Roath to cut rent costs
Shop at Lidl, Aldi, or Cardiff Market for cheaper groceries
Use student discounts on transport, entertainment, and shopping
Join student clubs and free university events for social activities

How Amber Can Help

Amber simplifies the process of finding affordable student accommodation in Cardiff by providing verified listings with flexible rent options and utilities included. From shared flats in Cathays to luxury studios in Cardiff Bay, Amber ensures safe, budget-friendly, and convenient housing solutions for international students navigating the cost of living in Cardiff. Here are a few exciting student accommodation options in Cardiff:
1. Collegiate Eclipse
2. Bridge Street Exchange
3. The West wing