A side-by-side comparison of rent, daily expenses, and quality-of-life factors in Cardiff (U.K.) and Edinburgh (U.K.). Data sourced from official government statistics, updated 2026.
| Category | Cardiff | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Country | U.K. | U.K. |
| Currency | GBP (£) | GBP (£) |
| 1BR Rent Range | £810 - £1,300Cheaper | £850 - £1,700 |
| 2BR Rent Range | £1,100 - £1,750Cheaper | £1,000 - £2,200 |
| Groceries / mo | £230Cheaper | £300 |
| Transport Pass / mo | £65Cheaper | £73 |
| Dining Out / mo | £165Cheaper | £212 |
| English Level | 5/5 (Excellent) | 5/5 (Excellent) |
| Neighborhoods Tracked | 5 | 15 |
| Healthcare System | NHS (Public) | NHS (Public) |
Overall, Cardiff tends to be more affordable when comparing rent, groceries, transport, and dining costs. However, the two cities use the same currency, so exchange rates and local salary levels also play a significant role. Use our calculator to see what your specific salary means in each city.
5 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in U.K.
View Cardiff details15 neighborhoods, rent data, and full cost breakdown in U.K.
View Edinburgh detailsEnter your gross salary to see net pay, rent affordability, and savings potential in Cardiff and Edinburgh.
Open the comparison calculatorBased on our data, Cardiff is generally cheaper to live in when comparing rent, groceries, transport, and dining costs. However, costs vary significantly by neighborhood and lifestyle.
In Cardiff, 1-bedroom rents range from £810 to £1,300 per month across 5 neighborhoods. In Edinburgh, 1-bedroom rents range from £850 to £1,700 per month across 15 neighborhoods.
A monthly public transport pass costs £65 in Cardiff and £73 in Edinburgh. Both cities have well-developed public transit systems.
Cardiff has an English proficiency rating of 5/5 (Excellent) and Edinburgh rates 5/5 (Excellent). Cardiff uses NHS (Public) healthcare, while Edinburgh uses NHS (Public). Both factors are important for expats considering a move.