Moving to Cardiff? Our comprehensive relocation guide covers the best neighbourhoods, property prices, career opportunities, and essential information to help you decide if Cardiff is right for you.
Your Guide to Moving to Cardiff : Relocating to the City of Castles and Culture
With its stunning waterfront development, historic castle right in the centre, and buzzing cultural scene, Cardiff stands out as one of the UK's most captivating capital cities. Cardiff locals typically enjoy 10% more disposable income than folks in other UK cities, thanks to reasonable housing prices and a fantastic quality of life. Since becoming Wales' capital in 1955, Cardiff has evolved from a busy industrial port into a dynamic modern city where Welsh traditions and contemporary urban living come together beautifully.
In this Cardiff relocation guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about relocating to Cardiff. We'll explore the best neighbourhoods, job opportunities, and moving costs, and provide practical tips for making your Cardiff move simple.
Why Cardiff is a Top Relocation Destination
Cardiff has become increasingly popular among those looking to relocate from larger, more expensive UK cities, and with good reason. Here's why Cardiff ranks as a top destination for your next move:
Exceptional Quality of Life
Cardiff is often celebrated as one of the UK's most liveable cities, a reputation backed up by the European Commission's 2023 Quality of Life in European Cities report, which named it the best city in Europe for young families and newcomers. With over 330 parks and gardens, including the beautiful Bute Park right in the city centre, Cardiff offers plenty of green spaces to enjoy, all while keeping the convenience and buzz of city life close at hand.
Affordable Living Costs
Cardiff stands out for its affordability, especially compared to other UK capital cities. The average property price is around £274,000 (as of February 2025)-nearly half the cost of buying in London. Renting is also great value, with average monthly rents at about £1,104, making Cardiff an appealing choice for both buyers and renters.
Strong Economic Growth
Cardiff's economy has transformed from its industrial roots into a dynamic centre for financial services, creative industries, healthcare, and technology. The city now generates nearly 20% of Wales' GDP, offering a wide range of job opportunities and an average salary of £34,049.
Cultural Richness
From the spectacular Wales Millennium Centre to world-class sporting events at Principality Stadium, Cardiff is bursting with culture. The city's vibrant arts scene, exciting food culture, and celebration of Welsh heritage, alongside a warm, multicultural atmosphere, make it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Best Neighbourhoods When Moving to Cardiff
Cardiff offers a fantastic mix of neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle and budget. Here's a quick guide to help you find your perfect spot:
For Families
- Llanishen - A leafy and established suburb in Cardiff's north, Llanishen is prized for its excellent schools, spacious homes, and abundance of parks and green spaces. Its friendly community and peaceful streets make it a top choice for families wanting a safe, welcoming environment while staying well-connected to the city.
- Pen-y-lan - Characterised by elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses, Pen-y-lan is a highly sought-after area for families. With outstanding schools, easy access to Roath Park, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, it offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity.
- Llandaff - Rich in heritage and centred around the stunning Llandaff Cathedral, this charming neighbourhood blends historic character with modern convenience. Its excellent schools, including the well-regarded Cathedral School, and strong sense of community make it a firm favourite among families.
- Rhiwbina - With its garden village roots and strong community spirit, Rhiwbina is a friendly and welcoming area ideal for family life. It offers quality schools, plenty of green spaces, and good public transport connections, making it both practical and picturesque.
For Young Professionals
- Cathays - The beating heart of Cardiff's youthful energy, Cathays is a lively and central neighbourhood brimming with independent cafés, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse community. Its close proximity to the city centre and bustling social scene make it a magnet for young professionals and students alike.
- Penarth - Just a short train ride from the city centre, Penarth is a stylish seaside town with a growing reputation among young professionals. Trendy restaurants, waterfront bars, and a scenic pier give it a cosmopolitan feel, while excellent transport links keep Cardiff within easy reach.
- Roath - Buzzing and diverse, Roath is a vibrant hub for creatives and young professionals. Centred around the scenic Roath Park and Lake, the area is full of independent shops, global cuisine, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the city's most energetic districts.
- Cardiff Bay - Sleek and modern, Cardiff Bay offers waterfront living with a lively cultural backdrop. From the Wales Millennium Centre to dozens of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it's a go-to spot for those wanting a contemporary lifestyle by the water.
More Budget-Friendly Areas
- Ely - As one of Cardiff's most affordable neighbourhoods, Ely is popular with first-time buyers and young families seeking value and space. Ongoing investment, improving amenities, and a strong community spirit make it a practical and welcoming choice for those on a budget.
- Rumney - Offering budget-friendly homes and plenty of green space, Rumney is a down-to-earth area with a close-knit community. Its convenient location and growing range of local amenities make it a smart pick for those looking for affordability without sacrificing comfort.
- Maendy - Centrally located and well-connected, Maendy has affordable housing options within easy reach of the city centre. With access to public transport, local shops, and community facilities, these areas are ideal for budget-conscious residents who want to stay close to the action.
- Splott - Once an industrial area, Splott is becoming a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood with a strong community feel. Ongoing regeneration, emerging local businesses, and proximity to the city centre make it a smart option for first-time buyers and young families alike.
Cardiff Property Guide: What Movers Should Know
The Cardiff property market offers excellent value compared to many other UK cities, with a wide range of homes to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you're searching for a city-centre flat, a family house in the suburbs, or something in between, Cardiff provides plenty of choice at affordable prices by UK standards. Check current Cardiff prices | Current rental prices
| Property Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Detached | £450,000 |
| Semi-detached | £335,000 |
| Terraced | £275,000 |
| Flats | £165,000 |
(Source: ONS, Rightmove, Zoopla 2025)
Once you've found your ideal Cardiff home, make sure you understand your rental or purchase agreement clearly, pay close attention to details such as deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and the length of your tenancy. Properties in sought-after areas like Pen-y-lan and Llandaff tend to hold their value well, while up-and-coming neighbourhoods offer strong potential for future growth. First-time buyers and renters will find Cardiff accessible, with a range of affordable areas within easy reach of the city centre.
Career Opportunities After Relocating to Cardiff
Cardiff has left its industrial past behind and is now a vibrant centre for a wide range of careers:
Finance and Professional Services
Cardiff has become one of Wales's leading financial hubs, with major employers such as Admiral Insurance and Legal & General operating significant offices in the city. The sector now accounts for around 20% of Cardiff's workforce, offering roles in investment services, corporate law, insurance, compliance, and back-office support.
Digital & Creative
The city centre and Cardiff Bay are alive with creative agencies, media companies, and tech start-ups, attracted by affordable workspaces and a collaborative spirit. Opportunities abound in media production, software development, digital marketing, and design, all supported by Wales's expanding creative industries.
Media
The BBC's Roath Lock studios anchor a flourishing media scene, which also includes numerous independent production companies and post-production houses. Careers range from scriptwriting, editing, and production management to broadcasting, sound engineering, and digital content creation.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Cardiff's healthcare sector is driven by institutions such as the University Hospital of Wales, providing opportunities for clinicians, researchers, laboratory technicians, and administrative staff. The city is also home to biotech firms and medical device manufacturers, creating specialist roles in research and development as well as healthcare delivery.
Education
With Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales all based in the city, there is strong demand for academic staff, researchers, learning support, and student services professionals. There are also plenty of opportunities in school leadership, teacher training, and education administration throughout Cardiff.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism is a major contributor to the local economy, with Cardiff's hospitality sector offering roles in hotels, restaurants, events management, and visitor attractions, particularly during major sporting events at the Principality Stadium. The industry generates approximately £1 billion of the £5.8 billion spent annually by tourists in Wales.
Public Sector
As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is home to the Welsh Government, numerous civil service departments, and a range of public sector organisations, providing stable employment in administration, policy, and public services.
Whether you're relocating for a new role or planning to job-hunt once you arrive, Cardiff is a city full of opportunity.
Essential Information for Your Cardiff Move
Public Transport in Cardiff
Getting around Cardiff is straightforward thanks to its well-developed public transport network:
- Buses: Cardiff Bus is the main provider, running frequent services across the city and to nearby areas. Most central locations are well-served, with buses operating from early morning until around midnight. A single journey usually costs between £2 and £3, while day tickets are available for around £5.50.
- Trains: Cardiff Central Station is the largest in Wales, offering direct trains to major UK cities such as London (2 hours), Bristol (40 minutes), and Newport (10 minutes). Queen Street Station handles local services, connecting Cardiff's suburbs and the South Wales Valleys.
- Cycling: Cardiff continues to expand its cycling infrastructure, and the Nextbike scheme allows for convenient and affordable bike hire throughout the city. Many areas in the city centre are also easily accessible on foot or bicycle.
For journey planning and live updates, the Transport for Wales website and mobile apps are excellent resources.
Parking and Permits
If you're moving to a permit-controlled area in Cardiff, you'll need to arrange a resident parking permit to avoid fines. Here's what you need to know:
- Resident Permits: The first residential parking permit costs £35 for 12 months. A second permit for the same household is £120. Applications are made online via the MiPermit system on the Cardiff Council website.
- Visitor Permits: Households can buy up to 150 days of visitor parking each year for guests. You'll need your Council Tax reference number to apply.
- Parking Suspensions: If you require space for a removal van, you can apply to suspend parking restrictions through Cardiff Council. Costs vary by location and length of suspension. Applications should be made at least 48 hours in advance.
- Congestion charges: Currently, there is no congestion charge in Cardiff. Proposals are being developed, but any scheme is still several years away and subject to public consultation and council approval.
Education and Schools
If you're moving with school-aged children, there are additional considerations to keep in mind.
To apply for a school place, contact Cardiff Council's School Admissions team. It's advisable to apply as early as possible, especially for popular schools where places can be competitive. When completing your application, you can list multiple preferences to increase your chances of securing a suitable place. Visit the Cardiff School Admissions page for more information.
Healthcare Services
The University Hospital of Wales (UHW) in Heath is one of Europe's largest teaching hospitals and provides comprehensive services. Register with a local GP to access NHS services as soon as possible after moving. The NHS Wales website lists practices accepting new patients.
Cardiff Moving Checklist: Planning Your Relocation
- Set your moving timeline -- Choose your ideal moving day and build a detailed checklist to work back from it. Book your Cardiff removals service early, especially if you're moving during peak times like weekends or school holidays.
- Research Cardiff neighbourhoods -- Once you've narrowed down where you want to live, explore the area in more detail — look at local shops, schools, parks and transport links. A bit of research (and a visit or two) now makes settling in much easier later on.
- Calculate Cardiff moving costs -- Get a quote and don't forget to factor in deposits, storage (if needed), and any short-term accommodation. A clear moving budget helps you avoid surprises down the line.
- Declutter before packing -- Take time to go through your belongings and donate, sell or recycle anything you no longer use. The less you move, the less you'll pay, and it'll make unpacking in Cardiff much easier.
- Arrange utilities and address changes -- Get your internet, energy and water set up for your new home ahead of time. Let your bank, GP, DVLA and any subscription services know about your new Cardiff address, register for council tax and transfer your TV licence too.
- Organise Cardiff parking permits -- If you're moving to a Cardiff area with controlled parking, apply for any permits or visitor passes you'll need. You might also need to arrange a temporary suspension so your removals van can park on moving day.
- Pack smart and stay organised for your Cardiff move -- Label each box with both the contents and the room it's heading to. Keep a separate box of essentials handy for your first night, and consider taking photos or making an inventory of valuables before the move.
- Notify important contacts about your Cardiff relocation -- Update your address with the electoral register, healthcare providers, insurance companies, family and other important contacts, so they know you're moving. Set up Royal Mail redirection to catch anything you might miss.
- Prepare for moving day in Cardiff -- Double-check timings with your removal company, make sure everything's packed, and take final meter readings at your old address. Have a copy of your checklist handy to keep things running smoothly.
Find the Best Removal Company for Your Cardiff Relocation
Find My Man and Van has helped thousands of people relocate to Cardiff, providing reliable and professional moving services tailored to the unique challenges of the Welsh capital. Our trusted network of movers combines local knowledge with professional expertise to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
We pride ourselves on:
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise extras
- Flexible booking options tailored to fit your schedule
- 5-star rated and backed by over 10 years of experience
- Local movers with deep knowledge of Cardiff and the surrounding areas
- Direct customer support - real people, no automated messages, no runaround
- Full Goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings
- Reliable, consistent service you can trust for a smooth move
No matter where your journey begins, we make moving simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Get your free Cardiff moving quote and book online today!
