Is £25,000 a Good Salary in Cardiff?
Updated June 2026 · HMRC 2026/27 rates · ONS data
Short answer: On £25,000 in Cardiff, your take-home is £1,793/month after tax. After estimated average costs in Cardiff, you have £102/month left.
Where Does £25,000 Rank in the UK?
UK median based on ONS ASHE 2025 full-time employee data. Local median derived from ONS regional pay data.
£25,000 After Tax in Cardiff
£1,793/month
Cost of Living in Cardiff on £25,000
Rent: ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. Energy: Ofgem price cap April 2026. Food: average spend.
Life on £25,000 in Cardiff
Challenging but liveable in cities like Manchester or Birmingham.
- Solo renting is possible but leaves little spare cash
- Many people on this salary choose house sharing to free up savings
- Budget supermarkets help stretch the salary further
- Limited room for savings or unexpected costs
Even a £5k rise makes a significant difference at this level
Home Buying Timeline in Cardiff
How Does Cardiff Compare?
See how your £25,000 salary goes in other UK cities:
Or use our Should I Move Simulator to compare your exact situation.
Calculate Your Exact Numbers
Rent takes 56% of your take-home in Cardiff. See the financial difference in other UK cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is £25,000 a good salary in Cardiff?
£25,000 is manageable in Cardiff but not comfortable. After tax and average living costs, you have around £102 left — tight but liveable for many people.
Can I live alone on £25,000 in Cardiff?
Living alone on £25,000 in Cardiff is very challenging. Rent takes around 56% of your take-home pay — well above the recommended 33%. Many people on this salary in Cardiff choose to house share to reduce costs.
Is house sharing common on £25,000 in Cardiff?
On £25,000 in Cardiff, many people choose house sharing as a way to reduce rent costs. House sharing typically brings rent down to £500–800/month, leaving more room for savings and other expenses.
Tax calculations based on 2026/27 HMRC rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scottish Income Tax rates applied for Edinburgh and Glasgow. Rent from ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. UK median salary from ONS ASHE 2025 (full-time employees: £37,430). Local salary medians derived from ONS regional pay data — approximations only. All figures are estimates. Last updated: June 2026.
Comfort level indicators are illustrative categories based on estimated disposable income and do not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary significantly.