Is £30,000 a Good Salary in Cardiff?
Updated June 2026 · HMRC 2026/27 rates · ONS data
Short answer: On £30,000 in Cardiff, your take-home is £2,093/month after tax. After estimated average costs in Cardiff, you have £402/month left.
Where Does £30,000 Rank in the UK?
UK median based on ONS ASHE 2025 full-time employee data. Local median derived from ONS regional pay data.
£30,000 After Tax in Cardiff
£2,093/month
Cost of Living in Cardiff on £30,000
Rent: ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. Energy: Ofgem price cap April 2026. Food: average spend.
Life on £30,000 in Cardiff
Liveable in Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds.
- Solo renting is realistic in most areas
- Saving £200-300/month is achievable
- Modest lifestyle with occasional treats
- Home ownership is a long-term goal but possible
Each £5k rise significantly improves monthly flexibility
Home Buying Timeline in Cardiff
How Does Cardiff Compare?
See how your £30,000 salary goes in other UK cities:
Or use our Should I Move Simulator to compare your exact situation.
Calculate Your Exact Numbers
Enter your real bills and circumstances to get a more accurate picture.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
Is £30,000 a good salary in Cardiff?
£30,000 is manageable in Cardiff but not comfortable. After tax and average living costs, you have around £402 left — tight but liveable for many people.
Is £30,000 enough to live alone in Cardiff?
Yes, living alone on £30,000 in Cardiff is possible. Rent takes around 48% of your take-home pay, which is above the ideal 33% but manageable with careful budgeting.
Is house sharing common on £30,000 in Cardiff?
On £30,000 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.