Wales · Wales
Cardiff area guide
Population
383,919
ONS 2024
Avg. house price
£271,166
+1.8% /yr
Avg. rent (pcm)
£1,157
+3.3% /yr
Rental yield
5.1%
gross
Sources: ONS mid-2024 population, HM Land Registry / ONS house prices and ONS private rents.
About Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, situated on the Bristol Channel coast in the south of the country, at the confluence of the Rivers Taff, Ely and Rhymney. It became Wales's capital in 1955 and grew historically as a major coal-exporting port, with Cardiff Bay once among the busiest docks in the world. Today it combines a compact, walkable city centre with substantial redevelopment around the Bay, and serves as the seat of the Welsh Government and the Senedd. With a population of 383,919 (ONS mid-2024), it is the largest city in Wales and a regional hub for business, culture and education.
Schools & education
Cardiff has three main universities: Cardiff University, a long-established Russell Group institution known for research; Cardiff Metropolitan University, with campuses including Llandaff; and the University of South Wales, which has a presence in the city alongside its wider South Wales campuses. Further education is provided by colleges such as Cardiff and Vale College, offering vocational and academic courses. The city has a broad mix of state primary and secondary schools, including Welsh-medium and English-medium options, reflecting the bilingual character of Wales, along with a small number of independent schools.
Transport & airports
Cardiff Central is the city's principal railway station, offering direct services to London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham and other UK cities, alongside local and regional lines serving the wider South Wales valleys via Cardiff Queen Street. The city is well connected by road, with the M4 motorway passing just to the north, linking Cardiff to Bristol, Newport and Swansea. Cardiff Airport, located a short distance southwest of the city near Rhoose, provides domestic and international flights and is the nearest major airport. Within the city, an extensive bus network, cycling routes and pedestrianised areas support local travel.
Economy & jobs
Cardiff's economy has shifted from its industrial and docklands origins towards services, particularly financial and professional services, media, and the public sector, given its role as the seat of Welsh Government. Major employers include the BBC, which has a significant presence in the city, along with Cardiff University, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, and various financial and insurance firms based in and around the city centre and Cardiff Bay. The city also has a retail and leisure sector centred on its shopping arcades, Cardiff Bay, and venues such as the Principality Stadium, which draws visitors for major sporting and entertainment events.
Living in Cardiff
Life in Cardiff blends city amenities with relatively easy access to countryside and coast, including the Vale of Glamorgan and the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) further north. The city has a diverse population, a strong Welsh cultural identity alongside English-speaking communities, and a lively cultural scene encompassing museums, theatres, music venues and sporting events, particularly rugby and football at the Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium. Housing costs remain more affordable than many other UK capital cities, with an average house price of £271,166 and average monthly rent of £1,157, making it attractive to families, young professionals and students alike. Its size means most areas are within reach of the centre, suiting those who want an urban lifestyle without a lengthy commute.
Cardiff FAQs
What is the population of Cardiff?
Cardiff's population is 383,919, according to ONS mid-2024 estimates, making it the largest city in Wales.
What is the nearest major airport to Cardiff?
Cardiff Airport, located near Rhoose to the southwest of the city, is the nearest major airport, offering domestic and international flights.
What is the main university in Cardiff?
Cardiff University is the city's principal university and a Russell Group institution; Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales also have a presence in the city.
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This guide is provided for general information. Statistics are from official sources on the dates shown; other details are an overview and may change. Browse all UK city guides →