Renting in Cardiff vs Swansea
Side-by-side comparison of rental costs, market conditions, and living expenses to help you decide where to rent.
Rent Comparison by Property Size
| Property Type | Cardiff | Swansea | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | £600/mo | £450/mo | +£150 |
| 1-Bed | £750/mo | £550/mo | +£200 |
| 2-Bed | £950/mo | £700/mo | +£250 |
| 3-Bed | £1,200/mo | £875/mo | +£325 |
| 4-Bed | £1,450/mo | £1,100/mo | +£350 |
2-Bed Rent Comparison
Market Statistics
| Metric | Cardiff | Swansea |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 5.8% | 6% |
| Rent Growth (YoY) | 5.6% | 4.8% |
| Demand Level | High | Medium |
| Average Deposit | £1,096 | £808 |
| Council Tax (Band D) | £1,653/yr | £1,812/yr |
Quick Verdict
For Affordability
Swansea
£250/mo cheaper for a 2-bed
For Growth Potential
Cardiff
5.6% year-on-year growth
For Investment Yield
Swansea
6% average yield
Monthly Cost of Living (2-Bed)
Cardiff
Swansea
Living in Swansea saves you approximately £237/mo on core housing costs.
Transport Links
Cardiff
Cardiff Central mainline station, bus network, and upcoming South Wales Metro improvements.
Swansea
Swansea mainline station with services to London Paddington. Bus network and proximity to Gower Peninsula.
Popular Neighbourhoods
Cardiff
Swansea
Our Verdict
Cardiff and Swansea offer different rental experiences. Swansea is the more affordable option, with 2-bed rents averaging £700/mo compared to £950/mo in Cardiff, saving renters £250 per month.
Cardiff is seeing stronger rent growth at 5.6% year-on-year, which may indicate increasing demand in the area. Swansea offers better returns for landlords at 6% average yield.
Both cities have significant student populations, which drives demand for house shares and smaller properties. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your work location, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
Check a Property
Properties in Cardiff
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View Cardiff Rental GuideProperties in Swansea
Enter a postcode to check any rental property in Swansea
View Swansea Rental Guide