Planning to study at Cardiff Met? Explore 2025 student living expenses in Cardiff—including accommodation, food, transport, study essentials, and lifestyle costs to help you budget effectively.
Cardiff Metropolitan University (Cardiff Met) is located in one of the UK's most affordable and vibrant student cities. Compared to bustling cities like London, Cardiff offers a perfect mix of historic charm, cultural life, and cost-effectiveness, attracting thousands of domestic and international students every year. Understanding the cost of living in Cardiff is essential for effective budgeting and a stress-free university experience.
This comprehensive guide covers all key expenses for students studying at Cardiff Met in 2025, helping you plan your finances and make the most of your university experience.
While tuition is a significant expense, day-to-day living costs impact your wellbeing and academic success. Cardiff provides relatively low rents, affordable food options, and efficient transit, but your actual spending depends on your choices—such as accommodation type, eating habits, and lifestyle. Being aware of costs helps you balance academics with social life and financial sustainability.
Accommodation tends to absorb the largest share of student budgets. Cardiff Met offers various housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here's a breakdown of options in 2025:
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Rent (£) | Bills Included | Approximate Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Managed Halls | 160 - 185 | Yes | 690 |
| Shared Private Housing | 90 - 140 | Typically No | 500 (+106 bills) |
| Purpose-Built Student Accommodation | 100 - 185 | Usually Yes | 400 - 800 |
Booking early is essential during high-demand periods.
Cardiff offers excellent value for money when it comes to food and groceries, with plenty of budget-friendly options available throughout the city.
Savings Tip: Cooking at home and meal prepping can reduce costs by up to 30%.
Estimated food budget: £120 - 180 per month.
Cardiff is a compact city with comprehensive transit options, making it easy and affordable to get around:
Estimated transport budget: £50 - 60 per month.
Cardiff Met offers excellent digital study resources which help minimize textbook expenses, but you'll still need to budget for essential academic materials:
Estimated academic budget: £20 - 40 monthly plus upfront tech costs.
Cardiff offers a vibrant social scene with plenty of affordable entertainment options for students:
Estimated lifestyle budget: £100 - 150 monthly.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost Estimate (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500 - 800 |
| Food and Groceries | 120 - 180 |
| Transport | 50 - 60 |
| Study Materials & Tech | 20 - 40 |
| Lifestyle & Social | 100 - 150 |
| Total Monthly Budget | 800 - 1,200 |
Yes, Cardiff consistently ranks as an affordable city for students, particularly compared to London, Birmingham, and Manchester. International students benefit from university support services and a welcoming community, along with good job opportunities to supplement income.
Cardiff Metropolitan University offers students an affordable, vibrant, and well-supported environment. With monthly living costs between £800 and £1,200, students can enjoy a fulfilling academic and social life without financial stress. Careful budgeting and smart living choices ensure success in both studies and lifestyle.
Cardiff's combination of affordability, culture, and student-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for your university journey, whether you're a domestic or international student.