Cost of living 2018 in Wales

42358POSTS

8 years ago

Hello everyone,

As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and inflation in Wales.

Thanks to your contribution, future expats in Wales will be more informed and will be able to refine their budget and better prepare for their big move.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment or a house in Wales?

How much does it cost to buy an apartment or a house in Wales?

How much do you pay on average for public transportation (bus, subway, train, tram, taxi)?

How much do you pay for basic food items such as rice, bread, and pasta?

What is your monthly budget for groceries?

How much does it cost to see a doctor/dentist/physician/specialist in Wales?

How much do you pay for health insurance per month?

How much does childcare cost on average per month?

What is your child's schooling budget per month?

How much does it cost to fill up your car聮s fuel tank?

How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc., per month?

How much do you pay for your internet and phone subscription?

How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?

How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?

How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?

How much does a gym membership cost in Wales?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

The Wales expat guide

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SimCityAT Expert

13813POSTS

8 years ago

jashami wrote:
Wales is not very expensive as compare to rest of the Europe. You can rent two bedrooms room flat away from city under five hundred pounds. Gas electric and water under two hundred per month food is cheap. If you are alone one thousand pounds enough and two persons may be more but its not difficult

I'm not sure if you are talking about the same Wales I know. The UK (wich Wales is part of) is very expensive compared to the rest of Europe. With the pound being very low at the moment it has pushed the price of living up.

Fuel for cars is one of the most expensive in Europe
Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water) are at a high price.
Groceries have gone up in price over the last 18 months, also due to the British Pound.

Public transport mainly Trains are the most expensive in Europe, this is due to them being run by private companies and not being subsidized by the government.

In all the country is a gorgeous country. So don't let me put you off in what I have said.

jashami New member

8POSTS

8 years ago

I will not disagree with you but if you are living within your means you can live in rural wales with cheap rent. Buses are cheap and subsidised. Basic living is not expensive. You are right journey to London by train from Cardiff is 75 pound return but mega bus charge 20pound or cheaper return. Living in small flat utilities are manageable. Very poor population is living in valleys of wales and they鈥檙e managing good.

Satkinson New member

4POSTS

8 years ago

I am interested in moving to Wales from the US. I'm 62 and currently receiving about $1330 per month Social Security. I realize the exchange rate fluctuates, but near as I can figure that's about 1,000 pounds per month.

From everything I've read, it seems as though I should be able to do alright in Wales as long as I'm careful and look for less-expensive areas. I'd really like to ask folks who are already there, is this an accurate assumption? Or am I suddenly going to find myself in a lot of trouble?

I've also browsed some sites advertising rental properties in various regions, and I've seen a number of places available for 300-400 pounds per month. I think this is the range I could afford, but my next question would be, are these decent places or are they dumps I should avoid at all cost? Again, I suppose it depends where it is, but some general feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you for your attention.

1 member reacted to this post

SimCityAT Expert

13813POSTS

8 years ago

Welcome to the Forum

Wales is a beautiful country, I would say that as I am half Welsh

You do have be careful in picking the right area because there are places where there is high unemployment and a great deal of poverty. This was due to the coal mines closing and no work to replace the lost work.

I would look in the area of , - , . The area is very friendly and welcoming. It is also Welsh-speaking part of the country, don't worry they do speak English.

Just had a quick look and a 2 bedroom flat in Llandilo is 拢395. 1 Bedroom places are obviously cheaper. The town has everything you need, quite a lot for just 2000 residents.

I hope this of help, should you require any more info or tips feel free to ask away.

SimCityAT
Expat Team

2 members reacted to this post

Satkinson New member

4POSTS

8 years ago

Thanks very much, this is just the sort of thing I need to know!聽 And I'm planning on trying to learn the language anyway, so that's great!

1 member reacted to this post

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

8120POSTS

8 years ago

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

The information on the Numbeo website may help you regarding costs and social things; this will take you there.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team

1 member reacted to this post