Foundation Doctor (FY1/FY2) · City comparison · 2026

Aberdeen vs Cardiff

Q: Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Cardiff?

Aberdeen pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Cardiff. After living costs, Cardiff professionals have £157/month more disposable income.

Q: What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Cardiff?

In Aberdeen: £2,510/month net. In Cardiff: £2,517/month net. After rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Cardiff's £1,617/month.

Q: What salary in Cardiff matches Aberdeen purchasing power?

Approximately £32,500 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a COL index of 73 vs 64.

Q: Is Aberdeen or Cardiff cheaper to live in?

Cardiff is cheaper (COL 64 vs 73). Rent: Aberdeen £1,050/mo vs Cardiff £900/mo.

Q: What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen?

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen has a rent-to-income ratio of 42% (stretched). In Cardiff the equivalent is 36%.

Cardiff wins on purchasing power. Cardiff foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £157/month more disposable income after rent than their Aberdeen counterparts.

Aberdeen salary

£37,068

£2,510/mo take-home

Cardiff salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Cardiff wins by

+£157

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Cardiff

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Cardiff retains £157/month more than in Aberdeen — that's £1,884/year extra in purchasing power.

+£157

per month

Aberdeen

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,510

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,460

Cardiff

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £900

Rent-to-income 36% — Stretched

After rent £1,617

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Aberdeen	Cardiff	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£1,050	£900	-14%
Transport	£60	£50	-17%
Council tax	£148	£132	-11%
Groceries	£285	£255	-11%
Disposable income remaining	£827	£1,047	+27%

Sources: NHS Scotland 2025/26 · Rightmove Q4 2025 · HMRC 2025/26 · Numbeo 2025

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 73 for Aberdeen and 64 for Cardiff, a salary of £37,068 in Aberdeen delivers equivalent purchasing power to £32,500 in Cardiff.

Aberdeen £37,068 ≈

£32,500

in Cardiff

Income retention after all essentials

% of net monthly pay remaining after rent, transport, council tax and groceries

Aberdeen 33%

Cardiff 42%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Aberdeen £2.77

Cardiff £2.43

Transit (single trip)

Aberdeen £1.43

Cardiff £1.19

Gym membership

Aberdeen £40/mo

Cardiff £35/mo

Cinema ticket

Aberdeen £11.68

Cardiff £10.24

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

Does a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) earn more in Aberdeen or Cardiff? +

Aberdeen pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Cardiff — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Cardiff professionals have £157/month more disposable income, making it the stronger city in real terms.

What is the take-home pay for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen vs Cardiff? +

In Aberdeen: gross £37,068 → £2,510/month net take-home. In Cardiff: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Aberdeen leaves £1,460/month vs Cardiff's £1,617/month.

What salary in Cardiff matches Aberdeen purchasing power? +

Approximately £32,500 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Aberdeen, based on a cost-of-living index of 73 (Aberdeen) vs 64 (Cardiff).

Is Aberdeen or Cardiff cheaper to live in? +

Cardiff is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 64 vs 73 for Aberdeen (London = 100). Rent in Aberdeen averages £1,050/month (1-bed) vs £900/month in Cardiff.

What is the rent-to-income ratio for a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen? +

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Aberdeen earning £37,068 takes home £2,510/month. With median 1-bed rent of £1,050/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 42% (stretched). In Cardiff the equivalent ratio is 36%.