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

Birmingham vs Cardiff

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

Birmingham pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Cardiff. After living costs, Birmingham professionals have £50/month more disposable income.

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

In Birmingham: £2,517/month net. In Cardiff: £2,517/month net. After rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs Cardiff's £1,617/month.

Q: What salary in Cardiff matches Birmingham purchasing power?

Approximately £36,500 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a COL index of 65 vs 64.

Q: Is Birmingham or Cardiff cheaper to live in?

Cardiff is cheaper (COL 64 vs 65). Rent: Birmingham £850/mo vs Cardiff £900/mo.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham has a rent-to-income ratio of 34% (stretched). In Cardiff the equivalent is 36%.

Birmingham wins on purchasing power. Birmingham foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £50/month more disposable income after rent than their Cardiff counterparts.

Birmingham salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Cardiff salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Birmingham wins by

+£50

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Birmingham

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham retains £50/month more than in Cardiff — that's £600/year extra in purchasing power.

+£50

per month

Birmingham

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £850

Rent-to-income 34% — Stretched

After rent £1,667

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	Birmingham	Cardiff	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£850	£900	+6%
Transport	£65	£50	-23%
Council tax	£118	£132	+12%
Groceries	£265	£255	-4%
Disposable income remaining	£1,079	£1,047	-3%

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

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 65 for Birmingham and 64 for Cardiff, a salary of £37,068 in Birmingham delivers equivalent purchasing power to £36,500 in Cardiff.

Birmingham £37,068 ≈

£36,500

in Cardiff

Income retention after all essentials

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

Birmingham 43%

Cardiff 42%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Birmingham £2.47

Cardiff £2.43

Transit (single trip)

Birmingham £1.55

Cardiff £1.19

Gym membership

Birmingham £36/mo

Cardiff £35/mo

Cinema ticket

Birmingham £10.40

Cardiff £10.24

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Birmingham pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Cardiff — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Birmingham professionals have £50/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 Birmingham vs Cardiff? +

In Birmingham: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Cardiff: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Birmingham leaves £1,667/month vs Cardiff's £1,617/month.

What salary in Cardiff matches Birmingham purchasing power? +

Approximately £36,500 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Birmingham, based on a cost-of-living index of 65 (Birmingham) vs 64 (Cardiff).

Is Birmingham or Cardiff cheaper to live in? +

Cardiff is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 64 vs 65 for Birmingham (London = 100). Rent in Birmingham averages £850/month (1-bed) vs £900/month in Cardiff.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Birmingham earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £850/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 34% (stretched). In Cardiff the equivalent ratio is 36%.