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

Cardiff vs Manchester

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

Cardiff pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Manchester. After living costs, Cardiff professionals have £150/month more disposable income.

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

In Cardiff: £2,517/month net. In Manchester: £2,517/month net. After rent, Cardiff leaves £1,617/month vs Manchester's £1,467/month.

Q: What salary in Manchester matches Cardiff purchasing power?

Approximately £39,400 in Manchester delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Cardiff, based on a COL index of 64 vs 68.

Q: Is Cardiff or Manchester cheaper to live in?

Cardiff is cheaper (COL 64 vs 68). Rent: Cardiff £900/mo vs Manchester £1,050/mo.

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

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

Cardiff wins on purchasing power. Cardiff foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £150/month more disposable income after rent than their Manchester counterparts.

Cardiff salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Manchester salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Cardiff wins by

+£150

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Cardiff

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Cardiff retains £150/month more than in Manchester — that's £1,800/year extra in purchasing power.

+£150

per month

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

Manchester

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £1,050

Rent-to-income 42% — Stretched

After rent £1,467

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Cardiff	Manchester	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£900	£1,050	+17%
Transport	£50	£75	+50%
Council tax	£132	£128	-3%
Groceries	£255	£280	+10%
Disposable income remaining	£1,047	£839	-20%

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

Cost-of-living equivalence

Based on a cost-of-living index of 64 for Cardiff and 68 for Manchester, a salary of £37,068 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £39,400 in Manchester.

Cardiff £37,068 ≈

£39,400

in Manchester

Income retention after all essentials

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

Cardiff 42%

Manchester 33%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Cardiff £2.43

Manchester £2.58

Transit (single trip)

Cardiff £1.19

Manchester £1.79

Gym membership

Cardiff £35/mo

Manchester £37/mo

Cinema ticket

Cardiff £10.24

Manchester £10.88

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Cardiff pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Manchester — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Cardiff professionals have £150/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 Cardiff vs Manchester? +

In Cardiff: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Manchester: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Cardiff leaves £1,617/month vs Manchester's £1,467/month.

What salary in Manchester matches Cardiff purchasing power? +

Approximately £39,400 in Manchester delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Cardiff, based on a cost-of-living index of 64 (Cardiff) vs 68 (Manchester).

Is Cardiff or Manchester cheaper to live in? +

Cardiff is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 64 vs 68 for Manchester (London = 100). Rent in Cardiff averages £900/month (1-bed) vs £1,050/month in Manchester.

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

A foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Cardiff earning £37,068 takes home £2,517/month. With median 1-bed rent of £900/month, the rent-to-income ratio is 36% (stretched). In Manchester the equivalent ratio is 42%.