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

Cardiff vs Sheffield

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

Cardiff pays £37,068 vs £37,068 in Sheffield. After living costs, Sheffield professionals have £75/month more disposable income.

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

In Cardiff: £2,517/month net. In Sheffield: £2,517/month net. After rent, Cardiff leaves £1,617/month vs Sheffield's £1,692/month.

Q: What salary in Sheffield matches Cardiff purchasing power?

Approximately £36,500 in Sheffield delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Cardiff, based on a COL index of 64 vs 63.

Q: Is Cardiff or Sheffield cheaper to live in?

Sheffield is cheaper (COL 63 vs 64). Rent: Cardiff £900/mo vs Sheffield £825/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 Sheffield the equivalent is 33%.

Sheffield wins on purchasing power. Sheffield foundation doctor (fy1/fy2)s have £75/month more disposable income after rent than their Cardiff counterparts.

Cardiff salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Sheffield salary

£37,068

£2,517/mo take-home

Sheffield wins by

+£75

per month after rent

Winner on purchasing power

Sheffield

After paying rent, a foundation doctor (fy1/fy2) in Sheffield retains £75/month more than in Cardiff — that's £900/year extra in purchasing power.

+£75

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

Sheffield

View full breakdown →

Gross salary £37,068

Net monthly £2,517

Rent (1-bed) £825

Rent-to-income 33% — Comfortable

After rent £1,692

Monthly cost comparison

All figures monthly · 2025/26

Category	Cardiff	Sheffield	Delta
Rent (1-bed median)	£900	£825	-8%
Transport	£50	£65	+30%
Council tax	£132	£126	-5%
Groceries	£255	£265	+4%
Disposable income remaining	£1,047	£1,102	+5%

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 63 for Sheffield, a salary of £37,068 in Cardiff delivers equivalent purchasing power to £36,500 in Sheffield.

Cardiff £37,068 ≈

£36,500

in Sheffield

Income retention after all essentials

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

Cardiff 42%

Sheffield 44%

Everyday costs

Estimated typical prices · scaled from Numbeo 2025

Cappuccino

Cardiff £2.43

Sheffield £2.39

Transit (single trip)

Cardiff £1.19

Sheffield £1.55

Gym membership

Cardiff £35/mo

Sheffield £35/mo

Cinema ticket

Cardiff £10.24

Sheffield £10.08

Financial tools

Frequently asked questions

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

Cardiff pays a median £37,068 vs £37,068 in Sheffield — a gross difference of £0. However, after accounting for rent and living costs, Sheffield professionals have £75/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 Sheffield? +

In Cardiff: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. In Sheffield: gross £37,068 → £2,517/month net take-home. After paying median 1-bed rent, Cardiff leaves £1,617/month vs Sheffield's £1,692/month.

What salary in Sheffield matches Cardiff purchasing power? +

Approximately £36,500 in Sheffield delivers equivalent purchasing power to £37,068 in Cardiff, based on a cost-of-living index of 64 (Cardiff) vs 63 (Sheffield).

Is Cardiff or Sheffield cheaper to live in? +

Sheffield is cheaper overall, with a cost-of-living index of 63 vs 64 for Cardiff (London = 100). Rent in Cardiff averages £900/month (1-bed) vs £825/month in Sheffield.

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 Sheffield the equivalent ratio is 33%.