City Comparison · 2026

Cardiff vs Blackpool 2026

Wales

Cardiff

Median Salary £32,400

Cost of Living 66/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £800/mo

Real Take-Home £24,800/yr

Job Growth ↑ 4%

Unemployment 4.4%

Lancashire

Blackpool

Median Salary £25,500

Cost of Living 58/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £550/mo

Real Take-Home £20,900/yr

Job Growth ↑ 2.5%

Unemployment 7.5%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Cardiff

Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.

Best for Affordability

Blackpool

Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.

Highest Headline Salary

Cardiff

Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.

Lowest Rent

Blackpool

More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.

Best for Career Growth

Cardiff

Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.

Best Overall Value

Cardiff

When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Cardiff vs Blackpool

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and a growing business hub with a strong public sector and emerging technology scene.

Full Cardiff Guide →

Blackpool

Blackpool is a major seaside resort with the most affordable living costs of any UK city but faces significant economic challenges.

Full Blackpool Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Cardiff

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Live Jobs

Jobs in Blackpool

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More Comparisons

London vs Cardiff

£52,800 vs £32,400

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London vs Blackpool

£52,800 vs £25,500

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Manchester vs Cardiff

£36,500 vs £32,400

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Manchester vs Blackpool

£36,500 vs £25,500

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Birmingham vs Blackpool

£33,200 vs £25,500

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Edinburgh vs Cardiff

£38,900 vs £32,400

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