Cardiff spans about 140 km² (54 sq mi) in Wales.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in Cardiff
Cardiff is both a city and a county area on the south coast of Wales, set where the River Taff meets the Bristol Channel. Its position between the coast and the nearby hills has shaped its development, giving the area a mix of waterfront, urban neighbourhoods and accessible green space. While it is Wales’s capital city, much of Cardiff retains a manageable scale, with distinct districts and a strong sense of place.
The area grew rapidly during the nineteenth century as a port serving the South Wales coalfields, leaving a lasting mark on its layout and architecture. Today, Cardiff supports a broad economy centred on government, education, media and services, alongside retail and tourism. Cardiff Bay has been a major focus of regeneration, transforming former docklands into a mixed area of housing, culture and leisure, while the city centre remains the main commercial and civic hub.
Cardiff is notable for its access to open space, with parks, riverside paths and nearby countryside forming part of everyday life. Cardiff Castle, set at the heart of the city, reflects the area’s long history and remains a defining landmark. Overall, Cardiff offers a balanced combination of coastal setting, urban life and green space, giving it a confident yet approachable character within Wales.
Cardiff at a Glance
House Prices in Cardiff
The average sold price in Cardiff is £301,446 across 11,090 recorded sales, making it the 31st most expensive of 69 counties.
Source: HM Land Registry Price Paid Data. Figures are averages of recorded sales.
People & Demographics
Age structure
Housing tenure
Source: ONS Census 2021 and model-based income estimates.
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are houses in Cardiff?
The average sold price in Cardiff is around £301,446. A detached home averages £454,445, a terraced home £248,320 and a flat £163,938.
What is the population of Cardiff?
Cardiff has a population of about 363,589 people, at a density of 2,597 per square kilometre.
What is the average income in Cardiff?
The average household income in Cardiff is around £51,468 a year.
Largest Towns in Cardiff 3
Location
Elevation & Terrain
Cardiff stretches from 3 ft at Butetown up to 623 ft at Bwlch-y-cwm, a span of 620 ft across 58 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Main Towns in Cardiff 48
Cardiff has 58 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in Cardiff.
Postcode Areas in Cardiff 1
Cardiff is served by 1 postcode area. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.