Cost of living 2018 in Wales

Wales is not very expensive as compare to rest of the Europe. You can rent two bedrooms room flat away from city under five hundred pounds. Gas electric and water under two hundred per month food is cheap. If you are alone one thousand pounds enough and two persons may be more but its not difficult

jashami wrote:

Wales is not very expensive as compare to rest of the Europe. You can rent two bedrooms room flat away from city under five hundred pounds. Gas electric and water under two hundred per month food is cheap. If you are alone one thousand pounds enough and two persons may be more but its not difficult

I'm not sure if you are talking about the same Wales I know. The UK (wich Wales is part of) is very expensive compared to the rest of Europe. With the pound being very low at the moment it has pushed the price of living up.

Fuel for cars is one of the most expensive in Europe
Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water) are at a high price.
Groceries have gone up in price over the last 18 months, also due to the British Pound.

Public transport mainly Trains are the most expensive in Europe, this is due to them being run by private companies and not being subsidized by the government.

In all the country is a gorgeous country. So don't let me put you off in what I have said.

I will not disagree with you but if you are living within your means you can live in rural wales with cheap rent. Buses are cheap and subsidised. Basic living is not expensive. You are right journey to London by train from Cardiff is 75 pound return but mega bus charge 20pound or cheaper return. Living in small flat utilities are manageable. Very poor population is living in valleys of wales and they're managing good.

I am interested in moving to Wales from the US. I'm 62 and currently receiving about $1330 per month Social Security. I realize the exchange rate fluctuates, but near as I can figure that's about 1,000 pounds per month.

From everything I've read, it seems as though I should be able to do alright in Wales as long as I'm careful and look for less-expensive areas. I'd really like to ask folks who are already there, is this an accurate assumption? Or am I suddenly going to find myself in a lot of trouble?

I've also browsed some sites advertising rental properties in various regions, and I've seen a number of places available for 300-400 pounds per month. I think this is the range I could afford, but my next question would be, are these decent places or are they dumps I should avoid at all cost? Again, I suppose it depends where it is, but some general feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you for your attention.

Welcome to the Forum

Wales is a beautiful country, I would say that as I am half Welsh You do have be careful in picking the right area because there are places where there is high unemployment and a great deal of poverty. This was due to the coal mines closing and no work to replace the lost work.

I would look in the area of Carmarthenshire, - Llandeilo, Llandovery. The area is very friendly and welcoming. It is also Welsh-speaking part of the country, don't worry they do speak English.

Just had a quick look and a 2 bedroom flat in Llandilo is £395. 1 Bedroom places are obviously cheaper. The town has everything you need, quite a lot for just 2000 residents.

I hope this of help, should you require any more info or tips feel free to ask away.

SimCityAT
Expat Team

Thanks very much, this is just the sort of thing I need to know!  And I'm planning on trying to learn the language anyway, so that's great!

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

The information on the Numbeo website may help you regarding costs and social things; this link will take you there.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team