City Profile
Barry, Wales
UK · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Barry is a vibrant seaside town located in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, known historically as a major coal-exporting port that grew rapidly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it has transformed into a bustling residential and tourist hub, famously recognized as the primary filming location for the hit television series Gavin & Stacey. The town offers a distinct coastal character, featuring sandy beaches at Barry Island, sweeping parks, and a mix of traditional Victorian architecture and modern developments.
People are drawn to Barry for its unique combination of coastal lifestyle, rich industrial heritage, and relatively affordable housing compared to nearby Cardiff. The community maintains a strong local identity, supported by active civic organizations, cultural festivals, and regeneration projects around the Waterfront and Holton Road shopping districts. Its proximity to the Welsh capital makes it an attractive commuter base for professionals seeking a seaside environment without sacrificing urban access.
Wales, a country within the UK, is characterized by its distinct Celtic culture, rugged landscapes, and a strong emphasis on its Welsh language and heritage. The economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing (such as automotive and aerospace components), financial technology (fintech), life sciences, renewable energy, and a significant service sector encompassing public services, retail, and tourism. The climate is oceanic, generally cool, humid, and often cloudy with frequent rain, though rarely very cold. The cost of living in Wales is generally lower than the UK average, with a single person's estimated monthly costs (excluding rent) being around £807.5. Lifestyle often involves a connection to nature and a strong community feel, particularly outside of the larger urban centers like Cardiff.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 82.0 | 66.3 | 25% | 16.6 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $41,000 Income needed to live here: $38,000 Unemployment rate: 4.5% | 51.8 | 20% | 10.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.9% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 48.8 | 15% | 7.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 61.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Barry is generally lower than the UK national average and significantly more affordable than central London or nearby Cardiff. Housing costs, including both purchasing and renting, remain the primary factor keeping the cost of living manageable for residents, though property prices have seen steady upward pressure due to increased demand from relocators. Everyday expenses such as groceries, dining, and local services align closely with regional Welsh standards, making it an economically attractive option for families and first-time buyers.
Utility costs and public transportation fares follow national UK trends, though municipal council tax rates set by the Vale of Glamorgan Council contribute to overall household expenditure. While coastal properties and newer waterfront developments command a premium, older residential areas offer more budget-friendly alternatives. Overall, residents enjoy a favorable balance between disposable income and living expenses compared to major English metropolitan areas.
Income
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Barry’s local economy is anchored by retail, tourism, public administration, and light manufacturing, benefiting from its strategic location within the Cardiff Capital Region. Major employment sectors include healthcare, education, retail trade centered around major supermarkets and high street shops, and hospitality driven by tourism at Barry Island. The Vale of Glamorgan Council and local health boards serve as prominent public sector employers supporting stable regional jobs.
While a significant portion of the working population commutes into nearby Cardiff for corporate, financial, and professional services careers, local entrepreneurship has seen positive momentum. The town's thriving small business scene is supported by local initiatives and regeneration efforts aimed at boosting high street footfall. Remote work has also grown increasingly common among Barry residents, who leverage the town's coastal lifestyle while maintaining employment with firms based in London or Bristol.
The average salary in Barry is $44,000 per year. You would need approximately $38,000 to live comfortably.
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Barry is exceptionally well-connected by rail, road, and air, making it a highly accessible location for both commuters and travelers. The town is served by multiple railway stations, including Barry, Barry Island, and Cadoxton, providing frequent and direct Valleys & Cardiff Metro services into central Cardiff in under 30 minutes. Road connectivity is facilitated by the A4055 and nearby links to the M4 motorway, enabling straightforward driving routes across South Wales.
Cardiff Airport is located just minutes outside the town, offering international travel convenience. Within Barry itself, walkability is high in the central commercial areas and residential quarters, supported by local bus networks, though private car ownership remains common for travel into more rural parts of the Vale of Glamorgan.
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