Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Hackney (127) is ahead of City of London (460)
Safety score: Hackney (67/100) is ahead of City of London (11/100)
Median price: Hackney (£580k) is ahead of City of London (£860k)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Hackney has a stronger safety score — 67/100 vs 11/100. Hackney is more affordable at £580k median vs £860k.
City of London scores higher on transport, but Hackney is the more affordable option.
Best for
City of London
City of London is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Best for
Hackney
Hackney suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
City of London vs Hackney: what the data says
Overall, City of London scores higher on liveability (68/100 vs 66/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Hackney is more affordable — median price £580k vs £860k in City of London, a difference of around 33%. Over the past year prices changed +0.1% in City of London and +1.1% in Hackney.
Hackney has a lower crime rate (127 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 460 in City of London). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
City of London edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 81/100 vs 52/100).
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