Key differences
Crime rate /1k: Hillingdon (111) is ahead of City of London (460)
Safety score: Hillingdon (71/100) is ahead of City of London (11/100)
Transport: City of London (81/100) is ahead of Hillingdon (22/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Hillingdon has a stronger safety score — 71/100 vs 11/100. Hillingdon is more affordable at £450k median vs £860k.
City of London scores higher on transport, but Hillingdon 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
Hillingdon
Hillingdon suits families and those prioritising a low-crime neighbourhood.
City of London vs Hillingdon: what the data says
Overall, City of London scores higher on liveability (68/100 vs 50/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Hillingdon is more affordable — median price £450k vs £860k in City of London, a difference of around 48%. Over the past year prices changed +0.1% in City of London and +0.6% in Hillingdon.
Hillingdon has a lower crime rate (111 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 22/100).
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