Key differences
Median price: Waltham Forest (£530k) is ahead of Richmond upon Thames (£725k)
Crime rate /1k: Richmond upon Thames (15) is ahead of Waltham Forest (24)
Transport: Waltham Forest (41/100) is ahead of Richmond upon Thames (34/100)
Head-to-head comparison
The Verdict
Waltham Forest has a stronger transport score — 41/100 vs 34/100. Waltham Forest is more affordable at £530k median vs £725k.
The areas are closely matched — the decision comes down to specific streets and personal priorities.
Best for
Richmond upon Thames
Richmond upon Thames suits buyers drawn to the specific character and amenities of this area.
Best for
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest is the better pick for commuters prioritising fast central London access.
Richmond upon Thames vs Waltham Forest: what the data says
Overall, Richmond upon Thames scores higher on liveability (67/100 vs 64/100), reflecting a better combined picture across safety, transport, schools and environment.
Property in Waltham Forest is more affordable — median price £530k vs £725k in Richmond upon Thames, a difference of around 27%. Over the past year prices changed +11.8% in Richmond upon Thames and +39.5% in Waltham Forest.
Richmond upon Thames has a lower crime rate (15 incidents per 1,000 residents vs 24 in Waltham Forest). Central London boroughs typically show higher per-resident figures due to large daytime populations.
Waltham Forest edges ahead on public transport connectivity (score 41/100 vs 34/100).
Top-rated postcodes
Frequently asked questions
Compare any two London postcodes
The interactive tool lets you compare any two specific postcodes — not just boroughs — with a full metric-by-metric breakdown.
Open postcode comparison tool →