Cambridge VS Oxford

Cambridge and Oxford are similarly sized business centres with 21,513 and 11,030 active companies respectively. This close match makes their industry mix, growth trajectory, and formation history all the more interesting to compare. Both cities share strength in Business and domestic software development and Buying and selling of own real estate.

Key Figures

Cambridge
Active21,513
Total23,405
2020s Growth52.6%
Oldest Co.1893
Oxford
Active11,030
Total12,265
2020s Growth48.0%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
21,513
11,030
Total Registered
23,405
12,265
Dissolved Companies
22
21
2020s Growth Rate
526%
480%
CambridgeOxford

Company Formation by Decade

Cambridge
Pre-1990
641
1990s
775
2000s
2,407
2010s
7,259
2020s
12,323
Oxford
Pre-1990
453
1990s
475
2000s
1,488
2010s
4,041
2020s
5,808

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cambridge or Oxford?

Cambridge has 21,513 active companies compared to 11,030 in Oxford — 10,483 more.

Which is growing faster, Cambridge or Oxford?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.6%) compared to Oxford (48.0%).

What industries do Cambridge and Oxford have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Dormant Company, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. Cambridge is uniquely strong in Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c., while Oxford stands out in Development of building projects.