Cambridge VS Oxford

Cambridge and Oxford are similarly sized business centres with 21,430 and 10,981 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
Active21,430
Total25,064
2020s Growth52.5%
Oldest Co.1893
Oxford
Active10,981
Total12,990
2020s Growth48.5%
Oldest Co.1866

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
21,430
10,981
Total Registered
25,064
12,990
Dissolved Companies
1,647
852
2020s Growth Rate
525%
485%
CambridgeOxford

Company Formation by Decade

Cambridge
Pre-1990
637
1990s
780
2000s
2,472
2010s
7,274
2020s
13,603
Oxford
Pre-1990
458
1990s
481
2000s
1,491
2010s
4,043
2020s
6,370

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Cambridge or Oxford?

Cambridge has 21,430 active companies compared to 10,981 in Oxford — 10,449 more.

Which is growing faster, Cambridge or Oxford?

Cambridge has a higher 2020s company formation rate (52.5%) compared to Oxford (48.5%).

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 Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c., while Oxford stands out in Development of building projects and Retail sale via mail order houses or via Internet.