Edinburgh VS Cardiff

Edinburgh and Cardiff are similarly sized business centres with 57,165 and 30,500 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

Edinburgh
Active57,165
Total65,147
2020s Growth38.7%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active30,500
Total85,649
2020s Growth61.5%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
57,165
30,500
Total Registered
65,147
85,649
Dissolved Companies
3,316
21,788
2020s Growth Rate
387%
615%
EdinburghCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,061
1990s
1,845
2000s
6,826
2010s
28,424
2020s
26,397
Cardiff
Pre-1990
1,009
1990s
881
2000s
3,473
2010s
22,931
2020s
56,688

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Cardiff?

Edinburgh has 57,165 active companies compared to 30,500 in Cardiff — 26,665 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (61.5%) compared to Edinburgh (38.7%).

What industries do Edinburgh and Cardiff have in common?

Both cities share these top industries: Business and domestic software development, Buying and selling of own real estate, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management, Other. Edinburgh is uniquely strong in Dormant Company and Other service activities n.e.c., while Cardiff stands out in Activities of other holding companies n.e.c. and Residents property management.