Edinburgh VS Cardiff

Edinburgh and Cardiff are similarly sized business centres with 56,473 and 30,508 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
Active56,473
Total61,282
2020s Growth41.4%
Oldest Co.1871
Cardiff
Active30,508
Total67,837
2020s Growth136.9%
Oldest Co.1881

Head-to-Head

Active Companies
56,473
30,508
Total Registered
61,282
67,837
Dissolved Companies
4,809
37,329
2020s Growth Rate
414%
1,369%
EdinburghCardiff

Company Formation by Decade

Edinburgh
Pre-1990
1,055
1990s
1,838
2000s
6,782
2010s
28,248
2020s
23,359
Cardiff
Pre-1990
977
1990s
849
2000s
3,331
2010s
20,909
2020s
41,771

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city has more registered companies, Edinburgh or Cardiff?

Edinburgh has 56,473 active companies compared to 30,508 in Cardiff — 25,965 more.

Which is growing faster, Edinburgh or Cardiff?

Cardiff has a higher 2020s company formation rate (136.9%) compared to Edinburgh (41.4%).

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, Development of building projects, Information technology consultancy activities, Management consultancy activities other than financial management. 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.