Barnsley vs Bentley (Doncaster)
Which is better to live in? Distance: 13.4 miles apart.
The verdict
Barnsley is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 24% lower. Barnsley has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Barnsley edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Barnsley
£199,362
Bentley (Doncaster)
£263,762
Crime Rate
Barnsley
94.8
Bentley (Doncaster)
116.4
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Barnsley
100.0%
Bentley (Doncaster)
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Barnsley
421.9
Bentley (Doncaster)
414
EPC Rating
Barnsley
70.2
Bentley (Doncaster)
70.6
Median Income
Barnsley
£30,472
Bentley (Doncaster)
£30,329
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in Yorkshire and the HumberProperty in Bentley (doncaster) commands an average of £263,762, compared with £199,362 in Barnsley – a difference of 24%. The most affordable entry point in Barnsley is a flat at £99,003, while in Bentley (doncaster) it is a terraced at £125,503.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 53% pricier in Bentley (doncaster) (£212,500 vs £99,003).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Bentley (doncaster) prices grew faster — 58% vs 46%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in Yorkshire and the HumberBarnsley has a crime rate of 94.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 23% lower than Bentley (doncaster) at 116.4 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Barnsley is violent-crime, while in Bentley (doncaster) it is violent-crime.
Crime Rate by Category (per 1,000 residents)
Both towns share the same top crime category: violent crime.
Schools & Education
Best for schools in Yorkshire and the HumberFamilies may prefer Barnsley, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in Bentley (doncaster). There are 21 schools in Barnsley and 4 in Bentley (doncaster).
Barnsley School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 21 schools (18 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Bentley (Doncaster) School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (4 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Barnsley | Bentley (Doncaster) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 21 | 4 |
| Primary | 18 | 4 |
| Secondary | 3 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 421.9 Mbps in Barnsley and 414.0 Mbps in Bentley (doncaster). Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 97.2% of premises in Barnsley and 97.8% in Bentley (doncaster). Gigabit availability stands at 80.2% in Barnsley and 79% in Bentley (doncaster).
Barnsley is the faster of the two by 2% on average download speed (422 vs 414 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Bentley (doncaster) leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 70.6 (C), while Barnsley averages 70.2 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,134 in Barnsley and £1,114 in Bentley (doncaster). 58.9% of homes in Barnsley have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 60% in Bentley (doncaster).
Bentley (doncaster) has more energy-efficient housing — 60% reach band C or above, vs 58.9% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,472 in Barnsley and £30,329 in Bentley (doncaster). The median age is 43.5 in Barnsley and 43.5 in Bentley (doncaster). Owner-occupancy is 62.3% in Barnsley versus 62.5% in Bentley (doncaster). Employment rates stand at 55.9% in Barnsley and 55.4% in Bentley (doncaster).
| Indicator | Barnsley | Bentley (Doncaster) |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,394 | 12,044 |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 43.5 |
| Median Household Income | £30,472 | £30,329 |
| Employment Rate | 55.9% | 55.4% |
| Owner Occupied | 62.3% | 62.5% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 23.4% | 23% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Barnsley and Bentley (doncaster)?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Barnsley or Bentley (doncaster)?
Is Barnsley or Bentley (doncaster) safer?
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