Bembridge vs Cowes
Which is better to live in? Distance: 10.8 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Cowes is about 26% cheaper on average. Cowes has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Bembridge edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Bembridge
£422,990
Cowes
£335,058
Crime Rate
Bembridge
76.0
Cowes
75.7
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Bembridge
100.0%
Cowes
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Bembridge
379.2
Cowes
468.4
EPC Rating
Bembridge
67
Cowes
67
Median Income
Bembridge
£27,938
Cowes
£27,938
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South EastBuyers will find Cowes more wallet-friendly, where the average price is £335,058 versus £422,990 in Bembridge. The most affordable entry point in Bembridge is a flat at £239,769, while in Cowes it is a flat at £253,949.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: terraced homes are 63% pricier in Bembridge (£466,400 vs £286,939).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Cowes prices grew faster — 36% vs 29%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South EastCrime is lower in Cowes (75.7 per 1,000) compared to Bembridge (76 per 1,000), a 0% difference. The most common crime category in Bembridge is violent-crime, while in Cowes 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 South EastSchool quality favours Bembridge: 100% of its schools are in the top two inspection bands, compared with 100% in Cowes.
Bembridge School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Cowes School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 4 schools (3 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Bembridge | Cowes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 1 | 4 |
| Primary | 1 | 3 |
| Secondary | 0 | 1 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Internet users in Cowes enjoy 468.4 Mbps on average, while Bembridge lags behind at 379.2 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 94.3% of premises in Bembridge and 97% in Cowes. Gigabit availability stands at 72.1% in Bembridge and 92.2% in Cowes.
Cowes is the faster of the two by 24% on average download speed (468 vs 379 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
The average EPC rating in Bembridge is band C (score 67), ahead of Cowes's band C (score 67). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,290 in Bembridge and £1,290 in Cowes. 54.5% of homes in Bembridge have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 54.5% in Cowes.
Bembridge has more energy-efficient housing — 54.5% reach band C or above, vs 54.5% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Bembridge has a population of 3,564 while Cowes has 14,366. Median household income is £27,938 in Bembridge and £27,938 in Cowes. The median age is 50.5 in Bembridge and 50.5 in Cowes. Employment rates stand at 48.4% in Bembridge and 48.4% in Cowes.
| Indicator | Bembridge | Cowes |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,564 | 14,366 |
| Median Age | 50.5 | 50.5 |
| Median Household Income | £27,938 | £27,938 |
| Employment Rate | 48.4% | 48.4% |
| Owner Occupied | 67.6% | 67.6% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 27.4% | 27.4% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Bembridge and Cowes?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Bembridge or Cowes?
Is Bembridge or Cowes safer?
Which has better schools, Bembridge or Cowes?
Which has faster broadband, Bembridge or Cowes?
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