Benson vs Cholsey
Which is better to live in? Distance: 3.8 miles apart.
The verdict
Overall, Cholsey offers lower property prices by roughly 16%. Cholsey has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Benson edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Benson
£508,330
Cholsey
£437,338
Crime Rate
Benson
40.7
Cholsey
40.3
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Benson
100.0%
Cholsey
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Benson
350.1
Cholsey
350.1
EPC Rating
Benson
70.9
Cholsey
70.9
Median Income
Benson
£38,006
Cholsey
£38,006
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in South EastBuyers will find Cholsey more wallet-friendly, where the average price is £437,338 versus £508,330 in Benson. The most affordable entry point in Benson is a flat at £292,500, while in Cholsey it is a flat at £307,292.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: terraced homes are 12% pricier in Cholsey (£439,773 vs £388,579).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Cholsey prices grew faster — 17% vs -4%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in South EastWith 40.3 offences per 1,000 people, Cholsey is the safer of the two – 1% lower than Benson's 40.7 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Benson is violent-crime, while in Cholsey 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 Benson: 100% of its schools are in the top two inspection bands, compared with 100% in Cholsey.
Benson School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 2 schools (2 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Cholsey School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 1 school (1 primary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Benson | Cholsey |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 2 | 1 |
| Primary | 2 | 1 |
| Secondary | 0 | 0 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Internet users in Benson enjoy 350.1 Mbps on average, while Cholsey lags behind at 350.1 Mbps. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 95.4% of premises in Benson and 95.4% in Cholsey. Gigabit availability stands at 60.6% in Benson and 60.6% in Cholsey.
Benson is the faster of the two by 0% on average download speed (350 vs 350 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
The average EPC rating in Benson is band C (score 70.9), ahead of Cholsey's band C (score 70.9). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,343 in Benson and £1,343 in Cholsey. 64.2% of homes in Benson have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 64.2% in Cholsey.
Benson has more energy-efficient housing — 64.2% reach band C or above, vs 64.2% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Benson has a population of 5,236 while Cholsey has 3,776. Median household income is £38,006 in Benson and £38,006 in Cholsey. The median age is 44.8 in Benson and 44.8 in Cholsey. Employment rates stand at 62.9% in Benson and 62.9% in Cholsey.
| Indicator | Benson | Cholsey |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,236 | 3,776 |
| Median Age | 44.8 | 44.8 |
| Median Household Income | £38,006 | £38,006 |
| Employment Rate | 62.9% | 62.9% |
| Owner Occupied | 70.2% | 70.2% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 43.6% | 43.6% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Benson and Cholsey?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Benson or Cholsey?
Is Benson or Cholsey safer?
Which has better schools, Benson or Cholsey?
Which has faster broadband, Benson or Cholsey?
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