Biggleswade vs Hitchin
Which is better to live in? Distance: 9.4 miles apart.
The verdict
When it comes to cost of living, Biggleswade wins on house prices with a 26% gap. Biggleswade has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Biggleswade edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Biggleswade
£399,954
Hitchin
£539,220
Crime Rate
Biggleswade
48.7
Hitchin
50.1
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Biggleswade
100.0%
Hitchin
100.0%
Avg Download Speed
Biggleswade
414.6
Hitchin
386.2
EPC Rating
Biggleswade
73.9
Hitchin
73.1
Median Income
Biggleswade
£35,716
Hitchin
£35,426
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East of EnglandProperty in Hitchin commands an average of £539,220, compared with £399,954 in Biggleswade – a difference of 26%. The most affordable entry point in Biggleswade is a flat at £205,398, while in Hitchin it is a flat at £249,133.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 37% pricier in Hitchin (£850,064 vs £533,545).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Biggleswade prices grew faster — 43% vs 29%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East of EnglandResidents of Biggleswade experience less crime overall, with a rate of 48.7 per 1,000 versus 50.1 per 1,000 in Hitchin. The most common crime category in Biggleswade is violent-crime, while in Hitchin 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 East of EnglandFamilies may prefer Biggleswade, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 100% in Hitchin. There are 5 schools in Biggleswade and 15 in Hitchin.
Biggleswade School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 5 schools (3 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Hitchin School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 15 schools (12 primary, 3 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Biggleswade | Hitchin |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 5 | 15 |
| Primary | 3 | 12 |
| Secondary | 2 | 3 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 100% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 414.6 Mbps in Biggleswade and 386.2 Mbps in Hitchin. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 91.8% of premises in Biggleswade and 95.4% in Hitchin. Gigabit availability stands at 80.6% in Biggleswade and 73.3% in Hitchin.
Biggleswade is the faster of the two by 7% on average download speed (415 vs 386 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Biggleswade leads on energy efficiency with an average EPC score of 73.9 (C), while Hitchin averages 73.1 (C). Estimated annual energy costs average £1,083 in Biggleswade and £1,044 in Hitchin. 71.3% of homes in Biggleswade have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 72.8% in Hitchin.
Hitchin has more energy-efficient housing — 72.8% reach band C or above, vs 71.3% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £35,716 in Biggleswade and £35,426.3 in Hitchin. The median age is 42.5 in Biggleswade and 42.5 in Hitchin. Owner-occupancy is 71.2% in Biggleswade versus 64.3% in Hitchin. Employment rates stand at 63.8% in Biggleswade and 63.3% in Hitchin.
| Indicator | Biggleswade | Hitchin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,592 | 35,220 |
| Median Age | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Median Household Income | £35,716 | £35,426.3 |
| Employment Rate | 63.8% | 63.3% |
| Owner Occupied | 71.2% | 64.3% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 33.2% | 34.8% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
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