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Guildford cityscape

Guildford

United Kingdom • Europe • Population: 81,395
Compare With Other Cities

City Overview

Overall Score

7.3
out of 100 points across all categories

Quality Tier

A
Premium global city classification

Guildford, nestled in the heart of Surrey, is a historic English market town renowned for its blend of heritage, quality education, and vibrant community spirit. Framed by the lush Surrey Hills, Guildford’s streets are lined with centuries-old architecture and a lively array of independent shops and cafes. The town stands out for its safe, family-friendly environment and top-ranking schools, while proximity to London via fast rail links attracts both professionals and students. Guildford’s diverse cultural calendar, strong local economy, and scenic riverside parks make it a highly desirable location for people seeking a balanced lifestyle just outside the capital.

Key Industries

  • Education
  • Technology
  • Professional Services
  • Retail
  • Tourism
  • Creative Industries

Key Strengths

  • Exceptional schools and university
  • Safe, community-driven atmosphere
  • Direct London rail connectivity
Work-Life Balance
7.0/100
Cost of Living
4.5/100
Higher score = more affordable
User Rating
Avg: 3.0/5
👆 Click a star to rate Guildford

Location Analysis

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Interactive Map

Strategic location in Europe, providing excellent connectivity to major markets and global business centers. Interactive topographic map shows terrain and satellite views.

Key Economic Indicators

GDP Growth1.1%
GDP Per Capita$49,800
Corporate Tax Rate25%
Unemployment Rate3.5%
Inflation Rate3.2%

Compare With

Reading
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Winchester
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Advanced Comparison Tool

Related Resources

Business Index

View all business rankings

Livability Index

View all livability rankings

Investment Index

View all investment rankings

Europe Cities

View all cities in this region

City Accolades

Top 10 UK Towns for Quality of Life
Halifax Quality of Life Index, 2023
Best UK Commuter Town
Savills, 2022

City Tags

historicuniversity-townsurreycommuterfamily-friendlysafevibrant

Country Information

CurrencyBritish Pound (GBP)
Official LanguageEnglish
ContinentEurope
CapitalLondon

Historical Performance

Track Guildford's score evolution and ranking changes over time

View Detailed History
Overall Score
Compared to May 2026
7.3
No change

Previous: 7.3

Business Score
Compared to May 2026
65.0
No change

Previous: 65.0

Livability Score
Compared to May 2026
87.0
No change

Previous: 87.0

Investment Score
Compared to May 2026
68.0
No change

Previous: 68.0

Overall Score Trend
Historical performance over 4 periods
Trending down
Jan 2026 - May 2026
All Categories Comparison
Comparative analysis across 4 categories
Comparative trends across 4 key metrics
Jan 2026 - May 2026