Urban vs. Metropolitan — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 12, 2023
Urban refers to cities or towns, characterized by high human population density. Metropolitan relates to a large city or its surrounding areas, often constituting a significant economic, political, and cultural hub.
Difference Between Urban and Metropolitan
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
The term "Urban" generally pertains to anything related to cities or towns. These areas are defined by a higher density of human structures and population compared to areas surrounding it. Urban areas can vary in size, from small towns to sprawling cities.
"Metropolitan," on the other hand, primarily refers to a major city and its surrounding regions. These regions can encompass nearby towns, smaller cities, and even rural areas that are economically and socially integrated with the main city. It's the hub of activity, both economically and culturally.
Urban development focuses on the growth, infrastructure, and challenges of cities and towns. These challenges may include housing, transportation, and basic amenities. As cities expand, they can transition from merely urban to being part of a metropolitan region.
Metropolitan areas, often termed as "metros," are typically the nerve centers for a country's or region's economy, politics, and culture. A metropolitan area might span multiple urban areas, all interconnected and interdependent.
In essence, while all metropolitan areas are urban, not all urban areas are metropolitan. The latter term implies a greater scale and influence than the former.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to cities or towns
Concerning a large city and its surrounding regions
Scale
Can range from small towns to large cities
Typically larger cities with influential regions
Composition
Mostly dense human structures and population
Major city plus neighboring towns and rural areas
Economic Significance
Varies; not always the main hub
Often a significant economic and cultural hub
Integration
Self-contained
Interconnected regions with socio-economic ties
Compare with Definitions
Urban
Relating to urban culture or fashion.
Urban streetwear is trendy.
Metropolitan
Encompassing a city and its suburbs.
The metropolitan region is vast and diverse.
Urban
Pertaining to a city or town.
Urban development is on the rise.
Metropolitan
Significant in scale or influence.
Metropolitan centers drive the national economy.
Urban
Characterized by higher population density.
Urban areas face unique challenges.
Metropolitan
Concerning a major city.
The metropolitan area is booming with activity.
Urban
Of, relating to, or located in a city.
Metropolitan
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a major city
Crowded metropolitan streets.
A metropolitan newspaper.
Urban
Characteristic of the city or city life.
Metropolitan
Of or constituting a large city or urbanized area, including adjacent suburbs and towns
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
A metropolitan county.
Urban
Related to the (or any) city.
Urban life
Urban traffic
Metropolitan
Of, relating to, or constituting the home territory of an imperial or colonial state.
Urban
Characteristic of city life.
Metropolitan
Of or relating to an ecclesiastical metropolitan.
Urban
Relating to contemporary African American culture, especially in music.
Metropolitan
A citizen of a metropolis, especially one who displays urbane characteristics, attitudes, and values.
Urban
(of inhabitants or residents) Black; African American.
Metropolitan
In the Western Christian churches, a bishop with provincial powers, with some authority over suffragan bishops.
Urban
Of or belonging to a city or town; as, an urban population.
Metropolitan
In most Eastern Orthodox churches, a bishop who is head of an ecclesiastical province and ranks next below the patriarch.
Urban
Belonging to, or suiting, those living in a city; cultivated; polite; urbane; as, urban manners.
Metropolitan
In the Greek Orthodox church, a bishop ranking next below an archbishop.
Urban
Relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area;
Urban sociology
Urban development
Metropolitan
(Orthodox Christianity) A bishop empowered to oversee other bishops; an archbishop.
Urban
Located in or characteristic of a city or city life;
Urban property owners
Urban affairs
Urban manners
Metropolitan
The inhabitant of a metropolis.
Urban
Denoting the lifestyle of cities.
She prefers urban living.
Metropolitan
(Orthodox Christianity) Pertaining to the see or province of a metropolitan.
Urban
Involving city infrastructure and services.
Urban planning is crucial for sustainable growth.
Metropolitan
Of, or pertaining to, a metropolis or other large urban settlement.
Metropolitan
Of or pertaining to the parent state of a colony or territory, or the home country, e.g. metropolitan France
Metropolitan
Of or pertaining to the capital or principal city of a country; as, metropolitan luxury.
Metropolitan
Of, pertaining to, or designating, a metropolitan or the presiding bishop of a country or province, his office, or his dignity; as, metropolitan authority.
Metropolitan
The superior or presiding bishop of a country or province.
Metropolitan
An archbishop.
Metropolitan
A bishop whose see is a civil metropolis. His rank is intermediate between that of an archbishop and a patriarch; as, the metropolitan of Constantinople.
Metropolitan
In the Eastern Orthodox Church this title is given to a position between bishop and patriarch; equivalent to archbishop in western Christianity
Metropolitan
A person who lives in a metropolis
Metropolitan
Relating to or characteristic of a metropolis;
Metropolitan area
Metropolitan
Relating to or denoting a metropolis.
Metropolitan lifestyle attracts many.
Metropolitan
Covering multiple urban areas.
The metropolitan transit system links several cities.
Common Curiosities
What does "Urban" primarily refer to?
Urban mainly pertains to cities or towns.
Is a metropolitan area larger than an urban area?
Generally, yes. A metropolitan area includes a major city and its surrounding areas.
Are all urban areas part of a metropolitan region?
No, not all urban areas are metropolitan, but all metropolitan areas are urban.
Can a small town be considered urban?
Yes, any area characterized by higher population density and infrastructure compared to its surroundings can be considered urban.
Which term implies a significant economic hub?
Metropolitan implies a major economic, political, and cultural hub.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Collective Noun vs. Common Noun
Next Comparison
Caliber vs. QualityAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
