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Government · head to head

CentralSquare vs OpenCities

CentralSquare logo

CentralSquare

Government

Public Safety and Administration Software

From
$1500/month
Rated
-
OpenCities logo

OpenCities

Government

Digital Government Experience Platform

From
$500/month
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CentralSquare no pricing information is published on the website; OpenCities population-based pricing model limits scalability for growing municipalities
  • They diverge on capability: CentralSquare covers Computer-Aided Dispatch, OpenCities covers Website Management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CentralSquare and OpenCities actually diverge.

Attributes where CentralSquare and OpenCities differ
AttributeCentralSquareOpenCities
Starting price$1500/month$500/month
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, Ios, AndroidWeb, Mobile
Founded20182008

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Government).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in CentralSquare

  • Computer-Aided Dispatch
  • Records Management
  • Jail Management
  • Fire RMS
  • Community Development
  • Esri ArcGIS
  • FBI CJIS
  • NCIC

Only in OpenCities

  • Website Management
  • Digital Forms
  • Search Optimization
  • Accessibility Compliance
  • Analytics
  • Salesforce
  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Analytics

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

CentralSquare

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

OpenCities

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

Both are used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

CentralSquare

  • No pricing information is published on the website
  • Pricing model is not disclosed; visitors are directed to request a demo or contact sales

OpenCities

  • Population-based pricing model limits scalability for growing municipalities
  • No self-hosted or on-premises deployment option
  • Limited code customization without vendor support

Pricing, plan by plan

CentralSquare

$1500/month
  • Public Safety Suite$1500/month
    • CAD
    • Records Management
    • Mobile Solutions

OpenCities

$500/month
  • Government Platform$500/month
    • Website CMS
    • Digital Forms
    • Accessibility

Which should you pick?

Choose CentralSquare if

  • You need computer-aided dispatch.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Ios, Android.
  • You also want records management.

Choose OpenCities if

  • You need website management.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want digital forms.

Questions people ask

Is CentralSquare or OpenCities better?
Neither clearly leads. CentralSquare starts at $1500/month and OpenCities at $500/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CentralSquare or OpenCities?
CentralSquare starts at $1500/month and OpenCities at $500/month.
Does CentralSquare or OpenCities run on more platforms?
CentralSquare runs on Web, Desktop, Ios, Android. OpenCities runs on Web, Mobile.
What is CentralSquare best used for?
CentralSquare is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement.
What can CentralSquare do that OpenCities cannot?
CentralSquare covers Computer-Aided Dispatch, Records Management, Jail Management, Fire RMS. OpenCities covers Website Management, Digital Forms, Search Optimization, Accessibility Compliance. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CentralSquare: How much does CentralSquare cost?

CentralSquare does not publish pricing on its website. The company directs customers to request a demo or schedule a call with their sales team to discuss pricing.

Source
OpenCities: Does OpenCities work offline?

No, OpenCities is a cloud-based SaaS platform that requires an internet connection. All editing and management is done through web browsers.

Source
CentralSquare: What is CentralSquare's pricing model?

The pricing model is not disclosed. CentralSquare appears to use a custom quote or consultation-based approach, as the website does not mention subscription plans or tier-based pricing.

Source
OpenCities: What accessibility standards does OpenCities meet?

OpenCities is maintained to comply with WCAG AA requirements, ensuring equitable access to government services and information for all residents.

Source
CentralSquare: Is there a free tier or trial?

No information about free tiers or trials is available on the website.

Source
OpenCities: Can I integrate OpenCities with other government systems?

Yes. OpenCities integrates with Google Analytics, govDelivery for notifications, EngagementHQ for feedback collection, Legistar for meeting management, and Active Directory for intranet workflows.

Source
CentralSquare: How do I get a pricing quote?

Contact CentralSquare through their website to request a demo or schedule a call with their sales team.

Source
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