Software · head to head
Laserfiche vs CityView
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Laserfiche self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management; CityView high implementation and licensing costs for smaller municipalities
- They diverge on capability: Laserfiche covers Document Capture, CityView covers Building Permits.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Laserfiche and CityView actually diverge.
| Attribute | Laserfiche | CityView |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $50/month | $10000/year |
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (1976).
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 Laserfiche
- Document Capture
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
- Electronic Forms
- Process Automation
- SharePoint
- Salesforce
- Ios support
Only in CityView
- Building Permits
- Business Licensing
- Code Enforcement
- Inspections Management
- Online Citizen Portal
- Esri ArcGIS
- Payment Gateways
Both cover
- Microsoft Office
- Web support
- Desktop support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Laserfiche
- Citizen Services
- Records Management
- Public Safety
- Civic Engagement
CityView
- 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.
Laserfiche
- Self-hosted deployment requires dedicated IT resources and infrastructure management
- Complex implementation often requires significant upfront customization
- High total cost of ownership for on-premises deployments due to infrastructure needs
CityView
- High implementation and licensing costs for smaller municipalities
- Complex setup and customization requiring expert assistance
Pricing, plan by plan
Laserfiche
$50/month- Cloud$50/month
- Document Management
- Workflow Automation
- Records Management
CityView
$10000/yearNo published plan breakdown. See the CityView review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Laserfiche if
- You need document capture.
- You work on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want workflow automation.
Questions people ask
- Is Laserfiche or CityView better?
- Neither clearly leads. Laserfiche starts at $50/month and CityView at $10000/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Laserfiche or CityView?
- Laserfiche starts at $50/month and CityView at $10000/year.
- Does Laserfiche or CityView run on more platforms?
- Laserfiche runs on Web, Mobile, Windows, macOS, Linux. CityView runs on Web.
- What is Laserfiche best used for?
- Laserfiche is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement.
- What can Laserfiche do that CityView cannot?
- Laserfiche covers Document Capture, Workflow Automation, Records Management, Electronic Forms. CityView covers Building Permits, Business Licensing, Code Enforcement, Inspections Management. Both handle Microsoft Office, Web support, Desktop support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Laserfiche: Does Laserfiche offer both cloud and self-hosted options?
Yes. Laserfiche Cloud offers three tiers (Starter $53/user/month, Professional $73, Business $93). Laserfiche 12 provides self-hosted deployment for organizations requiring on-premise infrastructure or with strict security and regulatory constraints.
SourceCityView: Is CityView cloud-based or on-premise?
CityView offers both cloud-based SaaS deployments and on-premise options depending on municipality preference and requirements.
SourceLaserfiche: What does Laserfiche capture from documents?
Laserfiche provides document capture, electronic forms, workflow automation, case management, mobile access, and government-certified records management with automatic filing and retention schedules.
SourceCityView: What modules are included?
CityView Suite includes Property Information, Permits and Inspections, Planning, Code Enforcement, Licensing, Animal Licensing, Service Requests, Rental Housing, Cemetery Management, Parking Management, and Cashiering modules.
SourceLaserfiche: Can Laserfiche track document workflows automatically?
Yes. Laserfiche includes workflow automation that tracks and fulfills processes like FOIA requests, with access controls, audit trails, and automated recordkeeping for compliance.
SourceCityView: How long has CityView been in the market?
CityView has over 40 years of experience serving local governments with community development and municipal land management solutions.
SourceCityView: What is the pricing structure?
CityView pricing ranges from $10,000 to $75,000+ per year for mid-sized municipalities, or approximately $100 to $250 per user per month for SaaS deployments, depending on modules selected.
Source