Brightlingsea vs Clacton-on-Sea
Which is better to live in? Distance: 5.6 miles apart.
The verdict
Brightlingsea is the more affordable option, with average house prices around 0% lower. Brightlingsea has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Brightlingsea edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Brightlingsea
£274,024
Clacton-on-Sea
£274,653
Crime Rate
Brightlingsea
78.9
Clacton-on-Sea
78.9
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Brightlingsea
100.0%
Clacton-on-Sea
90.0%
Avg Download Speed
Brightlingsea
361.6
Clacton-on-Sea
446.8
EPC Rating
Brightlingsea
69.7
Clacton-on-Sea
70
Median Income
Brightlingsea
£30,432
Clacton-on-Sea
£29,832
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East of EnglandProperty in Clacton On Sea commands an average of £274,653, compared with £274,024 in Brightlingsea – a difference of 0%. The most affordable entry point in Brightlingsea is a flat at £173,471, while in Clacton On Sea it is a flat at £134,949.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: flat homes are 29% pricier in Brightlingsea (£173,471 vs £134,949).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Brightlingsea prices grew faster — 27% vs 19%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East of EnglandBrightlingsea has a crime rate of 78.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 0% lower than Clacton On Sea at 78.9 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Brightlingsea is violent-crime, while in Clacton On Sea 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 Brightlingsea, where 100% of schools are in the top two inspection bands versus 90% in Clacton On Sea. There are 2 schools in Brightlingsea and 12 in Clacton On Sea.
Brightlingsea School Inspection Breakdown
100% of 2 schools (1 primary, 1 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Clacton-on-Sea School Inspection Breakdown
90% of 12 schools (10 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Brightlingsea | Clacton-on-Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 2 | 12 |
| Primary | 1 | 10 |
| Secondary | 1 | 2 |
| % Top two bands | 100% | 90% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Average broadband speeds are 446.8 Mbps in Clacton On Sea and 361.6 Mbps in Brightlingsea. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 94.9% of premises in Brightlingsea and 99.5% in Clacton On Sea. Gigabit availability stands at 67.7% in Brightlingsea and 87.2% in Clacton On Sea.
Clacton On Sea is the faster of the two by 24% on average download speed (447 vs 362 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Energy efficiency favours Clacton On Sea, scoring 70 on average (band D) compared to 69.7 (band C) in Brightlingsea. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,242 in Brightlingsea and £1,206 in Clacton On Sea. 58.5% of homes in Brightlingsea have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 56.4% in Clacton On Sea.
Brightlingsea has more energy-efficient housing — 58.5% reach band C or above, vs 56.4% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,432 in Brightlingsea and £29,832 in Clacton On Sea. The median age is 46.9 in Brightlingsea and 50.3 in Clacton On Sea. Employment rates stand at 53.7% in Brightlingsea and 46.7% in Clacton On Sea. Owner-occupancy is 69% in Brightlingsea versus 71.5% in Clacton On Sea. Brightlingsea has a population of 8,678 and Clacton On Sea has 53,190.
| Indicator | Brightlingsea | Clacton-on-Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,678 | 53,190 |
| Median Age | 46.9 | 50.3 |
| Median Household Income | £30,432 | £29,832 |
| Employment Rate | 53.7% | 46.7% |
| Owner Occupied | 69% | 71.5% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 27.2% | 19.9% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Brightlingsea and Clacton On Sea?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Brightlingsea or Clacton On Sea?
Is Brightlingsea or Clacton On Sea safer?
Which has better schools, Brightlingsea or Clacton On Sea?
Which has faster broadband, Brightlingsea or Clacton On Sea?
Keep exploring