Clacton-on-Sea vs Colchester
Which is better to live in? Distance: 12.7 miles apart.
The verdict
Property in Clacton On Sea is about 26% cheaper on average. Clacton On Sea has the lower crime rate of the two. For families, Colchester edges ahead on school quality.
Avg House Price
Clacton-on-Sea
£274,653
Colchester
£371,691
Crime Rate
Clacton-on-Sea
78.9
Colchester
80.5
Top-Two School Inspection Bands
Clacton-on-Sea
90.0%
Colchester
97.3%
Avg Download Speed
Clacton-on-Sea
446.8
Colchester
417.5
EPC Rating
Clacton-on-Sea
70
Colchester
70
Median Income
Clacton-on-Sea
£29,832
Colchester
£30,648
House Prices (2025)
Most affordable in East of EnglandThe average house price in Clacton On Sea is £274,653, which is 26% less than Colchester at £371,691. The most affordable entry point in Clacton On Sea is a flat at £134,949, while in Colchester it is a flat at £174,465.
Average Price by Property Type (2025)
Biggest gap: detached homes are 33% pricier in Colchester (£514,316 vs £343,142).
Price Trend (11 Years)
Over the last 9 years, Colchester prices grew faster — 22% vs 19%.
Crime & Safety
Safest in East of EnglandWith 78.9 offences per 1,000 people, Clacton On Sea is the safer of the two – 2% lower than Colchester's 80.5 per 1,000. The most common crime category in Clacton On Sea is violent-crime, while in Colchester 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 EnglandColchester has 97.3% of schools in the top two inspection bands, compared to 90% in Clacton On Sea. Clacton On Sea has 12 schools in total, while Colchester has 47.
Clacton-on-Sea School Inspection Breakdown
90% of 12 schools (10 primary, 2 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
Colchester School Inspection Breakdown
97.3% of 47 schools (37 primary, 10 secondary) sit in the top two inspection bands.
| Metric | Clacton-on-Sea | Colchester |
|---|---|---|
| Total Schools | 12 | 47 |
| Primary | 10 | 37 |
| Secondary | 2 | 10 |
| % Top two bands | 90% | 97.3% |
Broadband & Connectivity
Clacton On Sea offers faster average downloads at 446.8 Mbps, compared to 417.5 Mbps in Colchester. Superfast coverage (30 Mbps+) reaches 99.5% of premises in Clacton On Sea and 96% in Colchester. Gigabit availability stands at 87.2% in Clacton On Sea and 81% in Colchester.
Clacton On Sea is the faster of the two by 7% on average download speed (447 vs 418 Mbps).
Energy Efficiency & Running Costs
Homes in Clacton On Sea are more energy-efficient on average, with an EPC score of 70 (band D) versus 70 (band D) in Colchester. Estimated annual energy costs average £1,206 in Clacton On Sea and £1,178 in Colchester. 56.4% of homes in Clacton On Sea have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 59.2% in Colchester.
Colchester has more energy-efficient housing — 59.2% reach band C or above, vs 56.4% in the other.
Demographics & Economy
Median household income is £30,648 in Colchester and £29,832 in Clacton On Sea. The median age is 50.3 in Clacton On Sea and 46 in Colchester. Employment rates stand at 46.7% in Clacton On Sea and 52.8% in Colchester. Owner-occupancy is 71.5% in Clacton On Sea versus 68% in Colchester.
| Indicator | Clacton-on-Sea | Colchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 53,190 | 130,396 |
| Median Age | 50.3 | 46 |
| Median Household Income | £29,832 | £30,648 |
| Employment Rate | 46.7% | 52.8% |
| Owner Occupied | 71.5% | 68% |
| Degree-Level Qualified | 19.9% | 26.1% |
Location
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are Clacton On Sea and Colchester?
Which is cheaper to buy a house in, Clacton On Sea or Colchester?
Is Clacton On Sea or Colchester safer?
Which has better schools, Clacton On Sea or Colchester?
Which has faster broadband, Clacton On Sea or Colchester?
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