Eastbourne and Hastings sit less than 20 miles apart on the East Sussex coast, yet they attract very different people. Hastings is the arty, bohemian, bargain-priced one with a medieval old town and a working fishing beach; Eastbourne is the grander, sunnier, more polished neighbour. Here’s an honest comparison to help you weigh up which coastal town suits you.
The character of each town
These two towns have quite different flavours. Hastings has an edgier, more bohemian character — a maze-like medieval Old Town of timber houses, twittens and quirky independent shops, a working fishing beach with its famous tall net huts, and a thriving art and music scene that draws creatives, remote workers and younger residents. It’s characterful and creative, and it has gentrified noticeably in recent years, though pockets of genuine deprivation remain and some areas feel rougher than others, so choosing the right neighbourhood matters (the Old Town and St Leonards-on-Sea are among the most sought-after).
Eastbourne, by comparison, is grander and more elegant: a sweeping Victorian seafront with formal gardens, a genteel old-fashioned feel, and a well-kept, polished atmosphere. It’s the sunniest town in Britain, with the South Downs and Beachy Head right on the doorstep, and it leans more towards families and retirees. Where Hastings is scruffy-and-creative, Eastbourne is smart-and-serene.
Cost and housing
Both towns are affordable by South East standards, and both sit below the UK average — but Hastings is the cheaper of the two. Recent official figures put the average Eastbourne property at around £255,000 and Hastings a little lower, in the region of £237,000–£250,000, making Hastings one of the most affordable seaside towns in East Sussex. The gap is widest on flats, where Hastings can be substantially cheaper. Renters save too — a Hastings tenancy can cost well over £150 a month less than the Eastbourne equivalent.
There’s a trade-off, though. Eastbourne’s market has been more stable, holding its value steadily, while Hastings has seen some recent price dips and more uneven regeneration. So Hastings offers lower entry prices and a possible bargain; Eastbourne offers a touch more stability and polish for the extra outlay. Our full cost of living in Eastbourne guide has more detail.
Local tip: in both towns the street you choose matters more than the town itself. Whichever way you lean, walk the neighbourhoods at different times of day before committing — the difference between roads can be striking.
Things to do
Culturally, Hastings punches well above its size on the arty, independent front — the Hastings Contemporary gallery, indie galleries and studios, live music, and wonderfully eccentric events like Pirate Day and Jack in the Green. Its Old Town, castle ruins, cliff railways and fishing quarter give it real historic texture. Eastbourne’s offering is more mainstream but genuinely strong: the pier, the busy bandstand, the excellent Towner gallery, several theatres, the free Airbourne airshow, international tennis, and the finest walking and beaches on this stretch of coast. If you want bohemian and creative, Hastings edges it; if you want polished seaside amenities and the Downs on your doorstep, Eastbourne wins. For a proper day out, see our guide to Hastings from Eastbourne.
Jobs and getting around
The two towns are surprisingly similar on employment — healthcare, education, hospitality and retail dominate both job markets, and professional opportunities are limited in each, so many residents commute or work remotely. Both are fairly car-dependent, with modest bus networks. On rail, Eastbourne has the edge for connections: trains reach London a little faster and Brighton considerably quicker than from Hastings, which is worth weighing if you’ll be commuting or visiting the city regularly. Both towns lie a similar distance from Gatwick.
The verdict
It comes down to temperament and budget. Choose Hastings for character, creativity and the lowest prices — an artsy, historic, up-and-coming town with a bohemian soul, provided you pick your area with care. Choose Eastbourne for elegance, sunshine, calm and better-kept surroundings, with quicker links to Brighton and London, at a slightly higher price. Neither is a wrong choice; they simply appeal to different people. If you’re weighing up the wider area, it’s worth reading whether Eastbourne is a good place to live and how it compares in our Eastbourne vs Brighton guide.
Eastbourne vs Hastings: FAQs
Is Hastings cheaper than Eastbourne?
Yes. Hastings is one of the most affordable seaside towns in East Sussex, with average house prices a little below Eastbourne’s and notably cheaper flats and rents. Eastbourne’s market, however, has been more stable.
Is Eastbourne or Hastings nicer to live in?
It depends what you want. Hastings is more bohemian, artsy and historic but has more deprivation in parts, while Eastbourne is grander, sunnier, calmer and better kept. Choosing the right neighbourhood matters in both towns.
How far is Eastbourne from Hastings?
The two towns are about 18–20 miles apart along the East Sussex coast, with direct trains taking roughly 35–40 minutes and a coastal road linking them. It’s an easy day trip in either direction.
Which has better transport links to London?
Eastbourne has a slight edge, reaching London a little faster and Brighton considerably quicker than Hastings. Both towns have direct trains to London taking around 90 minutes and are fairly car-dependent otherwise.
Weighing up the sunnier option? Read whether Eastbourne is a good place to live and explore the best areas to live in Eastbourne.