City Profile
Eastbourne, Wellington
New Zealand · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Eastbourne, a picturesque suburb of Lower Hutt City, is nestled on the eastern shore of Wellington Harbour, New Zealand. Its unique geographical position, lying beside the sea and backed by steep hills, offers a blend of natural beauty and a distinct coastal lifestyle. Historically, the area was significant for Māori, with pā sites dotting the headlands, and later became a popular seaside destination for Wellingtonians, famously depicted in Katherine Mansfield's "At the Bay."
Today, Eastbourne retains its charm as a sought-after residential area, attracting those who appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, strong community spirit, and proximity to nature. The suburb is characterized by its native bush, numerous walking tracks, and a sense of being a world away from the urban bustle, despite being a short commute from Wellington's city center. Its distinctive architecture, influenced by early settlers from Stromboli, adds to its unique character.
Wellington, New Zealand, is the world's southernmost capital city, known for its compact, walkable urban design and vibrant arts and culture scene. Its economy is primarily service-based, with major industries including government, finance, business services, film, and increasingly, information technology and innovation. Living in Wellington offers a temperate marine climate with warm summers and cool, wet, windy winters, and while it's considered one of the world's most livable cities, the cost of living, particularly for housing, is relatively high. The lifestyle blends city amenities with easy access to outdoor activities and natural beauty.
How this 66/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 95.0 | 50.0 | 25% | 12.5 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $132,700 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4.1% | 86.9 | 20% | 17.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 2.1% | 53.5 | 15% | 8.0 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 66.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=78), last refreshed
11 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Eastbourne, while not explicitly detailed in a city-specific index, can be inferred to be higher than the national average for New Zealand, particularly concerning housing. The median personal income for adults in Eastbourne was NZ$57,900 in 2023, which is higher than the national median of NZ$41,500. However, this is contrasted by a median weekly rent of $600 in 2023 and $613 in April 2026, which is significantly higher than the national average weekly rent of $564 in 2026.
Factors contributing to the cost of living include the desirable coastal location and the limited access via a single coastal road, which can influence transport costs and the price of goods. While specific utility and food costs for Eastbourne are not readily available, the national trends suggest that these would also be higher in a desirable, geographically distinct area. The higher median personal income in Eastbourne suggests that residents may have a greater capacity to absorb these costs, but it also indicates a higher cost of living compared to the national average.
Income
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Eastbourne's economy is characterized by its small business base and its residents' connection to the wider Wellington region's job market. In February 2025, there were 402 businesses in Eastbourne. The suburb's employment status in 2023 showed 1,143 people in full-time employment, 408 in part-time employment, and 42 unemployed.
Given its residential nature, many Eastbourne residents likely commute to Wellington or Lower Hutt for work, leveraging the region's diverse economy. While specific top industries for Eastbourne are not detailed, the broader Wellington region's economy is strong in sectors such as public administration, defense, scientific and technical services, and education and training. The suburb's appeal as a lifestyle location may also support local businesses in tourism and hospitality, catering to day-trippers and residents alike. The presence of a strong community focus, as indicated by the Eastbourne Community Survey, suggests a desire for local services and amenities that support residents' daily lives and economic well-being.
The average salary in Eastbourne is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Eastbourne is primarily characterized by its reliance on private vehicles due to its coastal location and the single access road connecting it to Lower Hutt and Wellington. While specific transit scores for Eastbourne are not available, the broader Wellington region has a public transport network that includes buses and ferries. Residents often use a combination of driving and ferry services to commute to Wellington.
The suburb's geography, with housing spread along pockets of flat land next to steep hills, and a single road adjacent to the coastline, can present challenges for public transport accessibility. However, there is a strong emphasis on active transport, with a notable community priority being the development of shared walk/cycle ways. This indicates a community that values walking and cycling as modes of transport and recreation.
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