An Overview of Cost of Living in Derry, NH
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Derry? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Derry stands at 121, making it 21% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.
The cost of living in Derry is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Derry falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs are a major factor in the Derry cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 30.7% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.
Goods and services make up 33% of the total cost of living index score and are a large part of your everyday expenses. These items could include things like haircuts, salons, toothpaste, shampoo, clothes, movies, bowling, gym memberships or yoga. In Derry, you can expect to pay 20.2% more than average for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.
Is Derry Affordable?
Is Derry affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Derry, the median home price is 33.3% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 24.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Derry boasting a median household income of $69,813, 26.2% higher than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Derry?
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Derry, the transportation index is 9.9% higher than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Derry, is 30.7% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Derry comes in at 31% higher than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The cost of living in Derry, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.