Category / Metric	Derry CDP	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,901	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	3%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$356,700	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$null	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,506	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	148.2	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	52

The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Derry CDP

Let's cut to the chase. You're staring at two options that are worlds apart. On one side, you have Los Angeles—the sprawling, sun-drenched, dream-crushing, dream-chasing megalopolis. On the other, Derry CDP—a quiet, suburban pocket in New England that most Americans couldn't point to on a map.

This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two lifestyles, two financial futures, and two definitions of "home." As your relocation expert, I've crunched the numbers, felt the weather, and listened to the street-level chatter. We're going to break this down so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

Los Angeles is a beast. It’s not a single city; it’s a collection of 88 distinct municipalities woven together by a web of freeways. The vibe is electric, chaotic, and fiercely competitive. It’s the global capital of entertainment, tech (Silicon Beach), and culinary innovation. You don't just live here; you perform here. The social currency is your hustle, your network, and your Instagram feed. It’s for the ambitious, the creatives, the risk-takers who thrive on energy and don't mind the grind.

Derry CDP, on the other hand, is the epitome of New England suburban life. Nestled in New Hampshire, it’s a bedroom community with a population of just 21,668. The vibe is quiet, historic, and family-centric. Life moves at the pace of the seasons—vibrant autumns, snowy winters, and slow summers. The social fabric is built around school districts, community parks, and local diners. It’s for those who prioritize stability, safety, and a strong sense of community over the constant buzz of a major metropolis.

Who is it for?

Los Angeles: The aspiring actor, the tech entrepreneur, the foodie, the person who believes "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere."
Derry CDP: The young family seeking space, the remote worker wanting a quiet base, the retiree looking for a peaceful community with four distinct seasons.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the fantasy often hits a wall. Let's talk real numbers.

First, the Salary Wars. You might see a higher median income in Derry ($88,901) compared to LA ($79,701). That sounds great, right? Not so fast. This is where "Purchasing Power" comes into play. Earning $88K in Derry feels like a solid middle-class income. Earning $79K in LA? You're likely feeling the squeeze.

To make this crystal clear, let's look at the day-to-day costs.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Derry, NH	The Insight
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,506	$500/month cheaper in Derry. That's $6,000 saved annually—before utilities.
Utilities	$180 (est.)	$220 (est.)	LA's mild climate helps here, but Derry's heating costs in winter can spike.
Groceries	+15% above nat'l avg	+5% above nat'l avg	Food is noticeably pricier in the LA metro.
Transportation	$2,000+/mo (car + gas + insurance)	$800+/mo (car + gas + insurance)	LA is a car-dependent city. Gas, insurance, and maintenance are brutal. Derry is also car-dependent, but shorter commutes mean lower costs.

The Tax Bite:
This is a massive differentiator.

California (LA): Has a progressive income tax (up to 13.3%), high sales tax (~10%), and notoriously high gas taxes. Your paycheck takes a significant hit.
New Hampshire (Derry): Has no state income tax on wages. It does have a 5% tax on interest and dividends, but for most salaried workers, it's a huge financial advantage.

Purchasing Power Verdict:
If you earn $100,000:

In Los Angeles, you're competing with $1M+ home prices and $2k rents. Your take-home is slashed by high taxes. You'll likely live in a smaller space, further from the coast, and budget carefully.
In Derry, $100k is a powerhouse salary. With no state income tax and a median home price of $356,700, you can afford a spacious home, save aggressively, and live comfortably. Your dollar stretches significantly further.

Callout Box: The Sticker Shock

Winner for Purchasing Power: Derry CDP. It's not even close. The combination of lower housing costs, no state income tax, and overall lower expenses means your salary goes much, much further in New Hampshire.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Los Angeles: The market is a pressure cooker. The median home price is a staggering $1,002,500. This isn't for a mansion; this is for a modest single-family home, likely needing updates, in a decent neighborhood. The Housing Index of 173.0 means it's 73% more expensive than the national average. It's a brutal seller's market with intense competition, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Renting is the default for most under 35, but even that is punishing.

Derry CDP: The median home price is $356,700. You get a lot more house for your money. The Housing Index of 148.2 is high relative to the national average but feels like a bargain compared to LA. The market is competitive—New England's housing inventory is tight—but it's not the speculative frenzy of Southern California. You can actually envision homeownership here.

Callout Box: The Homeowner's Reality

Winner for Homebuyers: Derry CDP. In LA, homeownership is a distant dream for many. In Derry, it's an achievable goal. If you want to build equity rather than pay a landlord's mortgage, Derry wins by a landslide.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute is 30-45 minutes one-way, but that can easily hit 90 minutes during rush hour. You live your life around the "405" or "I-10." It's a major source of stress and lost time. Car is non-negotiable.
Derry CDP: Much more manageable. While still a car-centric suburb, commutes to nearby hubs like Manchester or Nashua are typically 20-30 minutes. The stress level is a fraction of LA's.

Weather

Los Angeles: The poster child for Mediterranean climates. Average temps hover around 54°F, but with a massive range: cool, foggy mornings, warm afternoons (70-85°F), and scorching inland heat (90°F+). It's dry, sunny, and predictable. The "perfect weather" is a real thing.
Derry CDP: New England seasons in full force. Winters are cold and snowy (average 48°F year-round, but that hides the 0°F dips). Summers are warm and humid. It's a beautiful, classic climate, but you must be prepared for seasonal extremes. If you hate snow, this is a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

Be honest: Safety is a top priority.

Los Angeles: Violent Crime Rate: 732.5/100k. This is over 5x the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a pervasive concern. You must be street-smart, research areas meticulously, and accept a higher baseline of risk.
Derry CDP: Violent Crime Rate: 146.4/100k. This is below the national average. Derry is statistically a very safe community. The peace of mind here is immense, especially for families.

Callout Box: The Safety & Sanity Factor

Winner for Safety & Low Stress: Derry CDP. The data is clear. The dramatic difference in crime rates and the manageable commute make Derry a far less stressful environment for daily living.

The Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is the right fit for your life stage and goals.

Winner for Families: Derry CDP

Why: The math is undeniable. Safe neighborhoods, excellent public schools (a hallmark of New England suburbs), a backyard for the kids, and a community built around family life. You can afford a home instead of a cramped apartment. The lower stress and financial breathing room are invaluable for raising children.

Los Angeles can be done, but it's a high-stress, high-cost challenge that often requires dual high incomes and compromises on space and safety.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles

Why: If you're under 30, ambitious, and in a creative or tech field, LA's ecosystem is unmatched. The networking opportunities, the social scene, the sheer volume of events and experiences are a powerful magnet. The "vibe" of LA fuels a certain kind of career and personal growth. Derry, while lovely, would likely feel isolating and limiting for a young professional seeking rapid advancement and a bustling social life.

Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP

Why: For retirees on a fixed income, financial predictability is king. No state income tax on pensions, lower property taxes (relative to home value), and a lower cost of living make savings last longer. The safe, quiet, community-oriented lifestyle is ideal. Los Angeles can be challenging for retirees due to high costs, traffic, and the need for a car. The weather is a plus, but the financial strain is a major minus.

Final Pros & Cons

Los Angeles, CA

Pros:

World-class career opportunities (entertainment, tech, business).
Unmatched cultural diversity, food, and entertainment.
Iconic, sunny Mediterranean climate.
Proximity to beaches, mountains, and desert.
Global city energy and excitement.

Cons:

Extremely high cost of living and sticker shock on housing.
Brutal traffic and long commutes.
High crime rates in many areas.
High state income and sales taxes.
Competitive, hustle-heavy culture can be exhausting.

Derry CDP, NH