đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Derry CDP and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Derry CDP vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Derry CDP | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $88,901 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $356,700 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $null | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,506 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 146.4 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 43 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one path, you’ve got San Diego, the sun-drenched jewel of Southern California, where the Pacific Ocean is your backyard and the vibe is perpetually chill. On the other, you have Derry CDP, a quiet, unassuming community in New Hampshire that offers a starkly different slice of American life. This isn’t just a choice between two cities; it’s a choice between two lifestyles, two budgets, and two versions of the American dream.
Let’s cut through the noise. I’m not here to sell you a brochure. I’m here to break down the data, feel the vibe, and help you figure out where you’d actually want to live. Grab your coffee—let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Sun, Surf, and Silicon Beach vs. Quiet, Quaint, and Cozy
San Diego is the cool kid who effortlessly balances work and play. It’s a laid-back beach town that grew up into a major metro without losing its soul. The culture is built around the outdoors: surfing at La Jolla Shores, hiking Torrey Pines, or just enjoying a taco in a sunny plaza. It’s a hub for biotech, military, and tech—serious industries with a serious party scene in the Gaslamp Quarter. Who is it for? Young professionals, military families, tech workers, and anyone who prioritizes weather and lifestyle over a tight budget.
Derry CDP is the quiet neighbor who has their life together. It’s a classic New England suburban community—think tree-lined streets, historic charm, and a strong sense of local pride. The pace is slower, the seasons are dramatic (all four of them), and the focus is on community, family, and affordability. It’s not a tourist hotspot; it’s a place to plant roots. Who is it for? Families seeking safety and value, retirees looking for a peaceful setting, and anyone who wants a four-bedroom house without a Silicon Valley price tag.
The Bottom Line: If your ideal weekend involves a beach bonfire and a craft IPA, San Diego calls your name. If you’d rather pick apples in the fall and build a snowman in the winter, Derry is your spot.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Further
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash. We’re comparing cost of living, but more importantly, purchasing power. If you earn $100,000 in each location, where does it feel like more?
The data tells a brutal story for San Diego. The Housing Index (where the national average is 100) is 185.8 in San Diego, meaning housing costs are nearly double the U.S. average. Derry’s index is 148.2—still high, but significantly lower than San Diego’s.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | San Diego | Derry CDP | The Winner (For Your Wallet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $356,700 | Derry (by a landslide) |
| 1-BR Rent | $2,248 | $1,506 | Derry |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $88,901 | San Diego (but see below) |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 378.0 | 146.4 | Derry |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
You might see San Diego’s higher median income ($105,780) and think you’re winning. But let’s be real: that $930,000 home price is a monster. In Derry, that same $930,000 gets you a palace. A $100,000 salary in San Diego gets you a modest apartment and a tight budget. That same $100,000 in Derry? You’re likely a homeowner with a car payment, savings, and money left for vacations.
Taxes: The Silent Budget Killer
California has a progressive income tax system. On a $100,000 salary, you’re looking at roughly 9.3% state income tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages (though it does tax interest and dividends). That’s an instant ~$7,000 difference in take-home pay in San Diego’s favor. But when you factor in San Diego’s sky-high housing and general costs, that tax advantage evaporates quickly.
Verdict on Dollar Power: Derry CDP wins. $100,000 in Derry feels like $140,000 in San Diego. It’s not even close. You get more house, more space, and more financial breathing room.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent in a Tale of Two Markets
San Diego: The Perpetual Seller’s Market
Buying in San Diego is a bloodsport. With a median home price of $930,000, you’re competing in a market where inventory moves fast and bidding wars are the norm. The rent isn’t much better at $2,248 for a 1-bedroom. For most, renting is the only option, and that $2,248 is a monthly reminder that you’re paying a premium for location and lifestyle. The barrier to entry for homeownership is exceptionally high.
Derry CDP: The Accessible Market
Derry’s median home price of $356,700 is a breath of fresh air. It’s a market that’s competitive but accessible. You can realistically save for a down payment and enter the homeownership game without needing a venture capitalist’s salary. Rent is also more manageable at $1,506. This market favors buyers and renters alike, offering stability without the financial shock.
The Bottom Line: In San Diego, you rent to live. In Derry, you buy to build equity. If owning a home is a non-negotiable part of your American dream, Derry makes it possible.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life, Traffic, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
San Diego: The city is sprawling. While public transit exists, most rely on cars. Commutes can be brutal—think 45-60 minutes for a 15-mile trip during rush hour. The 5, 805, and 15 freeways are legendary for congestion.
Derry: As a smaller community, traffic is minimal. Your commute will likely be short and stress-free. The real commute is if you work in nearby Manchester or Nashua, but it’s still a breeze compared to a major metro.
Weather
San Diego: The data says 57.0°F, but that’s misleading. It’s an average. The reality is 70°F and sunny most of the year. Low humidity, perfect beaches, and a climate that’s the envy of the nation. It’s a massive lifestyle perk.
Derry: 48.0°F is the average, but that means four distinct seasons. You get vibrant falls, snowy winters (plan on 50+ inches of snow), comfortable springs, and warm summers. It’s beautiful if you love seasons, but the winter is a serious commitment.
Crime & Safety
This is a stark contrast. San Diego’s violent crime rate is 378.0 per 100k. Derry’s is 146.4 per 100k—less than half. While San Diego is safer than many large cities, it’s statistically more dangerous than a quiet New England town like Derry. For families, this is a major consideration.
The Verdict on Dealbreakers:
- Traffic: Derry
- Weather (if you love sun): San Diego
- Weather (if you love seasons): Derry
- Safety: Derry
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s my honest, no-BS take:
🏆 Winner for Families: Derry CDP
- Why: Affordability, safety, and school districts. You can get a great house, a low-crime environment, and a strong community feel without the financial strain. The four seasons offer a classic childhood experience.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Pros: San Diego
- Why: The lifestyle, networking, and energy. If you’re in tech, biotech, or the military, the career opportunities are unmatched. The social scene, outdoor activities, and year-round perfect weather are worth the financial grind in your 20s and 30s.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP
- Why: Financial security and peace of mind. Stretching your retirement savings is easier here. The lower crime rate, slower pace, and four-season beauty are ideal for a relaxed retirement. (Note: Active retirees who love the sun might still prefer San Diego, but at a much higher cost.)
San Diego: Pros & Cons
âś… Pros:
- World-class weather and beaches.
- Vibrant job market in key industries.
- Incredible food and cultural scene.
- Outdoor lifestyle year-round.
❌ Cons:
- Sticker shock on housing and rent.
- High state income tax.
- Significant traffic and congestion.
- Higher crime rate than a small town.
Derry CDP: Pros & Cons
âś… Pros:
- Massive bang for your buck in housing.
- Extremely low crime and safe community.
- No state income tax on wages.
- Peaceful, four-season lifestyle.
❌ Cons:
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Limited nightlife and big-city amenities.
- Smaller job market (often requires commuting).
- Less cultural and ethnic diversity.
The Final Word: This isn’t about which city is “better.” It’s about which city is better for you. If you have the financial means and prioritize lifestyle above all, San Diego is a dream. If you value financial freedom, safety, and a tight-knit community, Derry CDP offers a fantastic quality of life. Choose wisely.