City Profile
Derry (Londonderry), Northern Ireland
UK · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Derry (Londonderry), situated on the banks of the River Foyle in Northern Ireland, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and fully intact 17th-century city walls. As the second-largest city in Northern Ireland, it serves as a major cultural, educational, and economic hub for the northwest region. People are drawn to the city for its unique blend of heritage, friendly community atmosphere, and significantly lower cost of living compared to major UK and Irish capitals.
Northern Ireland, a constituent country of the United Kingdom, is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and friendly, community-oriented lifestyle. The economy, the smallest of the four UK constituents, has transitioned from a predominantly industrial base to one driven by services, which now account for approximately three-fourths of jobs. Key industries include advanced manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, health technology, and a growing tourism sector, with strong links to both the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. Living in Northern Ireland generally offers a lower cost of living compared to other parts of the UK, particularly regarding housing, and residents benefit from the publicly funded National Health Service. The climate is mild with four distinct seasons and frequent, short-lived rain showers.
How this 69/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 30% | 22.2 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 75.0 | 75.0 | 25% | 18.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $41,000 Income needed to live here: $32,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% | 68.8 | 20% | 13.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.9% | 51.5 | 15% | 7.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 65 / 100 | 65.0 | 10% | 6.5 |
| Overall score | 68.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
17 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 Derry is notably lower than the UK national average, making it an attractive option for families, remote workers, and young professionals alike. Housing, dining out, and everyday services are considerably more affordable, though imported goods and energy prices follow broader UK inflationary trends. Overall, residents enjoy high purchasing power relative to local housing costs, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on modest incomes.
Income
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Derry's economy is anchored by public administration, healthcare, education, and an emerging tech and digital sector supported by Ulster University's Magee campus. Major employers include the Western Health and Social Care Trust, local government, and various advanced manufacturing and software firms operating in the northwest. While historical economic disparities with Belfast remain, ongoing government regeneration initiatives and cross-border trade continue to drive job growth.
The average salary in Derry (Londonderry) is $38,000 per year. You would need approximately $32,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Derry is relatively straightforward, with a compact city centre that is highly walkable and a network of local bus services operated by Translink Ulsterbus. While public transit links to Belfast have improved, many residents rely on personal vehicles for regional travel across the northwest. Traffic congestion is generally mild outside of peak morning and evening commute hours.
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