City Comparison · 2026

Derry vs Lancaster 2026

Northern Ireland

Derry

Median Salary £27,500

Cost of Living 60/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £600/mo

Real Take-Home £22,400/yr

Job Growth ↑ 3.2%

Unemployment 5.5%

Lancashire

Lancaster

Median Salary £28,500

Cost of Living 63/100

Avg Rent (1 bed) £700/mo

Real Take-Home £22,600/yr

Job Growth ↑ 3.2%

Unemployment 4.5%

Verdict

Which City Wins?

Best Real-Terms Salary

Lancaster

Best take-home pay after accounting for rent and cost of living.

Best for Affordability

Derry

Lower cost of living index means your money goes further every day.

Highest Headline Salary

Lancaster

Higher median salary before cost of living is taken into account.

Lowest Rent

Derry

More affordable average rents leave more of your salary in your pocket.

Best for Career Growth

Derry

Higher job growth rate and more active job market for ambitious professionals.

Best Overall Value

Lancaster

When salary, cost of living and rent are all considered together.

Top Salaries: Derry vs Lancaster

Derry

Derry is Northern Ireland's second city with growing technology and education sectors.

Full Derry Guide →

Lancaster

Lancaster is a historic city with Lancaster University driving the knowledge economy and growing digital and healthcare sectors.

Full Lancaster Guide →

Live Jobs

Jobs in Derry

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Live Jobs

Jobs in Lancaster

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