El Paso vs Derry CDP

Category / Metric	El Paso	Derry CDP
Financial Overview
Median Income	$57,317	$88,901
Unemployment Rate	4%	3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$247,000	$356,700
Price per SqFt	$155	$null
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$980	$1,506
Housing Cost Index	75.5	148.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.9	104.7
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	394.0	146.4
Bachelor's Degree+	29%	34%
Air Quality (AQI)	54	43

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between El Paso, Texas, and Derry CDP, New Hampshire.

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El Paso vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-baked, culturally vibrant border city of El Paso, Texas. On the other, you have Derry CDP, New Hampshire—a quiet, affluent suburb nestled in the cradle of New England. This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it’s a choice between two entirely different lifestyles, budgets, and futures.

Choosing where to put down roots is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Do you want the "bang for your buck" of the Southwest or the polished, high-earning safety of the Northeast? Let’s strip away the marketing fluff and look at the numbers, the vibes, and the reality of living in these two very different places.

The Vibe Check: Border Culture vs. New England Charm

El Paso is a city with a soul. It’s a massive, sprawling metro area (population 678,945) that sits right on the border of Mexico. The vibe here is distinctly Texan but heavily infused with Mexican culture. Think incredible food, warm hospitality, and a laid-back pace of life. It’s a city of contrasts—rugged mountains meet urban sprawl, and Spanish is spoken as commonly as English. It’s a place for those who want big-city amenities without the pretension or the traffic jams of Austin or Dallas. If you crave sunshine, community, and a lower cost of living, El Paso is calling your name.

Derry CDP is a different beast entirely. With a population of just 21,668, it’s a "CDP" (Census Designated Place) that functions as a classic American suburb. It’s quiet, manicured, and deeply rooted in New England history. The vibe is family-oriented, safe, and distinctly white-collar. It’s for those who want a peaceful retreat after a day in the nearby Boston workforce. If you value four distinct seasons, top-tier public schools, and a tight-knit community feel over nightlife and cultural fusion, Derry is your safe harbor.

Who is each city for?

• El Paso is for the budget-conscious, the culture-seekers, the sun-worshippers, and those who want a city that feels alive and authentic.
• Derry CDP is for high-earning professionals, families prioritizing safety and schools, and those who adore autumn foliage and snowy winters.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You could earn the same salary in both cities, but your "purchasing power"—what that money actually buys you—will be drastically different.

Let's break down the cost of living. The numbers tell a stark story.

Category	El Paso, TX	Derry CDP, NH	The Winner
Median Home Price	$247,000	$356,700	El Paso
Rent (1BR)	$980	$1,506	El Paso
Housing Index	75.5 (25.5% below US avg)	148.2 (48.2% above US avg)	El Paso
Median Income	$57,317	$88,901	Derry CDP

Salary Wars & The Tax Factor
At first glance, Derry looks like the financial winner. The median income is $88,901 compared to El Paso's $57,317. That’s a massive gap. However, we have to talk about the elephant in the room: Taxes.

• Texas (El Paso): Has 0% state income tax. You keep more of every dollar you earn.
• New Hampshire (Derry): While it has no sales tax, it does have a 5% tax on interest and dividend income (though this is being phased out). More importantly, property taxes in New England are notoriously high to fund those excellent schools and infrastructure.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in El Paso, your money feels like $100,000 (plus the lack of state income tax). If you earn $100,000 in Derry, your money feels like roughly $85,000 after you factor in the higher cost of housing, groceries, and utilities. The "sticker shock" in Derry is real. You need a significantly higher salary just to maintain the same standard of living you'd have in El Paso.

El Paso is the undisputed champion of affordability. You get a house for $247,000 that would cost nearly $110,000 more in Derry. That’s not just a small difference; it’s a life-altering gap that can free up thousands of dollars per year for travel, savings, or hobbies.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

El Paso: The Buyer’s Market
With a Housing Index of 75.5, El Paso is one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. The median home price of $247,000 is attainable for many first-time homebuyers. The rental market is also very reasonable, with a 1-bedroom averaging $980. This flexibility is huge. You can rent cheaply while saving for a down payment without feeling priced out. The market is competitive but in a healthy, accessible way.

Derry CDP: The Premium Market
Derry’s Housing Index of 148.2 signals a expensive, high-demand market. The median home price of $356,700 is the entry-level ticket. Renting isn't much of a reprieve, with 1-bedroom units averaging $1,506. This is a classic seller’s market where inventory is tight, and homes sell quickly, often above asking price. For renters, you’re competing with high-earning professionals and families willing to pay a premium for the location and schools.

The Verdict: If you want to own a home without drowning in mortgage payments, El Paso is the clear choice. Derry is for those with established careers and larger down payments ready to compete.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• El Paso: It’s a sprawling city, so driving is a necessity. However, traffic is nowhere near the levels of major metros like Houston or Los Angeles. Commutes are generally predictable.
• Derry CDP: This is a bedroom community. Commutes can be brutal if you work in Boston—think 1+ hour drives in dense traffic. Local traffic is light, but the regional commute is a major factor.

Weather: Heat vs. Humidity

• El Paso: Dry heat. The data says 50.0°F average, but that’s misleading. Summers are scorching (90°F+ is common), but it’s a dry heat that many find more bearable than humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. You need a pool, not a snow shovel.
• Derry CDP: Four distinct seasons. The data shows a similar average of 48.0°F, but that hides the extremes. You get gorgeous autumns, snowy winters (hello, shoveling!), and humid summers. If you hate the cold and snow, Derry is a non-starter.

Crime & Safety

This is where the data gets stark.

• El Paso: Violent Crime rate is 394.0 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While specific neighborhoods vary, safety is a genuine concern and a top priority for residents.
• Derry CDP: Violent Crime rate is 146.4 per 100k. This is below the national average and reflects the suburban, low-crime profile of New England towns.

The Verdict: If safety is your #1 concern, Derry CDP wins by a landslide. The statistical difference is too large to ignore.

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The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?

After crunching the numbers and feeling the vibes, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Derry CDP

Why: While El Paso offers incredible affordability, Derry’s combination of low crime (146.4/100k), excellent public schools, and a safe, community-oriented environment is the gold standard for raising kids. The higher median income ($88,901) also suggests a robust local economy with good job opportunities for parents. The price is steep, but for many families, safety and education are worth the premium.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: El Paso

Why: You want to build a life, not just survive it. In El Paso, your salary stretches further. You can afford a nice apartment for $980 and still have money left over for fun. The culture is vibrant, the social scene is welcoming, and you can actually save money or buy a home ($247,000) early in your career. The higher crime rate requires street smarts, but the financial freedom and lifestyle are unbeatable.

Winner for Retirees: El Paso

Why: This was a tough call, but El Paso edges it out. Retirees on fixed incomes need affordability. The low cost of living, mild winters (no shoveling!), and lack of state income tax are massive financial advantages. While Derry has beautiful scenery, the high property taxes and harsh winters can be a burden on a fixed budget. El Paso offers a warm, affordable, and active retirement.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

El Paso, Texas

Pros:

• Unbeatable Affordability: Housing costs are ~30% lower than the national average.
• 0% State Income Tax: Keep more of your hard-earned money.
• Rich Culture & Food: A unique blend of Texan and Mexican heritage.
• Mild Winters: Perfect for those who hate the cold.
• Growing Job Market: Strong military and healthcare sectors.

Cons:

• Higher Crime Rate: Violent crime is a legitimate concern (394.0/100k).
• Extreme Summer Heat: Dry but intense heat can be oppressive.
• Limited Green Space: The landscape is desert/mountain; less lush than the Northeast.
• Isolation: Far from other major cities (6+ hours to Austin, 10+ to Dallas).

Derry CDP, New Hampshire

Pros:

• Exceptional Safety: Violent crime is low (146.4/100k).
• Top-Tier Schools: Excellent public education system.
• High Median Income: Strong local economy ($88,901).
• Four Seasons: Beautiful autumns, recreational winters.
• Proximity to Boston: Access to a major metro hub for work and culture.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living: Housing is 48.2% above the national average.
• Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and shoveling are a yearly reality.
• High Taxes: Property taxes are steep to fund services.
• Less Diverse: Culturally homogenous compared to El Paso.
• Competitive Housing Market: Hard to find and afford a home.

Final Takeaway: If you prioritize safety, schools, and proximity to Boston, and can afford the premium, Derry CDP is your ideal choice. If you prioritize affordability, cultural vibrancy, and financial freedom, and can manage the higher crime rate, El Paso offers a lifestyle that’s almost impossible to find elsewhere in the U.S.