Performance
Score Breakdown
Derry
Keene
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Keene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% higher compared to Derry.
Housing costs are a major driver: Derry's average rent is
53% higher than Keene's.
| Metric | Derry | Keene | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,366 | $1,550 | +53% |
| Groceries | $339 | $400 | -15% |
| Utilities | $0 | $200 | -100% |
| Transport | $200 | $50 | +300% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $95 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,905 | $2,295 | +27% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Derry offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Keene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Derry is estimated at
$62,000 vs $65,000 in Keene.
| Metric | Derry | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $63,960 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $65,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,286 idx | 71,067 idx |
| Household Income | $108,944 | $78,445 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Derry | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Keene has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Derry.
Derry scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Keene leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Derry | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 47.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Derry is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Derry is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Derry | Keene |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,389 | 23,036 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.07% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 37.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 2.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Derry
Advantages
Low crime rate, with overall crime 49% below the national average and violent crime 57% lower [14].
Strategic location offering convenient access to Boston and Manchester, with major highways nearby [28, 44].
No state income tax, contributing to potential savings for residents [30].
Rich historical heritage, including being the birthplace of astronaut Alan Shepard and home to poet Robert Frost [4, 31, 32, 38].
Access to natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and trails [30].
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options [7, 28].
Cost of living is 12% higher than the national average, driven by housing costs [16].
Housing prices are above the national average, with a median sold price of $450,000 as of August 2026 [17].
Experiences harsh winters with significant snowfall [30].
Recent employment data shows a slight decline, though the unemployment rate remains low [3].
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Derry
#16New Hampshire, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,366
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
78
Business
70
Keene
#28New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Derry and Keene.
Open Cost Calculator