Spend less, live better in the UK’s most affordable city

A move back to Derry and Strabane isn’t just great for work-life balance; it could boost your bank balance too.

Our cost of living is much lower than in other major UK cities, with the monthly cost of a one-bed apartment, and full-time childcare, both more than three times cheaper than in London.

A monthly bus pass in Derry-Strabane is just a third of what you’d pay in London, and socialising is also more wallet-friendly: a three-course meal in Dublin costs more than twice what it would in one of our LegenDerry local restaurants!

With an average commute time of 30 minutes – compared to 70 minutes in London, and 60 minutes in Belfast – you and your family will have more time to savour the quality of life here: our beautiful beaches, great outdoor spaces, rich culture and friendly people.

It’s no wonder ‘cool, credible, cheap’ Derry was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times – and ranked first for remote working in Northern Ireland, and fourth in the UK.

Major employers think Derry and Strabane is pretty great too. You’ll find graduate roles, high-level jobs and remote, hybrid and flexible working opportunities in sectors including FinTech, software development, life and health sciences and advanced manufacturing and engineering.

There are now three daily flights from City of Derry airport to London Heathrow, and the newly opened A6 from Derry to Dungiven has also made the drive to Belfast quicker than ever.

The £250m City Deal will also give the region another valuable boost of investment, innovation, infrastructure and growth.

There’s never been a better time to come home – but don’t just take our word for it! Check out these money-saving stats:

The average monthly cost of a one-bed city centre apartment is £590 in Derry-Strabane, compared with £1860 in London and £1660 in Dublin

Full-day, monthly childcare in Derry Strabane costs £500 compared with £1,590 in London

A monthly buss pass in Derry-Strabane is more than three times cheaper in Derry-Strabane than in London

Hourly parking will cost three times more in Belfast than in Derry – and 15 times more in London

The average monthly salary in Derry-Strabane after tax is £1,950 – just £98 less than in Belfast

Basic monthly heating costs in Derry-Strabane are cheaper than Belfast, Liverpool, Edinburgh, London and Dublin

(Source: Numbeo Cost of Living Sept 2022)

For more information on living and working in the North West, visit investderrystrabane.com