Category Comparison
Our Verdict
Lancaster leads in 5 of 8 categories, scoring higher for crime safety, schools, affordability. That said, Derby has the edge in transport and environment, making it a strong option depending on what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Derby or Lancaster better to live in?
Lancaster leads in 5 of 8 categories, scoring higher for crime safety, schools, affordability. That said, Derby has the edge in transport and environment, making it a strong option depending on what matters most to you.
Is Derby safer than Lancaster?
Lancaster scores higher for crime safety (33/100) compared to Derby (25/100). Scores are based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation crime domain.
Which has better schools, Derby or Lancaster?
Derby has 15 schools within 3km, with 40% rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. Lancaster has 15 schools nearby, with 67% rated Good or Outstanding.
Is it cheaper to live in Derby or Lancaster?
Estimated monthly bills are lower in Lancaster (~£407/month) compared to Derby (~£411/month). Bills include council tax, energy, water, broadband, and insurance estimates.
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Data sources: Scores are estimated using pre-loaded data from MHCLG Indices of Deprivation, Ofsted/GIAS school ratings, DfT Transport Connectivity 2025, MHCLG council tax data, Ofgem energy price cap, and regional averages. For full live data from 20+ government sources, view the individual town reports. Data provided under the Open Government Licence v3.0.