The comparison between San Diego and Anaheim gives a comprehensive idea of what life could potentially be like in each city. Both situated in California, these settings offer a mix of similarities and differences that cater to various preferences. From the weather to infrastructure, and work opportunities to cultural diversity, there are many considerations for both residents and tourists. Factors like cost and quality of living, safety, education, and entertainment options contribute to the overall experience in these cities. This analysis will provide specific insights into these key aspects to aid in your decision, whether you're planning to relocate or visit.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Anaheim, CA : 84.7 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 299%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Anaheim has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) during that time.
Comparatively, Anaheim has a higher crime rate than San Diego. Though both cities dedicate great resources to ensure public safety, San Diego is generally considered safer and ranks favorably for crime on national scales. Anaheim has been proactive in implementing community-focused policies to reduce crime, which is key for tourists and potential residents. Regardless, like any urban area, personal vigilance and awareness are important.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,334 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 371 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,054 to 1; the ratio in Anaheim is 946 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Diego is near to than in Anaheim.
Cost of Living
Living in San Diego can be more expensive compared to Anaheim. The costs of housing, food, and general expenses are typically higher in San Diego, affecting overall affordability. Anaheim, though also having its share of costly areas, tends to be slightly more affordable overall, which could be a significant factor for those considering relocation.
Income Tax
California’s income tax is a progressive tax, meaning it has different tax rates for different income levels. Both San Diego and Anaheim fall under this state rule, with no additional city-level income taxes. The tax rates range from 1% to 13.3%, depending on the taxpayers’ income.
Property Tax
The cities of Anaheim and San Diego both have property taxes, which adhere to California’s state rules. The average property tax rate in San Diego is slightly lower than that of Anaheim. However, due to the typically higher home prices in San Diego, the amount paid can often be higher.
Sales Tax
Both Anaheim and San Diego have the same state sales tax rate of 7.25%. However, with additional local city taxes, the total sales tax of Anaheim is approximately 7.75%, and San Diego's is currently 7.75% as well. It's an important factor to consider as it directly impacts the overall cost of living in these cities.
Income
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$81,747
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$32,827
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
88.5
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $71,412 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego has a coastal geography, with numerous beaches and hiking trails offering stunning views. Anaheim is more inland, with flat terrains and suburban settings, but it’s within a short drive to beaches and hiking opportunities. Both cities feature parks and public spaces.
Both cities feature reputable education systems. San Diego hosts several renowned universities and colleges like UC San Diego and San Diego State University. Anaheim is known for its strong public school system, and it's in close proximity to institutions like UC Irvine. Education in these cities is a significant factor for families considering relocation.
San Diego's economy is diverse with sectors like military defense, healthcare, biotech, and tourism playing key roles. Anaheim’s economy largely revolves around tourism, centered around Disneyland, along with a healthy manufacturing sector. Both cities have growing tech scenes and present various job opportunities depending their respective dominant industries.
Biggest Employers
In San Diego, the Navy, University of California San Diego, and Qualcomm represent some of the largest employers. For Anaheim, employers include Disneyland Resort, Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, and Kroger. These employers contribute significantly towards the city economies through regular job openings and robust operations.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Anaheim (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
2020
60.3%
53.6%
37.5%
44.6%
2.1%
1.8%
2016
56.3%
50.9%
36.6%
42.4%
7.1%
6.7%
2012
52.6%
45.8%
45.0%
52.0%
2.4%
2.3%
2008
54.2%
47.8%
44.0%
50.3%
1.8%
1.9%
2004
46.7%
39.3%
52.9%
60.2%
0.4%
0.5%
2000
45.8%
40.4%
49.8%
55.9%
4.5%
3.7%
1996
44.1%
37.9%
45.6%
51.7%
10.3%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
26.5%
6.7%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
2.3%
12.0%
8.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.8%
1.1%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.0%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.2%
2.0%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
0.2%
Weather
Both San Diego and Anaheim offer idyllic Southern California weather. Known for their almost constant sunshine and moderate temperatures, these cities are ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities all year round. San Diego tends to have a cooler coastal climate with ocean breezes, while Anaheim is more inland and can experience higher summer temperatures.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
25.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
77.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
San Diego
Anaheim
2018
101
139
0.53
0.36
11.2
13.7
32.6
26.8
0.007
0.007
N/A
27.5
10.5
12.1
0.1
0.7
2017
115
145
0.63
0.50
12.7
14.8
32.7
26.7
0.007
0.007
N/A
26.7
10.8
13.5
0.1
0.6
2016
105
132
0.46
0.57
13.0
14.5
30.4
26.3
0.006
0.007
N/A
24.1
11.4
12.9
0.1
0.3
2015
111
142
0.43
0.45
13.2
14.7
29.9
26.0
0.005
0.007
N/A
25.0
11.9
14.8
0.1
0.3
2014
105
138
0.44
0.40
11.6
15.0
31.1
26.7
0.007
0.008
N/A
26.7
11.1
16.2
0.1
0.5
2013
138
138
0.50
0.47
12.4
14.8
27.4
25.3
0.019
0.005
N/A
28.3
12.3
13.9
0.2
0.5
2012
110
142
0.53
0.46
12.7
14.5
28.0
25.0
0.019
0.005
N/A
27.0
13.6
14.7
0.2
0.2
2011
122
138
0.51
0.42
13.5
15.9
29.0
26.7
0.034
0.007
N/A
27.4
14.0
16.0
1.5
0.8
2010
109
130
0.52
0.44
14.0
16.7
29.3
25.8
0.019
0.009
N/A
23.5
13.9
14.9
1.0
0.6
2009
121
151
0.64
0.41
15.6
18.0
26.9
26.0
0.014
0.010
N/A
24.4
15.1
15.4
2.7
1.1
2008
127
156
0.71
0.38
16.1
20.3
28.4
26.7
N/A
0.010
67.3
30.2
N/A
18.9
2.6
1.1
2007
157
135
0.71
0.38
16.4
19.5
28.0
26.2
0.012
0.012
64.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
0.8
2006
123
128
0.81
0.43
18.9
19.1
27.1
26.3
0.056
0.008
64.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.3
2005
112
128
0.90
0.45
19.2
20.7
24.4
31.3
0.049
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
1.3
2004
120
134
0.93
0.53
18.4
19.9
25.9
37.1
0.055
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
1.6
2003
124
143
0.88
0.69
19.4
23.7
25.4
23.8
0.049
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
1.1
2002
125
134
0.86
0.77
20.9
24.1
25.9
21.8
0.039
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.1
2001
132
143
0.93
0.94
20.4
28.4
26.5
24.5
0.048
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.7
2000
134
152
1.02
0.80
22.3
29.4
23.8
23.0
0.054
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
7,039.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
32%
Transportation
For commuting and public transit, San Diego generally offers more options than Anaheim, with a comprehensive network of buses and trolleys. While Anaheim also has public transportation, it’s more often utilized by tourists traveling to and from Disneyland. Both cities are car-centric and are served by extensive freeway and highway systems.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
852
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Bicycle
0.6%
1%
Bus
2%
0.9%
Carpooled
9.4%
10.8%
Car alone
81.7%
83.4%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0.5%
0.2%
Subway
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
3.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Average
27.4 min
30.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
11.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.9%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in San Diego is typically more expensive than in Anaheim, with median home prices consistently higher in San Diego. Anaheim offers a range of housing options that might be more affordable for those considering relocation. San Diego’s higher home prices are sometimes balanced by higher salary averages in specific industries.
Neighborhoods
Each city boasts distinctive neighborhoods that offer diverse living experiences. San Diego presents neighborhood options like La Jolla, known for its upscale living, and hipster-friendly North Park. In Anaheim, the Platinum Triangle is popular with younger generations, while Anaheim Hills offers a more suburban feel for families.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Houses
555,456
110,319
Average household size (people)
2.6
3.4
Median year apartment built
1980
1975
Median year house/condo built
1977
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
105,608 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
51,684 (48.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
53,924 (51.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$2,111
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,910
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$1,256,069
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$688,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$859,592
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$742,035
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$546,946
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$553,561
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$114,904
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$619,623
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$782,600
Median house age
42
48
Renting percentage
51.7%
51.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
2,254.1
House value disparities
23.6%
20.2%
Household income disparities
42.3%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$125,169
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$86,779
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
374 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
2,222 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
36,875 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
2,794 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Anaheim
One, detached
43.4%
42.7%
One, attached
9.9%
8.3%
Two
1.9%
2.3%
3 or 4
6.0%
7.6%
5 to 9
9.3%
6.8%
10 to 19
7.4%
5.5%
20 to 49
6.3%
6.8%
50 or more
14.6%
17.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
11,077
State government workers
29,438
5,046
Unpaid family workers
808
65
Industries and Occupations
San Diego has a diverse range of industries including biotech, tech, and healthcare. Many people work in occupations related to these industries. Anaheim is characterized by tourism, entertainment, and manufacturing, leading to occupations in these areas. Both cities offer a variety of job opportunities catering to different skill sets and interests.
Both cities provide robust health care systems. San Diego is renowned for its hospitals and biomedical research, featuring health institutions like UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health. Anaheim, too, has renowned healthcare facilities like the Anaheim Regional Medical Center. Both cities have ample clinics and health centers spread throughout the neighborhoods.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have modern infrastructure, with San Diego offering a more expansive public transit system. Both cities are near major airports: San Diego International Airport and John Wayne Airport for Anaheim. The quality of roads, public utilities, and amenities is typically high in both cities.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Anaheim
Hospitals
26
22
TV stations
13
6
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
255
46
Bank institutions located here
40
19
Main business address for public companies
92
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Anaheim
1999
3,865
914
2000
2,257
679
2001
1,754
632
2002
2,118
735
2003
5,074
1,047
2004
7,646
1,456
2005
8,409
1,965
2006
7,551
1,999
2007
5,741
1,230
2008
2,876
599
2009
1,675
378
Culture and Food
In terms of culture and food, both cities have a lot to offer. San Diego has a strong Hispanic influence resulting in a wide variety of delicious Mexican cuisine. Anaheim, home to Disneyland, offers distinctive food experiences within the park along with multicultural cuisine city-wide. Both cities have a thriving craft beer scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans have plenty to appreciate in both cities. San Diego hosts professional teams like the San Diego Padres (MLB) and the San Diego Gulls (AHL). Anaheim is home to the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and the Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Both cities feature annual sporting events, attracting attendees and tourists alike.
San Diego, CA
Anaheim, CA
