Anaheim, CA and Ontario, CA are both vibrant cities in California with unique features. While Anaheim, home to Disneyland, enjoys more tourist attraction, Ontario, known for its international airport, is a hub of businesses. Comparatively, individuals considering relocating or visiting these cities would find differences in aspects like cost of living, education, weather, health care, and more. This article establishes a comparison between the two to guide your choice based on numerous essential factors.
Distance between
Anaheim, CA and
Ontario, CA : 21.2 miles
Anaheim's population is larger by 94%. Its population has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) since 2000. The population of Ontario has grown by 19,956 people (12.6%) during that time.
Anaheim has a comparatively higher crime rate than Ontario, making Ontario marginally safer for residents and tourists. Anaheim's crime rate is higher than 40% of California's cities and towns of all sizes. On the other hand, Ontario has a relatively less crime-rate, lower than 22% of California's cities. However, both cities have significantly invested in safety measures, with community policing making their neighborhoods friendlier.
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 366 registered sex offenders living in Anaheim and 203 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Anaheim is 959 to 1; the ratio in Ontario is 853 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Anaheim is near to than in Ontario.
Cost of Living
Living in Anaheim is generally more expensive than in Ontario. The cost of living index in Anaheim surpasses the national average by a considerable margin. This index includes housing, which is significantly higher in Anaheim, given its proximity to the major attraction, Disneyland. Ontario, although not cheap, is more reasonable compared to Anaheim, making it potentially a better option for potential residents who are budget conscious.
Income Tax
Both cities fall under California's state income tax, which varies from 1% to 13.3% based on income level. Since it's a state tax, it applies equally to Anaheim and Ontario residents.
Property Tax
The property tax in California is roughly 0.76%, but actual rates can vary between counties and cities. The average property tax rate for Anaheim is around 0.68%, while for Ontario, it's approximately 0.75%.
Sales Tax
California imposes a state sales tax of 7.25%, with local jurisdictions adding their own taxes on top. The combined sales tax rate for Anaheim is 7.75%, while Ontario has a slightly higher sales tax rate of 7.75%.
Income
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Estimated median household income
$81,747
$73,872
Estimated per capita income
$32,827
$28,662
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.5
84.1
If you make $50,000 in Ontario, you will have to make $52,616 in Anaheim to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Anaheim is relatively flat with a few hills, sitting close to the Pacific Ocean, while Ontario is further inland, located in the southwestern part of San Bernardino County. Ontario experiences slightly hotter summers due to its inland location. Both cities enjoy picturesque California landscapes and are close to multiple natural parks for outdoor enthusiasts.
Both cities are served by dedicated and quality school districts. Anaheim is well-known for its higher education institutions, including Anaheim University and North Orange County Community College District. Ontario, on the other hand, has Chaffey College, and it's closer to several prominent universities in neighboring cities. This makes both cities attractive for families with children and young adults seeking further education.
In terms of work and economy, Anaheim has a more diverse economy, thanks to its tourism industry, healthcare, and manufacturing sector. The city's largest employer is Disneyland Resort. Ontario's economy relies heavily on the logistics industry due to Ontario International Airport, one of the busiest cargo airports in the United States. Both cities have a similar unemployment rate, slightly higher than the national average.
Biggest Employers
Anaheim's largest employer is Disneyland Resort, providing jobs to thousands of residents. Other notable employers include Kaiser Foundation Hospital and Northgate Gonzalez Market. Ontario's major employers include Ontario International Airport, UPS, and the Unified School District, providing a range of employment opportunities.
There were 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011) compared to 738 building permits issued in Ontario in 2012 (702 more than in 2011).
In Anaheim (Orange County), 45.8% voted for Democrats and 52.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Ontario (San Bernardino County), 52.3% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
2020
53.6%
54.2%
44.6%
43.6%
1.8%
2.2%
2016
50.9%
52.1%
42.4%
41.5%
6.7%
6.4%
2012
45.8%
52.3%
52.0%
45.0%
2.3%
2.6%
2008
47.8%
52.2%
50.3%
45.8%
1.9%
2.0%
2004
39.3%
43.8%
60.2%
55.6%
0.5%
0.6%
2000
40.4%
47.3%
55.9%
48.8%
3.7%
3.9%
1996
37.9%
44.4%
51.7%
43.6%
10.5%
12.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
CATHOLIC CHURCH
26.5%
21.9%
4.4%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
2.2%
8.8%
9.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.8%
0.6%
1.3%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.6%
0.3%
2.0%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
1.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.3%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
1.6%
1.3%
4.6%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.0%
0.2%
0.2%
Weather
Both Anaheim and Ontario enjoy a similar Mediterranean-type climate common in California, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Anaheim, closer to the coast, often tends to be cooler than Ontario during the heatwaves. While residents appreciate this, tourists planning to visit Disneyland or engage in outdoor activities would also find the weather in Anaheim more comfortable during the summer.
Weather and climate
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Temperature - Average
64.9°F
64.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.6%
65.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
25.9%
20.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77.9%
71.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51.5%
Precipitation - Yearly average
12 in
18.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.6%
27.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.9%
84.8%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
5.7 mph
4 mph
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Average climate in Ontario, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
Anaheim
Ontario
2018
139
152
0.36
0.37
13.7
15.4
26.8
28.3
0.007
0.006
27.5
35.4
12.1
15.2
0.7
0.4
2017
145
153
0.50
0.43
14.8
15.9
26.7
31.2
0.007
0.005
26.7
35.5
13.5
16.4
0.6
0.2
2016
132
140
0.57
0.39
14.5
16.6
26.3
31.1
0.007
0.006
24.1
29.5
12.9
16.7
0.3
0.3
2015
142
148
0.45
0.37
14.7
16.3
26.0
30.7
0.007
0.005
25.0
31.1
14.8
16.0
0.3
0.3
2014
138
145
0.40
0.36
15.0
17.2
26.7
29.1
0.008
0.006
26.7
33.4
16.2
17.4
0.5
0.3
2013
138
145
0.47
0.34
14.8
18.4
25.3
27.0
0.005
0.006
28.3
33.9
13.9
16.2
0.5
0.4
2012
142
148
0.46
0.39
14.5
19.2
25.0
27.7
0.005
0.006
27.0
34.3
14.7
18.2
0.2
0.5
2011
138
147
0.42
0.39
15.9
19.6
26.7
26.5
0.007
0.007
27.4
32.5
16.0
20.5
0.8
0.5
2010
130
143
0.44
0.41
16.7
20.2
25.8
27.8
0.009
0.008
23.5
29.8
14.9
18.7
0.6
1.1
2009
151
153
0.41
0.39
18.0
22.5
26.0
27.4
0.010
0.008
24.4
27.7
15.4
19.3
1.1
1.1
2008
156
161
0.38
0.45
20.3
22.9
26.7
27.8
0.010
0.009
30.2
31.3
18.9
18.3
1.1
1.4
2007
135
137
0.38
0.55
19.5
26.6
26.2
25.7
0.012
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.7
2006
128
127
0.43
0.61
19.1
29.1
26.3
25.3
0.008
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.7
2005
128
133
0.45
0.64
20.7
29.7
31.3
22.3
0.013
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
2.5
2004
134
142
0.53
0.70
19.9
29.0
37.1
22.9
0.015
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.7
2003
143
141
0.69
0.55
23.7
32.8
23.8
22.3
0.025
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.2
2002
134
136
0.77
0.48
24.1
34.7
21.8
22.1
0.019
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
0.9
2001
143
145
0.94
1.00
28.4
35.6
24.5
21.0
0.035
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.2
2000
152
153
0.80
1.05
29.4
37.0
23.0
21.1
0.030
0.038
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.8
Natural disasters
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.3%
18.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,039.7%
7,358.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
46%
Transportation
Public transit is well-supported in both cities. Anaheim offers bus and rail services, including a local shuttle for Disneyland visitors. Ontario also provides robust bus services, while the Ontario International Airport offers excellent connectivity for commuters and travelers.
Transport
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
136
56
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Bicycle
1%
0.1%
Bus
0.9%
0.8%
Carpooled
10.8%
12.4%
Car alone
83.4%
84.9%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0.6%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.1%
Subway
0.3%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Average
30.8 min
33.4 min
Other means
28.1 min
29.8 min
Public transportation
47.8 min
56 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
85.3%
87.5%
In 2 person carpool
11.2%
8.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
2.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.9%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Anaheim's real estate market is more expensive than Ontario’s. The median home value in Anaheim is significantly higher than in Ontario due to its popular location and attractions for tourists. However, both cities observe high demand in real estate, including rentals, due to their proximity to major job markets.
Neighborhoods
Both Anaheim and Ontario have a diverse range of neighborhoods, suiting different lifestyles. Anaheim's neighborhoods range from tourist-centric areas near Disneyland to quieter, suburban areas. Ontario offers planned communities for families, older homes in historic downtown, and more modern, urban options close to the Ontario Mills shopping mall.
Houses and residents
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Houses
110,319
57,356
Average household size (people)
3.4
3.6
Median year apartment built
1975
1981
Median year house/condo built
1970
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.8 years
14.1 years
Houses occupied
105,608 (95.7%)
55,819 (97.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
51,684 (48.9%)
32,424 (58.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
53,924 (51.1%)
23,395 (41.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,111
$1,608
Median monthly housing costs
$1,910
$1,803
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,256,069
$368,754
Estimated median house or condo value
$688,400
$545,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.7
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$859,592
$498,726
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$742,035
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$546,946
$442,872
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$553,561
$415,138
Median house price - mobile homes
$114,904
$49,867
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$619,623
$391,450
Median house price - All housing units
$782,600
$490,823
Median house age
48
42
Renting percentage
51.5%
44.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,254.1
1,152.1
House value disparities
20.2%
21.6%
Household income disparities
43.6%
41.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$125,169
$104,195
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,779
$71,637
Housing units without a mortgage
374 (1%)
312 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,222 (6%)
875 (3.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
36,875 (99%)
24,570 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
0 (0%)
245 (1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,794 (7.5%)
1,316 (5.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
4.5%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.1%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Anaheim
Ontario
One, detached
42.7%
58.7%
One, attached
8.3%
8.0%
Two
2.3%
2.6%
3 or 4
7.6%
6.9%
5 to 9
6.8%
4.4%
10 to 19
5.5%
2.9%
20 to 49
6.8%
3.4%
50 or more
17.2%
9.4%
Mobile homes
2.6%
3.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
11,077
5,269
State government workers
5,046
3,109
Unpaid family workers
65
0
Industries and Occupations
In Anaheim, the top industries include tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing, employing many in service, professional, and management roles. Ontario, on the other hand, flourishes in the logistics, healthcare, and retail industry. Occupations are more focused on administrative support, sales, and transportation roles.
Both Anaheim and Ontario offer good healthcare facilities. Anaheim is home to renowned hospitals like AHMC Anaheim Regional Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center. Ontario also has quality healthcare facilities, including San Antonio Regional Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Ontario Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Anaheim has advanced infrastructure reflecting its status as one of California’s main touristic centers. From sports arenas to transportation hubs and hotels, Anaheim offers sturdy and extensive infrastructure. Ontario also has commendable infrastructure investments, notably the Ontario International Airport and the Ontario Convention Center, which attract many business travelers.
Infrastructure
Type
Anaheim
Ontario
Hospitals
22
4
TV stations
6
10
Bank branches located here
46
27
Bank institutions located here
19
18
Main business address for public companies
7
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
4
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Anaheim
Ontario
1999
914
451
2000
679
561
2001
632
505
2002
735
503
2003
1,047
827
2004
1,456
1,083
2005
1,965
1,584
2006
1,999
1,557
2007
1,230
969
2008
599
327
2009
378
169
Culture and Food
Anaheim boasts a rich cultural experience thanks to its diverse population, reflected in a wide variety of restaurants and food experiences, ranging from exquisite international cuisine to classic American fare. Ontario also offers a diverse food scene, but with a stronger Mexican culinary influence. Both cities host numerous cultural festivals throughout the year.
Sports Teams
Anaheim is home to two major sports teams, the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL, and the Los Angeles Angels of MLB. Ontario, while not hosting any major league teams, has minor league and semi-pro sports like the Ontario Reign of the AHL and the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League.
Anaheim, CA
Ontario, CA
Anaheim, CA and 
Ontario, CA : 21.2 miles
