Las Vegas, Nevada, and Anaheim, California, are two distinctively unique cities each offering a different quality of life. Both cities are famous for their own reasons – Las Vegas for its vibrant nightlife and gaming industry and Anaheim known for Disneyland and beautiful beaches. This comparative analysis explores their differences and similarities across various facets such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more, to offer a detailed perspective for those considering relocation or a visit.
Distance between
Las Vegas, NV and
Anaheim, CA : 222.1 miles
Las Vegas's population is larger by 87%. Its population has grown by 168,356 people (35.2%) since 2000. The population of Anaheim has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) during that time.
In terms of crime rates, both cities show higher rates than the national average. However, Las Vegas tends to have a higher rate of violent and property crimes compared to Anaheim. There's a stronger police presence in tourist-heavy areas in both cities, which could provide a sense of safety for visitors. It's always advisable to stay vigilant and follow local guidelines for safety.
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 4,787 registered sex offenders living in Las Vegas and 366 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Las Vegas is 132 to 1; the ratio in Anaheim is 959 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Las Vegas than that in Anaheim.
Cost of Living
Anaheim's cost of living is significantly higher than that of Las Vegas, primarily due to higher housing costs. Average rent and home prices in Anaheim are much higher than in Las Vegas. The expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation are somewhat similar, though slightly cheaper in Las Vegas.
Income Tax
One of the significant financial advantages of living in Las Vegas is Nevada's lack of a state income tax, putting more money in residents' pockets than in Anaheim, where California state income tax applies.
Property Tax
While home prices are higher in Anaheim, California's property tax rate is lower than Nevada's. However, due to the higher home costs, homeowners in Anaheim would likely still pay more in property taxes.
Sales Tax
Nevada's sales tax rate, including Las Vegas's add-on, is lower than California's. So, residents and visitors in Vegas will pay less sales tax on purchases compared to those in Anaheim.
Income
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Estimated median household income
$59,746
$81,747
Estimated per capita income
$33,825
$32,827
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
99.1
88.5
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $55,989 in Las Vegas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Anaheim is located in coastal California, offering beautiful beaches, while Las Vegas, situated in a desert, offers stunning landscapes like Red Rock Canyon. Despite being in a desert, Vegas has access to outdoor activities like hiking and boating.
For families considering education, Anaheim's schools are ranked higher overall than those in Vegas. Higher education options, like the University of Nevada in Las Vegas and the University of California in Anaheim, provide excellent opportunities in both cities.
Las Vegas's economy heavily relies on tourism, gaming, and conventions, while Anaheim's economy is diverse, with industries in tourism, manufacturing, and retail. Anaheim generally offers higher salary averages and more job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
In Las Vegas, companies in the hospitality and gaming industry like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment are some of the biggest employers. In Anaheim, the Walt Disney Company, Anaheim Regional Medical Center, and various manufacturing firms offer numerous job opportunities.
There were 2,700 building permits issued in Las Vegas in 2012 (1886 more than in 2011) compared to 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011).
In Las Vegas (Clark County), 56.4% voted for Democrats and 41.8% 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
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
2020
53.7%
53.6%
44.3%
44.6%
2.0%
1.8%
2016
52.4%
50.9%
41.7%
42.4%
5.8%
6.7%
2012
56.4%
45.8%
41.8%
52.0%
1.8%
2.3%
2008
58.5%
47.8%
39.5%
50.3%
2.0%
1.9%
2004
51.8%
39.3%
46.9%
60.2%
1.3%
0.5%
2000
51.4%
40.4%
44.8%
55.9%
3.8%
3.7%
1996
75.5%
37.9%
18.8%
51.7%
5.7%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
26.5%
4.0%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
2.3%
11.2%
8.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.4%
1.6%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.6%
1.2%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.6%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
1.1%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
0.8%
0.6%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.0%
0.2%
Weather
Vegas experiences a hot desert climate with very hot summers and short, mild winters, while Anaheim experiences a Mediterranean climate, having warm winters and hot summers. However, Anaheim's proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates the temperature extremes compared to Las Vegas.
Weather and climate
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Temperature - Average
65.5°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
30.7%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
25.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
77.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
10%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
5.7 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.1%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
91.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
92%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
76%
63%
Wind speed - Average
9.2 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Las Vegas, Nevada
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Las Vegas
Anaheim
2018
100
139
0.42
0.36
13.1
13.7
37.2
26.8
0.007
N/A
24.4
27.5
6.0
12.1
0.7
0.7
2017
101
145
0.29
0.50
13.0
14.8
38.5
26.7
0.007
N/A
20.3
26.7
7.3
13.5
0.8
0.6
2016
97
132
0.38
0.57
11.2
14.5
36.5
26.3
0.007
N/A
20.6
24.1
8.7
12.9
0.8
0.3
2015
92
142
0.36
0.45
12.4
14.7
35.6
26.0
0.007
N/A
18.9
25.0
8.4
14.8
1.2
0.3
2014
91
138
0.40
0.40
10.8
15.0
36.5
26.7
0.008
N/A
21.1
26.7
9.2
16.2
1.4
0.5
2013
103
138
0.45
0.47
9.6
14.8
36.9
25.3
0.005
N/A
22.1
28.3
8.6
13.9
1.5
0.5
2012
94
142
0.49
0.46
5.9
14.5
38.5
25.0
0.005
N/A
21.5
27.0
8.3
14.7
1.4
0.2
2011
85
138
0.40
0.42
5.3
15.9
37.5
26.7
0.007
N/A
18.2
27.4
7.8
16.0
1.2
0.8
2010
86
130
0.50
0.44
5.7
16.7
36.6
25.8
0.009
N/A
16.1
23.5
7.1
14.9
N/A
0.6
2009
87
151
0.56
0.41
6.0
18.0
33.3
26.0
0.010
N/A
20.9
24.4
8.3
15.4
N/A
1.1
2008
82
156
0.66
0.38
8.2
20.3
33.0
26.7
0.010
N/A
N/A
30.2
9.2
18.9
N/A
1.1
2007
97
135
0.61
0.38
11.7
19.5
32.4
26.2
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.1
0.8
2006
102
128
0.75
0.43
13.4
19.1
32.7
26.3
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
N/A
0.8
1.3
2005
100
128
0.76
0.45
15.1
20.7
30.2
31.3
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
N/A
5.3
1.3
2004
85
134
0.71
0.53
16.0
19.9
30.6
37.1
0.015
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
99
143
0.67
0.69
15.9
23.7
29.8
23.8
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.1
2002
94
134
0.73
0.77
15.7
24.1
30.6
21.8
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2.1
2001
95
143
0.76
0.94
15.0
28.4
29.4
24.5
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.7
2000
95
152
0.88
0.80
14.7
29.4
29.7
23.0
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
2.1%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,093.4%
7,039.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
12%
32%
Transportation
Both cities have comprehensive public transportation systems and extensive highway networks. However, commute times in Anaheim are longer due to greater traffic congestion relative to Las Vegas.
Transport
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
81
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Bicycle
0.1%
1%
Bus
2.2%
0.9%
Carpooled
10.3%
10.8%
Car alone
82.7%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Average
26.3 min
30.8 min
Other means
24 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
49.9 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.9%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
8.2%
11.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
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 is more affordable in Las Vegas than in Anaheim. Housing options in Las Vegas range from suburban homes to high-rise condominiums in the city center. However, Anaheim offers a mix of housing options, from beach-front homes to luxury apartments, drawing a premium in pricing.
Neighborhoods
Anaheim neighborhoods like Platinum Triangle and Colony District offer suburban tranquility alongside urban amenities. In Las Vegas, neighborhoods like Summerlin and The Lakes offer a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere away from the Strip's bustle.
Houses and residents
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Houses
269,602
110,319
Average household size (people)
2.7
3.4
Median year apartment built
1991
1975
Median year house/condo built
1995
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
10.1 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
250,350 (92.9%)
105,608 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
138,677 (55.4%)
51,684 (48.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
111,673 (44.6%)
53,924 (51.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,176
$2,111
Median monthly housing costs
$1,255
$1,910
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$989,410
$1,256,069
Estimated median house or condo value
$362,400
$688,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$439,169
$859,592
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$161,204
$742,035
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$201,871
$546,946
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$327,174
$553,561
Median house price - mobile homes
$113,235
$114,904
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$274,961
$619,623
Median house price - All housing units
$417,434
$782,600
Median house age
27
48
Renting percentage
43.5%
51.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,379.4
2,254.1
House value disparities
27.1%
20.2%
Household income disparities
47.1%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$90,388
$125,169
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$62,287
$86,779
Housing units without a mortgage
1,172 (1.2%)
374 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,450 (4.6%)
2,222 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
95,992 (98.8%)
36,875 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
178 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,092 (5.2%)
2,794 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
2
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.3%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Las Vegas
Anaheim
One, detached
61.5%
42.7%
One, attached
5.3%
8.3%
Two
1.3%
2.3%
3 or 4
7.7%
7.6%
5 to 9
8.4%
6.8%
10 to 19
4.8%
5.5%
20 to 49
2.8%
6.8%
50 or more
6.8%
17.2%
Mobile homes
1.4%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,990
11,077
State government workers
6,950
5,046
Unpaid family workers
614
65
Industries and Occupations
Las Vegas is dominated by occupations in the arts, entertainment, accommodation, and food services, aligning with its tourism-focused economy. Conversely, Anaheim's labor market is diverse, with significant employment in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services.
Both cities have access to quality healthcare, with numerous hospitals and clinics. However, Anaheim's healthcare facilities are generally rated higher than Las Vegas's.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities boast modern infrastructure typical of large American cities, including airports, highways, and tourist facilities. However, there's a stronger emphasis on resort and casino infrastructure in Las Vegas, while Anaheim shows a more balanced mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Type
Las Vegas
Anaheim
Hospitals
39
22
TV stations
12
6
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
281
46
Bank institutions located here
34
19
Main business address for public companies
57
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
32
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Las Vegas
Anaheim
1999
2,657
914
2000
579
679
2001
371
632
2002
380
735
2003
3,590
1,047
2004
5,908
1,456
2005
7,894
1,965
2006
6,914
1,999
2007
3,733
1,230
2008
1,431
599
2009
813
378
Culture and Food
Las Vegas and Anaheim both offer diverse cultural experiences, from the energetic nightlife of Vegas to the family-friendly entertainment in Anaheim. Both cities are culinary hotspots, with Las Vegas known for high-end dining and Anaheim heralded for its diverse food scene spurred by its multicultural population.
Sports Teams
Anaheim is home to MLB's Angels and the NHL's Ducks, while Las Vegas boasts the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders. Both cities also have minor league teams and passionately support their local teams.
Las Vegas, NV
Anaheim, CA
Las Vegas, NV and 
Anaheim, CA : 222.1 miles
