Phoenix and Anaheim are distinct metropolitan areas in the American South West and along the California Coast, respectively. Both cities offer diverse atmospheres, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities. The living experiences in these cities differ widely in terms of weather, cost of living, crime rates, education, and job prospects among others. This article will discuss in detail the conditions of living in Phoenix and Anaheim, outlining what makes each city unique and why one might choose to live in one place over the other.
Distance between
Phoenix, AZ and
Anaheim, CA : 334.9 miles
Phoenix's population is larger by 370%. Its population has grown by 303,524 people (23.0%) since 2000. The population of Anaheim has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) during that time.
Phoenix, AZ has a higher crime rate than the national average, mainly property crimes including burglary and auto theft. Violent crimes in Phoenix are also notably higher than the national average, which raises safety concerns. In comparison, Anaheim, CA has a somewhat lower crime rate than Phoenix but still more than the national average. Both cities have been investing in their police departments to reduce crimes and improve safety. Nonetheless, if safety is a primary concern, Anaheim might be a better choice than Phoenix.
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 3,582 registered sex offenders living in Phoenix and 366 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Phoenix is 451 to 1; the ratio in Anaheim is 959 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Phoenix than in Anaheim.
Cost of Living
Anaheim, like much of California, has a substantially higher cost of living than Phoenix. Housing costs in Anaheim are among the highest in the country, whereas Phoenix offers more affordable housing options, making it more appealing to those concerned by cost of living. Other living costs, like groceries, healthcare, and utilities, are also generally lower in Phoenix.
Income Tax
Arizona has a sliding scale for its state income tax, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%. California, on the other hand, has a progressive income tax that can go as high as 13.3%, making it one of the highest in the nation. There is no city income tax in either Phoenix or Anaheim.
Property Tax
Phoenix has a lower property tax rate than Anaheim, with an effective rate of about 0.802% in Maricopa County. Comparatively, in Orange County where Anaheim is located, the property tax rate is approximately 0.715%, but the high property values mean that homeowners often pay more in absolute dollars.
Sales Tax
Phoenix has a high sales tax rate of 8.6% while Anaheim has a slightly lower sales tax rate of 7.75%. In general, Arizona's sales tax is higher than California's, but Phoenix's city sales tax is the highest in the state.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$81,747
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$32,827
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
88.5
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $57,175 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert, resulting in a landscape dominated by mountains, desert plants, and cacti. Anaheim, by contrast, is located on the California coast, featuring beachfront landscapes and a more urbanized environment.
Both Phoenix and Anaheim have strong school systems, with varying strengths. Phoenix's public schools are part of Phoenix Union High School District and serve over 27,000 students, offering a range of specialized and traditional programs. Anaheim, on the other hand, is home to several highly ranked public and private schools, as well as renowned universities like the University of California, Irvine, and Chapman University.
Phoenix's economy is diverse, with significant sectors including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail. The city has seen significant job growth in recent years, and future job growth is predicted to be strong. Anaheim's economy relies primarily on tourism, with Disneyland being a major employer. The city also has thriving healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors, but the cost of living is high compared to average incomes.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, the biggest employers are Banner Health, Walmart, and Wells Fargo. In Anaheim, Disneyland Resort, the City of Anaheim, and Kaiser Permanente are among the largest employers.
There were 4,922 building permits issued in Phoenix in 2012 (3970 more than in 2011) compared to 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011).
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% 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
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
2020
50.2%
53.6%
48.0%
44.6%
1.8%
1.8%
2016
44.9%
50.9%
47.7%
42.4%
7.5%
6.7%
2012
43.6%
45.8%
54.3%
52.0%
2.1%
2.3%
2008
44.0%
47.8%
54.5%
50.3%
1.5%
1.9%
2004
42.4%
39.3%
57.0%
60.2%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
40.4%
53.4%
55.9%
3.6%
3.7%
1996
44.5%
37.9%
47.2%
51.7%
8.2%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
26.5%
4.3%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
2.3%
6.5%
8.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.4%
2.0%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
1.5%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.3%
1.4%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.2%
0.6%
0.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
0.8%
1.0%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.2%
0.2%
Weather
Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with extremely high temperatures in the summer but relatively mild winters. However, the dry air can make heat more tolerable. Anaheim, contrastingly, offers Mediterranean weather, marked with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Its coastal location leads to more moderate temperatures year-round. In terms of weather, preference varies from person to person, though those not used to high heat might find Anaheim's climate more comfortable.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
25.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
77.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
Phoenix
Anaheim
2018
156
139
0.38
0.36
15.2
13.7
28.5
26.8
0.007
N/A
34.8
27.5
8.6
12.1
0.6
0.7
2017
120
145
0.41
0.50
15.9
14.8
28.6
26.7
0.007
N/A
34.9
26.7
7.6
13.5
1.4
0.6
2016
114
132
0.44
0.57
15.8
14.5
27.3
26.3
0.007
N/A
30.6
24.1
7.7
12.9
0.4
0.3
2015
102
142
0.46
0.45
17.6
14.7
27.1
26.0
0.007
N/A
26.2
25.0
7.9
14.8
0.9
0.3
2014
117
138
0.46
0.40
19.6
15.0
27.6
26.7
0.008
N/A
37.0
26.7
8.5
16.2
1.1
0.5
2013
130
138
0.43
0.47
19.9
14.8
27.9
25.3
0.005
N/A
35.3
28.3
8.4
13.9
0.9
0.5
2012
157
142
0.44
0.46
21.2
14.5
28.1
25.0
0.005
N/A
41.9
27.0
8.8
14.7
1.3
0.2
2011
203
138
0.47
0.42
20.0
15.9
28.3
26.7
0.007
N/A
41.3
27.4
9.6
16.0
0.9
0.8
2010
100
130
0.48
0.44
19.9
16.7
26.9
25.8
0.009
N/A
31.2
23.5
8.3
14.9
0.9
0.6
2009
108
151
0.52
0.41
20.1
18.0
25.6
26.0
0.010
N/A
38.2
24.4
N/A
15.4
1.8
1.1
2008
106
156
0.48
0.38
21.4
20.3
26.6
26.7
0.010
N/A
39.6
30.2
N/A
18.9
2.4
1.1
2007
129
135
0.54
0.38
23.5
19.5
25.2
26.2
0.012
N/A
47.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4
0.8
2006
131
128
0.66
0.43
25.3
19.1
24.4
26.3
0.008
N/A
50.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.3
2005
109
128
0.74
0.45
25.9
20.7
22.2
31.3
0.013
N/A
44.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
1.3
2004
98
134
0.77
0.53
25.5
19.9
23.4
37.1
0.015
N/A
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.6
2003
101
143
0.90
0.69
26.8
23.7
23.7
23.8
0.025
N/A
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.1
2002
111
134
0.98
0.77
28.7
24.1
23.6
21.8
0.019
N/A
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
2.1
2001
106
143
1.00
0.94
28.6
28.4
22.3
24.5
0.035
N/A
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.7
2000
117
152
1.14
0.80
29.9
29.4
24.6
23.0
0.030
N/A
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
7,039.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
32%
Transportation
Phoenix has a decent public transportation system, including buses and light rail, though a personal vehicle is often necessary due to the city's sprawl. Anaheim also has a public transportation system, but most residents prefer to use personal vehicles. Both cities suffer from heavy traffic during peak hours.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Amtrak stations
3
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Bicycle
0.4%
1%
Bus
1.8%
0.9%
Carpooled
12.2%
10.8%
Car alone
81.8%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Average
28.6 min
30.8 min
Other means
26.4 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.4%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.6%
11.2%
In 3 person carpool
2%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
1.5%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
0.9%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Phoenix is more affordable than in Anaheim. The median home price in Phoenix is much lower than the national average, whereas in Anaheim, it is significantly higher. Rental prices also follow this trend.
Neighborhoods
Both Phoenix and Anaheim offer a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Phoenix has a mix of urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods, with popular ones including Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and Downtown Phoenix. Anaheim also offers a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, with West Anaheim, The Colony, and Anaheim Hills being particularly popular.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Houses
644,625
110,319
Average household size (people)
2.8
3.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1975
Median year house/condo built
1983
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.1 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
105,608 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
51,684 (48.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
53,924 (51.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$2,111
Median monthly housing costs
$1,284
$1,910
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$1,256,069
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$688,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.2
4.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$452,968
$859,592
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$742,035
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$229,335
$546,946
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$299,875
$553,561
Median house price - mobile homes
$159,046
$114,904
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$300,398
$619,623
Median house price - All housing units
$429,075
$782,600
Median house age
36
48
Renting percentage
42.4%
51.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
2,254.1
House value disparities
30.8%
20.2%
Household income disparities
43.9%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$96,609
$125,169
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$63,626
$86,779
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
374 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
2,222 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
36,875 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
2,794 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
8
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.7%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Phoenix
Anaheim
One, detached
60.3%
42.7%
One, attached
4.9%
8.3%
Two
1.4%
2.3%
3 or 4
4.4%
7.6%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.8%
10 to 19
5.3%
5.5%
20 to 49
4.1%
6.8%
50 or more
11.3%
17.2%
Mobile homes
3.1%
2.6%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
11,077
State government workers
30,385
5,046
Unpaid family workers
1,048
65
Industries and Occupations
Phoenix's economy is diverse, with key industries including health care, real estate, and finance. In Anaheim, the leading industries are tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. Job seekers in either city will find a variety of opportunities, depending on their skills and experience.
Both cities boast excellent healthcare facilities. Phoenix has some of the country's leading hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic and Banner University Medical Center. Anaheim also houses world-class healthcare institutions, such as CHOC Children’s Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Phoenix offers well laid out infrastructure including a network of freeways, light rail system, and an international Airport. The city is always investing in infrastructure development to accommodate its fast-growing population. Anaheim, though smaller, has a well-defined infrastructure including freeways, public transportation, and a convenient proximity to Los Angeles International Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Anaheim
Hospitals
48
22
TV stations
22
6
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
263
46
Bank institutions located here
41
19
Main business address for public companies
41
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
2
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Phoenix
Anaheim
1999
5,846
914
2000
4,847
679
2001
3,823
632
2002
3,472
735
2003
5,750
1,047
2004
9,848
1,456
2005
15,879
1,965
2006
18,392
1,999
2007
9,797
1,230
2008
3,130
599
2009
1,614
378
Culture and Food
Both cities offer a vibrant food and cultural scene. Phoenix has a blend of Southwestern and Mexican cuisine, with a rising food scene of creative chefs. It is home to renowned museums, art walks, and cultural festivals. Anaheim is known for its diverse food choices inspired by various cultures, and a blend of traditional and contemporary arts, music and festivals.
Sports Teams
Phoenix is home to several major professional sports teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and Arizona Coyotes (NHL). Anaheim hosts the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and the Los Angeles Angels (MLB).
Phoenix, AZ
Anaheim, CA
Phoenix, AZ and 
Anaheim, CA : 334.9 miles
