From desert southwest to the edge of the Pacific, Tucson, Arizona, and Anaheim, California, offer contrasting lifestyles. Tucson is known for its relaxed desert lifestyle, rich history, and expansive natural beauty, whereas Anaheim is famous for its vibrant city life, theme parks, and close proximity to beaches. This comparison will explore key differences across various aspects such as crime, weather, cost of living, and more.
Distance between
Tucson, AZ and
Anaheim, CA : 419.0 miles
Tucson's population is larger by 57%. Its population has grown by 56,543 people (11.6%) since 2000. The population of Anaheim has grown by 17,926 people (5.5%) during that time.
Data shows that Tucson has a higher overall crime rate, particularly in property crime, compared to Anaheim. However, in recent years, Tucson's police have made efforts to reduce crime rates. In contrast, Anaheim has a lower crime rate, but it has its pockets of higher crime, especially around some parts of downtown. In both cities, crime mainly happens in specific areas with personal safety generally not a concern for most residents and tourists alike.
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 1,383 registered sex offenders living in Tucson and 366 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Tucson is 384 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 Tucson than in Anaheim.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is significantly lower in Tucson than in Anaheim. Housing costs are notably cheaper in Tucson, which could be appealing to people considering relocation. However, it’s worth noting that typical salaries and household income tend to be lower in Tucson compared to Anaheim. For tourists, Anaheim might be more expensive, with higher hotel rates and dining expenses.
Income Tax
When it comes to income tax, California has a progressive income tax that can go as high as 13.3%, whereas Arizona has a lower top rate of 4.5%. This can affect salary and take-home pay differences between the two locations.
Property Tax
Property taxes are considerably lower in Tucson, where the average property tax rate is 0.817%. In Anaheim, the property tax rate is significantly higher, averaging 1.172%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Tucson, AZ is 8.7%, which is higher than Anaheim, CA where the sales tax rate is 7.75%. This difference, however, is offset by California's higher cost of living.
Income
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Estimated median household income
$50,306
$81,747
Estimated per capita income
$27,821
$32,827
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.1
88.5
If you make $50,000 in Anaheim, you will have to make $50,904 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Anaheim is located in Orange County with nearby Pacific Ocean beaches and is relatively flat. Tucson, by contrast, is set in a valley surrounded by five minor ranges of mountains, a feature that results in beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities.
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona, a major public research university, providing strong resources for higher education. In K-12 schooling, Tucson has a mix of ratings, with some schools ranking highly. Likewise, Anaheim offers a variety of public and private schools with varied ratings, and is near several esteemed universities including University of California, Irvine.
Anaheim's economy is partly driven by being the home of Disneyland Resort, contributing significantly to employment and tourism. However, it's also diversely supported by industries like manufacturing and technology. On the other hand, Tucson's economy is anchored by the University of Arizona and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Its economy has areas of focus in industries such as aerospace and defense, bioscience, and mining.
Biggest Employers
In Anaheim, the City of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort are the top employers, followed by healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente. In Tucson, the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and the U.S. Army Intelligence Center are significant employers, along with Banner Health.
There were 1,134 building permits issued in Tucson in 2012 (832 more than in 2011) compared to 85 building permits issued in Anaheim in 2012 (44 more than in 2011).
In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% 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
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
2020
58.4%
53.6%
39.8%
44.6%
1.7%
1.8%
2016
53.3%
50.9%
39.7%
42.4%
7.0%
6.7%
2012
52.7%
45.8%
45.7%
52.0%
1.6%
2.3%
2008
52.4%
47.8%
46.3%
50.3%
1.4%
1.9%
2004
52.7%
39.3%
46.7%
60.2%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
51.4%
40.4%
43.3%
55.9%
5.3%
3.7%
1996
52.2%
37.9%
39.4%
51.7%
8.5%
10.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.8%
26.5%
7.9%
4.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
2.3%
10.4%
8.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.4%
2.5%
2.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
1.4%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.9%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.0%
0.8%
0.2%
1.3%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.3%
0.3%
0.2%
Weather
Tucson experiences a hot desert climate, with long, sweltering summers and mild winters, which showcases the beauty of the desert landscape throughout the year. In contrast, Anaheim has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. This makes Anaheim particularly pleasant for outdoor activities year-round, including visits to theme parks and beaches.
Weather and climate
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Temperature - Average
70°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
38.6%
69.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
25.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
77.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
12 in
12 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.3%
26.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
15%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
94%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.3 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Average climate in Anaheim, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
Tucson
Anaheim
2018
87
139
0.19
0.36
8.3
13.7
32.0
26.8
0.007
N/A
29.9
27.5
5.5
12.1
0.1
0.7
2017
73
145
0.18
0.50
8.4
14.8
31.7
26.7
0.007
N/A
32.2
26.7
7.1
13.5
0.1
0.6
2016
68
132
0.21
0.57
7.9
14.5
29.7
26.3
0.007
N/A
25.3
24.1
4.5
12.9
0.1
0.3
2015
62
142
0.21
0.45
8.7
14.7
29.7
26.0
0.007
N/A
25.4
25.0
5.1
14.8
0.2
0.3
2014
74
138
0.19
0.40
10.0
15.0
28.8
26.7
0.008
N/A
28.0
26.7
5.6
16.2
0.2
0.5
2013
94
138
0.17
0.47
10.4
14.8
30.4
25.3
0.005
N/A
30.9
28.3
6.8
13.9
0.2
0.5
2012
73
142
0.20
0.46
11.8
14.5
30.0
25.0
0.005
N/A
31.2
27.0
5.6
14.7
0.2
0.2
2011
81
138
0.22
0.42
11.9
15.9
31.0
26.7
0.007
N/A
29.7
27.4
5.8
16.0
0.3
0.8
2010
68
130
0.29
0.44
10.8
16.7
30.5
25.8
0.009
N/A
25.5
23.5
N/A
14.9
0.5
0.6
2009
82
151
0.25
0.41
11.2
18.0
29.2
26.0
0.010
N/A
31.9
24.4
N/A
15.4
0.5
1.1
2008
81
156
0.29
0.38
12.2
20.3
29.2
26.7
0.010
N/A
32.0
30.2
N/A
18.9
0.9
1.1
2007
75
135
0.37
0.38
13.4
19.5
28.7
26.2
0.012
N/A
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
0.8
2006
74
128
0.41
0.43
15.3
19.1
27.7
26.3
0.008
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
1.3
2005
76
128
0.43
0.45
15.1
20.7
26.0
31.3
0.013
N/A
17.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.3
2004
77
134
0.49
0.53
15.6
19.9
25.6
37.1
0.015
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.6
2003
81
143
0.57
0.69
17.2
23.7
27.1
23.8
0.025
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.1
2002
76
134
0.56
0.77
16.9
24.1
26.8
21.8
0.019
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2.1
2001
70
143
0.55
0.94
16.4
28.4
26.1
24.5
0.035
N/A
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
1.7
2000
78
152
0.50
0.80
16.7
29.4
26.4
23.0
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.9%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,584.9%
7,039.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
13%
32%
Transportation
Anaheim has a robust public transportation system, with easy access to major highways and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, a hub for trains and buses. Tucson's transit system is more limited but adequate for a city of its size. It includes the Sun Tran bus service and the Sun Link streetcar service that operates in the heart of the city.
Transport
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
983
136
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
14
3
Means of transportation to work
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Bicycle
1%
1%
Bus
1.9%
0.9%
Carpooled
11.5%
10.8%
Car alone
81.9%
83.4%
Motorcycle
0.5%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Walked
2.3%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Average
26 min
30.8 min
Other means
21.6 min
28.1 min
Public transportation
42.5 min
47.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
86.3%
85.3%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
11.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.9%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is more expensive in Anaheim compared to Tucson. Anaheim's close proximity to the beach and major attractions like Disneyland makes it a more expensive market. Tucson, with its abundant space, offers more affordable housing options–a strong aspect for individuals considering relocation.
Neighborhoods
Anaheim boasts many well-developed neighborhoods with diverse characteristics, particularly ones like Platinum Triangle and Anaheim Hills. In Tucson, neighborhoods like Sam Hughes, El Encanto, and Armory Park embody the city's southwestern character.
Houses and residents
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Houses
242,816
110,319
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.4
Median year apartment built
1979
1975
Median year house/condo built
1978
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.2 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
223,068 (91.9%)
105,608 (95.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
114,708 (51.4%)
51,684 (48.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
108,360 (48.6%)
53,924 (51.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$801.80
$2,111
Median monthly housing costs
$951
$1,910
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$557,132
$1,256,069
Estimated median house or condo value
$224,800
$688,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$262,219
$859,592
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$147,793
$742,035
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$125,313
$546,946
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$135,055
$553,561
Median house price - mobile homes
$48,136
$114,904
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$210,375
$619,623
Median house price - All housing units
$234,849
$782,600
Median house age
43
48
Renting percentage
48.1%
51.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,247.3
2,254.1
House value disparities
32.8%
20.2%
Household income disparities
44.9%
43.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$76,356
$125,169
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$54,612
$86,779
Housing units without a mortgage
1,087 (1.5%)
374 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,785 (3.9%)
2,222 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
70,054 (98.5%)
36,875 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
211 (0.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,051 (5.7%)
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
1.2%
4.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Tucson
Anaheim
One, detached
53.5%
42.7%
One, attached
8.3%
8.3%
Two
2.5%
2.3%
3 or 4
4.3%
7.6%
5 to 9
5.0%
6.8%
10 to 19
5.6%
5.5%
20 to 49
5.8%
6.8%
50 or more
8.6%
17.2%
Mobile homes
6.2%
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
14,487
11,077
State government workers
17,981
5,046
Unpaid family workers
709
65
Industries and Occupations
Tucson has a strong base in education, healthcare, and the aerospace and defense industry while Anaheim has a diverse mix of occupations with a strong emphasis on tourism, entertainment and hospitality, but also jobs in technology and healthcare.
Both cities have respectable healthcare options. Banner University Medical Center, ranked among the best hospitals in Arizona, is located in Tucson. In Anaheim, residents and visitors can access well-rated hospitals such as Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Anaheim has a diverse infrastructure, thanks to tourism and the city's efforts to modernize, particularly in the area of public transit and city facilities. Tucson, while not as modern, is known for the preservation of its historical buildings and commitment to eco-friendly measures.
Infrastructure
Type
Tucson
Anaheim
Hospitals
24
22
TV stations
20
6
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
159
46
Bank institutions located here
17
19
Main business address for public companies
6
7
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Tucson
Anaheim
1999
3,131
914
2000
1,601
679
2001
912
632
2002
778
735
2003
1,409
1,047
2004
2,041
1,456
2005
2,872
1,965
2006
2,833
1,999
2007
1,601
1,230
2008
714
599
2009
386
378
Culture and Food
Both cities have unique cultural and food scenes. Tucson is the first U.S. city recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, noted for its Native American, Mexican, and Western culinary traditions. Conversely, Anaheim boasts an internationally influenced cuisine thanks to its diverse population and food scene near Disneyland.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Anaheim is home to two major league teams, the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Tucson does not have any major league sports teams, but it does offer college sports at the University of Arizona.
Tucson, AZ
Anaheim, CA
Tucson, AZ and 
Anaheim, CA : 419.0 miles
