City comparison
No. Newark's crime index is 136 versus 143 in Anaheim, and its violent crime index is 159 versus 165, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $2,175 in Anaheim.
The income gap between Anaheim and Newark is significant: $95,227 median household versus $52,060. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $2,175 in Anaheim and $1,392 in Newark.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Newark costs less and Anaheim pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Newark at $1,392 average has pockets that run $1,192 and others at $1,792: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Anaheim and Newark are 2,426 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,175 a month in Anaheim to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $783 a month (36%).
Median household income goes from $95,227 in Anaheim to $52,060 in Newark, down $43,167 (45%).
The crime index goes from 143 in Anaheim to 136 in Newark, down 7 points (5%).
The move
Newark and Anaheim are 2,426 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $2,175 a month in Anaheim, up $783 a month (56%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $95,227 in Anaheim, up $43,167 (83%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 143 in Anaheim, up 7 points (5%).
Anaheim, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Newark, NJ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Anaheim and Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
36% cheaper
Newark rent is 36% cheaper than Anaheim
Anaheim
$2,175/mo
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $2,175 in Anaheim, so Newark is 36% cheaper. That's roughly $783/month back in your pocket ($9,396/year). Over five years that's $46,980 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Anaheim, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Newark is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
83% higher
Anaheim's median income is 83% higher than Newark
Anaheim
Winner$95,227
Newark
$52,060
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 83% higher in Anaheim (about $43,167 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Anaheim is the stronger labor market on paper. Newark can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
5% lower crime
Newark's crime index is 5% lower than Anaheim
Anaheim
143 (100 = avg)
Newark
Winner136 (100 = avg)
Newark's crime index is 136 versus 143 in Anaheim (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 5% lower in Newark. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Newark, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Anaheim. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
45% more comfortable
Anaheim weather is 45% more comfortable than Newark
Anaheim
Winner76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Newark
54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Anaheim averages about 76°F (83°F highs); Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs). Anaheim sits near 76°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Newark averages around 54°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Anaheim scores 45% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Newark if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 83% higher ($95,227), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 76°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Newark is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 36% cheaper here at about $1,392 a month. Choose Newark if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Newark is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 5% lower than Anaheim (136 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
This pair is really a paycheck comparison: Anaheim at $95,227 median income versus $52,060 in Newark. Housing ($1,392 in Newark, $2,175 in Anaheim) is secondary unless you are rent-burdened already.
Anaheim still pays more locally ($95,227 median income vs $52,060), which can offset the lease if your field pays Anaheim rates.
Weather averages land near 76°F in Anaheim and 54°F in Newark.
Pick Anaheim when your field pays toward $95,227 median income. Otherwise, Newark's case rests on a $1,392 lease that leaves more room in the monthly budget.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Newark when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Anaheim and Newark, plus other cities in CA and NJ.
