City comparison
Yes. Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 143 in Anaheim, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 165, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Arlington is cheaper. Median rent is $1,470 a month versus $2,175 in Anaheim.
The cost gap between Arlington and Anaheim is the real story here. Arlington comes in 32% cheaper on typical rent ($1,470 vs $2,175), which over a year adds up to $8,460. Median household income runs $75,171 in Arlington and $95,227 in Anaheim.
This is a genuine split. Arlington wins on cost of living and safety and Anaheim wins on the job market. Which matters more depends entirely on how you live: remote workers and families weight these categories differently than commuters or single professionals.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Arlington at $1,470 average has pockets that run $1,270 and others at $1,870: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Arlington and Anaheim are 1,202 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,470 a month in Arlington to $2,175 a month in Anaheim, up $705 a month (48%).
Median household income goes from $75,171 in Arlington to $95,227 in Anaheim, up $20,056 (27%).
The crime index goes from 132 in Arlington to 143 in Anaheim, up 11 points (8%).
The move
Anaheim and Arlington are 1,202 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,175 a month in Anaheim to $1,470 a month in Arlington, down $705 a month (32%).
Median household income goes from $95,227 in Anaheim to $75,171 in Arlington, down $20,056 (21%).
The crime index goes from 143 in Anaheim to 132 in Arlington, down 11 points (8%).
Arlington, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Anaheim, CA
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Arlington and Anaheim? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
32% cheaper
Arlington rent is 32% cheaper than Anaheim
Arlington
Winner$1,470/mo
Anaheim
$2,175/mo
Typical rent runs $1,470 a month in Arlington versus $2,175 in Anaheim, so Arlington is 32% cheaper. That's roughly $705/month back in your pocket ($8,460/year). Over five years that's $42,300 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, Arlington is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
27% higher
Anaheim's median income is 27% higher than Arlington
Arlington
$75,171
Anaheim
Winner$95,227
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $75,171 in Arlington, so typical pay runs 27% higher in Anaheim (about $20,056 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. Arlington can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
8% lower crime
Arlington's crime index is 8% lower than Anaheim
Arlington
Winner132 (100 = avg)
Anaheim
143 (100 = avg)
Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 143 in Anaheim (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 8% lower in Arlington. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Arlington, 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
Neck and neck
Arlington and Anaheim are about even on typical weather.
Arlington
67°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Anaheim
76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Arlington averages about 67°F (74°F highs); Anaheim averages about 76°F (83°F highs). Arlington sits near 67°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Anaheim sits near 76°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. On daily comfort these two are close enough that the better fit is whichever season you already know you can live with.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Arlington is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 32% cheaper here at about $1,470 a month. Choose Arlington if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Arlington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 8% lower than Anaheim (132 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.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Anaheim is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 27% higher here ($95,227). Start with Anaheim if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Bottom line
Rent is the clearest fork: Arlington at $1,470/month versus $2,175 in Anaheim ($705 apart). Anaheim median income is $95,227 against $75,171 in Arlington, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Arlington rent at $1,470/month is still below Anaheim's $2,175, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 52/100 in Arlington and 49/100 in Anaheim.
Pick Arlington when shaving $705 off rent at $1,470/month is the priority. Otherwise, Anaheim's case rests on $2,175/month rent with $95,227 local income.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Arlington and Anaheim, plus other cities in TX and CA.
