City comparison
No. Anaheim's crime index is 143 versus 162 in Austin, and its violent crime index is 165 versus 130, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Austin is cheaper. Median rent is $1,729 a month versus $2,175 in Anaheim.
The cost gap between Austin and Anaheim is the real story here. Austin comes in 21% cheaper on typical rent ($1,729 vs $2,175), which over a year adds up to $5,352. Median household income runs $93,658 in Austin and $95,227 in Anaheim.
This is a genuine split. Austin wins on cost of living and Anaheim wins on the job market and safety. 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. Austin at $1,729 average has pockets that run $1,529 and others at $2,129: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Austin and Anaheim are 1,205 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,729 a month in Austin to $2,175 a month in Anaheim, up $446 a month (26%).
Median household income goes from $93,658 in Austin to $95,227 in Anaheim, up $1,569 (2%).
The crime index goes from 162 in Austin to 143 in Anaheim, down 19 points (12%).
The move
Anaheim and Austin are 1,205 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,175 a month in Anaheim to $1,729 a month in Austin, down $446 a month (21%).
Median household income goes from $95,227 in Anaheim to $93,658 in Austin, down $1,569 (2%).
The crime index goes from 143 in Anaheim to 162 in Austin, up 19 points (13%).
Austin, 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 Austin and Anaheim? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
21% cheaper
Austin rent is 21% cheaper than Anaheim
Austin
Winner$1,729/mo
Anaheim
$2,175/mo
Typical rent runs $1,729 a month in Austin versus $2,175 in Anaheim, so Austin is 21% cheaper. That's roughly $446/month back in your pocket ($5,352/year). Over five years that's $26,760 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, Austin is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Anaheim? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
2% higher
Anaheim's median income is 2% higher than Austin
Austin
$93,658
Anaheim
Winner$95,227
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $93,658 in Austin, so typical pay runs 2% higher in Anaheim (about $1,569 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
12% lower crime
Anaheim's crime index is 12% lower than Austin
Austin
162 (100 = avg)
Anaheim
Winner143 (100 = avg)
Anaheim's crime index is 143 versus 162 in Austin (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 12% lower in Anaheim. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Anaheim, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Austin. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Austin and Anaheim are about even on typical weather.
Austin
68°F avg · 76°F highs · comfort 100/100
Anaheim
76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Austin averages about 68°F (76°F highs); Anaheim averages about 76°F (83°F highs). Austin sits near 68°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
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Austin
Austin is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 21% cheaper here at about $1,729 a month. Choose Austin if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
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 2% higher here ($95,227). Start with Anaheim if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Anaheim is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 12% lower than Austin (143 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
Rent is the clearest fork: Austin at $1,729/month versus $2,175 in Anaheim ($446 apart). Anaheim median income is $95,227 against $93,658 in Austin, so the cheaper lease does not always pair with the stronger local wage base.
Austin rent at $1,729/month is still below Anaheim's $2,175, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Median income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $93,658 in Austin.
Pick Austin when shaving $446 off rent at $1,729/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
Quotes and listings for Anaheim when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Austin and Anaheim, plus other cities in TX and CA.
