City comparison
No. Anaheim's crime index is 143 versus 195 in Fresno, and its violent crime index is 165 versus 211, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Fresno is cheaper. Median rent is $1,421 a month versus $2,175 in Anaheim.
The cost gap between Fresno and Anaheim is the real story here. Fresno comes in 35% cheaper on typical rent ($1,421 vs $2,175), which over a year adds up to $9,048. Median household income runs $70,991 in Fresno and $95,227 in Anaheim.
This is a genuine split. Fresno 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. Fresno at $1,421 average has pockets that run $1,221 and others at $1,821: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Fresno and Anaheim are 227 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,421 a month in Fresno to $2,175 a month in Anaheim, up $754 a month (53%).
Median household income goes from $70,991 in Fresno to $95,227 in Anaheim, up $24,236 (34%).
The crime index goes from 195 in Fresno to 143 in Anaheim, down 52 points (27%).
The move
Anaheim and Fresno are 227 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,175 a month in Anaheim to $1,421 a month in Fresno, down $754 a month (35%).
Median household income goes from $95,227 in Anaheim to $70,991 in Fresno, down $24,236 (25%).
The crime index goes from 143 in Anaheim to 195 in Fresno, up 52 points (36%).
Fresno, CA
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 Fresno and Anaheim? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
35% cheaper
Fresno rent is 35% cheaper than Anaheim
Fresno
Winner$1,421/mo
Anaheim
$2,175/mo
Typical rent runs $1,421 a month in Fresno versus $2,175 in Anaheim, so Fresno is 35% cheaper. That's roughly $754/month back in your pocket ($9,048/year). Over five years that's $45,240 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, Fresno 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
34% higher
Anaheim's median income is 34% higher than Fresno
Fresno
$70,991
Anaheim
Winner$95,227
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim versus $70,991 in Fresno, so typical pay runs 34% higher in Anaheim (about $24,236 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. Fresno can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
27% lower crime
Anaheim's crime index is 27% lower than Fresno
Fresno
195 (100 = avg)
Anaheim
Winner143 (100 = avg)
Anaheim's crime index is 143 versus 195 in Fresno (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 27% lower in Anaheim. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Anaheim is the easier city. Fresno can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
Neck and neck
Fresno and Anaheim are about even on typical weather.
Fresno
74°F avg · 84°F highs · comfort 100/100
Anaheim
76°F avg · 83°F highs · comfort 100/100
Fresno averages about 74°F (84°F highs); Anaheim averages about 76°F (83°F highs). Fresno sits near 74°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 Fresno
Fresno is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 35% cheaper here at about $1,421 a month. Choose Fresno 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 34% 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 27% lower than Fresno (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
Anaheim runs $2,175/month while Fresno sits at $1,421 — roughly 35% lower on typical leases. Unless your offer letter is Anaheim-sized, that monthly gap compounds fast.
Fresno rent at $1,421/month is still below Anaheim's $2,175, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 40/100 in Fresno and 49/100 in Anaheim.
Most movers who prioritize housing cost land in Fresno; Anaheim only makes sense when your offer letter is already written for Anaheim at $95,227 income.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Fresno and Anaheim, plus other cities in CA.
