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Anaheim vs Irvine: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Irvine is 7% more expensive than Anaheim. Irvine is 46% safer. Anaheim population: 341,008. Irvine population: 318,764.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingAnaheim
SafetyIrvine
HousingAnaheim

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Anaheim vs Irvine

Anaheim is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 145 vs 155 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 10 index points.

CategoryAnaheimIrvine
Overall Index145155
Housing$4,094/moIndex: 230$4,450/moIndex: 250
Groceries$435/moIndex: 106$431/moIndex: 105
Transportation$392/moIndex: 112$385/moIndex: 110
Healthcare$339/moIndex: 106$336/moIndex: 105
Utilities$209/moIndex: 95$202/moIndex: 92

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Anaheim vs Irvine

Irvine is 46% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs Anaheim's 21.5. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade compared to Anaheim's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Anaheim

California

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.5/1K
TrendDeclining
B+

Irvine

California

Overall GradeB+
Violent CrimeB+
Property CrimeB+
Crime Rate11.6/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricAnaheimIrvine
Overall Crime Rate21.5/1K11.6/1K
Violent Crime Rate375.960.0
Property Crime Rate1769.61100.0
Murder Rate6.90.9
Assault Rate310.142.6
Robbery Rate55.413.2
Burglary Rate235.2172.1
Theft Rate1454.6730.0
Vehicle Theft Rate388.5262.4

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Anaheim, you have a 1 in 47 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 86 in Irvine.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for Irvine. A full comparison requires both cities.

Irvine Climate Overview

Annual High74.6°F
Annual Low55.1°F
Annual Rain12.8"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months12
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthFebruary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anaheim cheaper than Irvine?
Anaheim is 7% more affordable than Irvine, with a cost of living index of 145 vs 155 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,094/mo in Anaheim vs $4,450/mo in Irvine.
Is Anaheim safer than Irvine?
Irvine is 46% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs Anaheim's 21.5. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Anaheim or Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine is safer (B+ grade). Anaheim is more affordable (index 145 vs 155). Anaheim has a population of 341,008 and Irvine has 318,764. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Anaheim compared to Irvine?
Anaheim has a population of 341,008 and Irvine has 318,764. Anaheim is 7% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Anaheim or Irvine?
Housing is cheaper in Anaheim. Estimated monthly housing costs: Anaheim $4,094/mo vs Irvine $4,450/mo. That's based on a housing index of 230 vs 250 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Anaheim Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B+
Irvine Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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