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Fresno vs Anaheim: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

Anaheim is 38% more expensive than Fresno. Anaheim is 8% safer. Fresno population: 555,549. Anaheim population: 341,008.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFresno
SafetyAnaheim
HousingFresno

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

Cost of Living: Fresno vs Anaheim

Fresno is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 145 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 40 index points.

CategoryFresnoAnaheim
Overall Index105145
Housing$2,314/moIndex: 130$4,094/moIndex: 230
Groceries$418/moIndex: 102$435/moIndex: 106
Transportation$368/moIndex: 105$392/moIndex: 112
Healthcare$326/moIndex: 102$339/moIndex: 106
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$209/moIndex: 95

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

Safety: Fresno vs Anaheim

Anaheim is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Fresno's 23.4. Anaheim earns a B- safety grade compared to Fresno's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Fresno

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.4/1K
TrendDeclining
B-

Anaheim

California

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate21.5/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricFresnoAnaheim
Overall Crime Rate23.4/1K21.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate430.6375.9
Property Crime Rate1912.41769.6
Murder Rate5.86.9
Assault Rate333.7310.1
Robbery Rate85.755.4
Burglary Rate217.5235.2
Theft Rate1400.31454.6
Vehicle Theft Rate324.2388.5

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

Victim Odds

In Fresno, you have a 1 in 43 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 47 in Anaheim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fresno cheaper than Anaheim?
Fresno is 38% more affordable than Anaheim, with a cost of living index of 105 vs 145 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,314/mo in Fresno vs $4,094/mo in Anaheim.
Is Fresno safer than Anaheim?
Anaheim is 8% safer overall, with a crime rate of 21.5 per 1,000 residents vs Fresno's 23.4. Anaheim earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Fresno or Anaheim?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim is safer (B- grade). Fresno is more affordable (index 105 vs 145). Fresno has a population of 555,549 and Anaheim has 341,008. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Fresno compared to Anaheim?
Fresno has a population of 555,549 and Anaheim has 341,008. Fresno is 63% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Fresno or Anaheim?
Housing is cheaper in Fresno. Estimated monthly housing costs: Fresno $2,314/mo vs Anaheim $4,094/mo. That's based on a housing index of 130 vs 230 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Fresno Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B-
Anaheim 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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