Moving from Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Boston or Phoenix Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Boston is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 25/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 15% lower. Boston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Phoenix is 2.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Boston, MA?
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Phoenix — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Phoenix, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 3,125.4 | -475.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 800.0 | -172.0 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 8.4 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 64.3 | -38.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 181.6 | -55.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 545.3 | -73.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 2,325.3 | -303.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 317.2 | -139.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,582.1 | +105.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 426.0 | -269.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Boston, MA to Phoenix, AZ?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Phoenix safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Phoenix has 800.0. Boston has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, Arizona, the "Valley of the Sun," is a sprawling desert metropolis with a rich Native American heritage, including the Hohokam people. It's the fifth-largest city in the United States by population, experiencing rapid growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 1,662,809, Phoenix has a total crime rate of 3,125.4 per 100,000 residents.