Is Moscow or San Diego Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Moscow is safer than San Diego (Safety Score 73/100 vs 38/100), with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100,000 versus 2,082 for San Diego — 50% lower. Moscow has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Moscow has a 100% lower rate.
Note: San Diego is 52.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Moscow — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Diego — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Moscow, ID
San Diego, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Moscow | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,034.3 | 2,082.4 | -1,048.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 18.7 | 412.4 | -393.6 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 2.5 | -2.5 |
| Rape Rate | 0.0 | 21.4 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 77.4 | -77.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 18.7 | 310.9 | -292.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,015.6 | 1,670.0 | -654.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 108.7 | 187.4 | -78.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 884.4 | 1,087.1 | -202.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 22.5 | 395.5 | -373.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moscow or San Diego safer?
Moscow is safer with a total crime rate of 1,034 per 100K vs 2,082 for San Diego — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Moscow has a violent crime rate of 18.7 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. Moscow has lower violent crime.
About Moscow, ID
Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho Vandals, is a college town nestled in the scenic Palouse region. This close-knit community of around 25,000 residents thrives on its academic and agricultural roots. With a safety score of 73/100 and a population coverage of 26,684, Moscow has a total crime rate of 1,034.3 per 100,000 residents.
About San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, a major port city with a significant Hispanic population, sits on the Pacific Ocean just north of the Mexican border. Known for its mild climate and Balboa Park, it's also home to a large naval presence. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 1,389,024, San Diego has a total crime rate of 2,082.4 per 100,000 residents.