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Phoenix vs San Diego Crime Comparison

Side-by-side crime rates, safety scores, and trends based on FBI data.

Full report: Phoenix crime rate · San Diego crime rate

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA?

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Is Phoenix or San Diego Safer?

According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, San Diego is safer than Phoenix (Safety Score 38/100 vs 17/100), with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100,000 versus 3,125 for Phoenix — 33% lower. Phoenix has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.

The biggest difference is in murder, where San Diego has a 70% lower rate.

Quiz: which of these is SAFER than Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

San Diego — 5-Year Trend

Increasing Violent Decreasing Property Decreasing Total

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ
Safety Score 17/100
Coverage 1,662,809
Total Crime Rate 3,125.4
Category Wins 0/7

San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA
Safety Score 38/100
Coverage 1,389,024
Total Crime Rate 2,082.4
Category Wins 7/7

Detailed Crime Rate Comparison

Crime Type Phoenix San Diego Difference
Total Crime Rate 3,125.4 2,082.4 +1,043.0
Violent Crime Rate 800.0 412.4 +387.7
Murder Rate 8.4 2.5 +5.8
Rape Rate 64.3 21.4 +42.9
Robbery Rate 181.6 77.4 +104.2
Aggravated Assault Rate 545.3 310.9 +234.4
Property Crime Rate 2,325.3 1,670.0 +655.3
Burglary Rate 317.2 187.4 +129.8
Larceny-Theft Rate 1,582.1 1,087.1 +495.1
Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 426.0 395.5 +30.5

All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.

Moving from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA?

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.

Get the planner →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix or San Diego safer?

San Diego is safer with a total crime rate of 2,082 per 100K vs 3,125 for Phoenix — a 33% difference.

How do violent crime rates compare?

Phoenix has a violent crime rate of 800.0 per 100K while San Diego has 412.4. San Diego has lower violent crime.

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.

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.

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