Burbank: The Data Profile (2026)

Burbank presents a distinct economic anomaly in the Greater Los Angeles area. With a population of 102,768, it functions as a mid-sized city with a highly specialized workforce. The median income stands at $91,926, which is +23.3% higher than the US median of $74,580. However, this income premium is heavily offset by a housing market that commands a +45.0% premium over the national average.

Educational attainment is a key driver of local economics, with 45.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher (US avg: 33.1%). This correlates directly with the "Media City" designation, attracting professionals in entertainment and adjacent tech sectors. The statistical target demographic is the "high-earning renter"—individuals or families earning between $90,000 and $130,000 who prioritize proximity to industry hubs over long-term equity accumulation.

Cost of Living Analysis

The cost of living index for Burbank is heavily weighted by housing and utilities. While groceries and transportation hover near the national median, electricity costs are a significant outlier at 31.97 cents/kWh (US avg: 16.0 cents/kWh), effectively doubling the energy burden for homeowners.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $91,926 takes home approximately $6,650/month (after taxes). Subtracting the $4,361 monthly budget leaves a disposable income of roughly $2,289. This is tight for a high-cost area, suggesting that median earners are saving less than 25% of their net income unless they are dual-income households.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary barrier to entry. Buying is currently mathematically difficult for the average earner due to high interest rates and the $800,000+ median price point. Renting remains the dominant strategy for the workforce, though the rent-to-income ratio is high.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
To purchase the median home at $815,000 with a 20% down payment ($163,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would exceed $5,200 at current rates. This requires a household income of roughly $185,000. Conversely, renting the equivalent property costs $3,800, requiring a household income of $114,000. For the median household income of $91,926, renting is the only viable option, creating a "rent trap" where high earners struggle to save for the down payment.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Burbank's economy is insulated but volatile. The 5.5% unemployment rate is notably higher than the US average of 4.0%, likely due to the cyclical nature of the entertainment industry, which dominates local employment.

RTO (Return to Office) Impact:
With the normalization of hybrid work in 2026, Burbank's value proposition has shifted. It is no longer strictly a commuter city for Downtown LA. Proximity to studios (Warner Bros, Disney, NBCUniversal) drives demand for "hybrid-ready" housing. Commute times to Downtown LA average 28 minutes via the 5 Freeway, but this can spike to 60+ minutes during peak congestion.

Industry Stability:
The local economy relies heavily on the "Media City" ecosystem. While stable in the long term, layoffs in the streaming sector have increased local volatility. The +23.3% income premium over the US average is directly tied to these specialized jobs; a downturn in media would disproportionately affect Burbank compared to more diversified cities.

Quality of Life Audit

Burbank scores exceptionally well on health metrics, with obesity and smoking rates significantly below national averages. However, air quality remains a persistent issue, and the unemployment rate is a red flag for economic stability.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Burbank offers a distinct safety split. Violent crime is low at 289 incidents per 100k (US avg: 380), making it 24% safer than the average American city. However, property crime is elevated at 2,345 incidents per 100k (US avg: 2,000), which is 17% higher than the national average. This suggests that while personal safety is high, vehicle break-ins and property theft are common.

Air Quality & Weather:
The AQI averages 80 (Moderate), driven by the San Fernando Valley's geography which traps particulate matter (PM2.5). The weather is a major draw: today's conditions are clear with a high of 69°F and a low of 43°F. The climate allows for year-round outdoor activity, contributing to the low obesity rate of 24.6%.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Potential: Median income of $91,926 is significantly higher than the US norm.
• Health & Lifestyle: High health score (84.2) and low obesity rates (24.6%) indicate an active, health-conscious population.
• Safety: Violent crime is 24% lower than the national average.
• Location: Ideal for media professionals; unbeatable proximity to major studios.

Cons:

• Housing Cost: Home prices are +94% higher than the US average.
• Electricity Costs: At 31.97 cents/kWh, energy bills are double the national average.
• Unemployment: The rate of 5.5% is significantly higher than the 4.0% national average, indicating a competitive and volatile job market.
• Property Crime: Property crime is 17% higher than average.

Final Recommendation:
Burbank is recommended for dual-income households or single professionals earning above the median ($100k+). It is not recommended for remote workers who do not need to be in the LA ecosystem, as the cost of living premium does not yield a proportional quality-of-life increase compared to cheaper Sun Belt cities. Renting is the financially prudent move for the first 2-3 years to assess job stability.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Burbank in 2026?
For a single person, a gross income of $90,000 is the minimum threshold for a "comfortable" budget (spending <30% on rent). For a family, a combined income of $140,000 is recommended to maintain a healthy savings rate.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other US cities?
Burbank offers a +23.3% income premium over the US average, but you pay a +94% premium on housing. It is a "lifestyle buy" rather than a "financial independence" buy. If equity accumulation is the goal, Burbank is a poor value; if career acceleration in media is the goal, it is a high-value hub.

3. Is Burbank actually safe?
Yes, regarding personal safety. The violent crime rate of 289/100k is statistically significant and lower than the US average. However, you must be vigilant regarding property crime, which is 17% higher than average. Car insurance premiums will likely be higher than average.

4. When is the best time to move or buy?
The rental market is most competitive in late Spring (May-June) due to university schedules and industry hiring cycles. The buying market is currently stagnant due to interest rates; waiting for a rate drop below 5.5% could increase buying power by 10-15% without a change in home prices.