đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Burbank and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
Burbank vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Burbank | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $91,926 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $1,120,000 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $719 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,252 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 173.0 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.98 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 289.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.8% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 97 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Houston and Burbank.
Houston vs. Burbank: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sprawling, sun-drenched energy of Houston, Texas—a city that’s equal parts Southern charm and global powerhouse. On the other, you have Burbank, California—the "Media Capital of the World," nestled in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills, offering a quirky, creative vibe with a side of serious sticker shock.
Choosing between these two isn't just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One offers space and affordability, the other offers glamour and access.
Let’s cut through the noise and break down exactly where your money, your time, and your sanity will go.
The Vibe Check: Where Do You Fit In?
Houston: The Everything City
Imagine a city where you can eat world-class barbecue for lunch and explore NASA before dinner. Houston is massive, diverse, and unpretentious. It’s a city of transplants. The vibe is "work hard, play hard," but with a laid-back Southern twist. There’s no zoning, which means you might find a taco truck next to a Fortune 500 HQ. It’s humid, it’s flat, and it’s constantly expanding. This is for the career-focused, the family-oriented, and anyone who wants their dollar to stretch without sacrificing city amenities.
Burbank: The Creative Bubble
Burbank is a small town wrapped in a major industry. It’s home to Warner Bros., Disney, and Nickelodeon. The vibe is distinctly Californian: active, health-conscious, and media-savvy. You’re trading massive yards for mountain views and walkable neighborhoods. It feels like a perpetual film set—clean, polished, and buzzing with creative energy. This is for the industry professional, the young creative, and anyone who prioritizes access to nature and the entertainment world over square footage.
Who is it for?
- Houston is for those who want a big-city career (energy, healthcare, tech) with a low cost of living and a strong sense of community.
- Burbank is for those whose careers are tied to entertainment, media, or tech, and who are willing to pay a premium for the California lifestyle and proximity to the industry.
The Dollar Power: Where Does $100k Feel Like a Million?
This is where the battle gets real. Texas has no state income tax; California has some of the highest in the nation. That changes the math entirely.
Let’s look at the hard numbers for a single person earning $100,000 annually. (Note: This is a pre-tax figure to illustrate purchasing power.)
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Houston, TX | Burbank, CA | The Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $62,637 | $91,926 | Burbank pays more, but... |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $2,252 | Houston wins by a landslide. |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$150 (AC is a beast) | ~$175 | A tie. Both have high cooling costs. |
| Groceries | 15% below US avg | 20% above US avg | Houston wins. |
| Housing Index (100=US Avg) | 106.5 | 173.0 | Burbank is 73% more expensive for housing. |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the brutal truth: That $91,926 median income in Burbank doesn't go nearly as far as Houston’s $62,637. Why? Taxes and Housing.
If you earn $100,000 in Texas, your take-home pay is roughly $76,000 (after federal taxes, no state tax). In California, that same $100,000 lands you around $72,000 (after federal and state taxes).
But here’s the kicker:
- In Houston: You’re paying $1,135 for rent. That’s about 15% of your take-home pay. You have money left for savings, travel, and fun.
- In Burbank: You’re paying $2,252 for rent. That’s roughly 37% of your take-home pay. You’re instantly in the "rent-burdened" category.
Verdict on Dollar Power: Houston wins, decisively. Your salary buys you a vastly higher quality of life and financial freedom. In Burbank, you’re paying a premium for the zip code.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
The Renting Game
- Houston: The rental market is competitive but accessible. A $1,135 median rent for a 1-bedroom is a dream compared to national averages. You get more space for your money, and the barrier to entry is low.
- Burbank: The rental market is cutthroat. $2,252 is the median, but desirable units near studios or in the hills can easily hit $3,000+. You’re competing with industry professionals and roommates. It’s a landlord’s market.
The Buying Game
- Houston: The median home price is $335,000. That’s within striking distance for a dual-income household. The market is a Buyer’s Market right now, meaning you have leverage to negotiate. You can get a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a yard for under $400,000 in many neighborhoods.
- Burbank: The median home price is a staggering $1,120,000. This is an extreme Seller’s Market. To even consider buying, you likely need a household income well over $250,000. For that price, you’re often looking at a smaller, older condo or a "fixer-upper" single-family home. It’s a massive financial commitment.
Verdict: Houston is the clear winner for anyone looking to build equity without becoming house-poor. Burbank is a high-stakes game reserved for those with deep pockets or established industry salaries.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Houston: Car-dependent. The city is sprawling, and public transit (Metro) is limited. Commutes can be brutal—think 45-60 minutes on a good day. Traffic is a daily reality, but the cost of living often offsets the gas and car maintenance.
- Burbank: Car-dependent, but better. You’re in a smaller metro area. Commutes to Hollywood or LA are notorious (the 5 and 134 freeways are parking lots), but getting around Burbank itself is easier. The Burbank Airport is a massive perk for travelers.
Weather
- Houston: Brutal Humidity. The average temperature is 59°F, but that’s misleading. Summers are long, hot, and oppressively humid (often 90°F+ with high humidity). Winters are mild but can be rainy. You deal with hurricane season.
- Burbank: Mediterranean Glory. Average 63°F. Summers are hot and dry (can hit 100°F), but it’s a dry heat. Winters are cool and rainy. No snow, no humidity. It’s consistently pleasant, but you must deal with wildfire season.
Crime & Safety
- Houston: Higher Crime. Violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100k. As a massive city, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are incredibly safe; others are not. Research is mandatory.
- Burbank: Very Safe. Violent crime rate is 289.0 per 100k. Burbank is known for being one of the safer cities in the LA area, with a strong police presence and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Verdict: Burbank wins on safety and weather. Houston wins on commute flexibility (if you work from home) and not having to worry about wildfires.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins?
After crunching the numbers and living the lifestyles, here’s the breakdown.
Winner for Families: Houston
Why: Space, affordability, and safety (in the right neighborhoods). You can buy a home with a yard for $350k, enroll in good schools (in suburbs like Katy or Sugar Land), and still have money for college funds. The lack of state income tax is a huge boon for families.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Depends on Your Career
- If you’re in Energy, Healthcare, or Tech: Houston. The job market is booming, salaries are strong, and your disposable income will be high. You can live in a cool, walkable area like Montrose or The Heights without breaking the bank.
- If you’re in Entertainment, Media, or Creative Arts: Burbank. The access is unbeatable. The networking, the proximity to studios, and the creative community are worth the high cost of entry. It’s an investment in your career.
Winner for Retirees: Houston
Why: No state income tax on pensions/401(k)s, lower cost of living, and warm winters. The healthcare system (Texas Medical Center) is world-class. Burbank’s high cost of living can drain a fixed income quickly.
Pros & Cons: The Final Tally
Houston: The Pros & Cons
âś… PROS:
- Massive purchasing power. Your dollar goes 2x further than in Burbank.
- No state income tax. A huge financial win.
- World-class food scene. Diverse, affordable, and delicious.
- Major airport hub (IAH). Easy travel anywhere.
- Strong job market in energy, healthcare, and tech.
- Space. You get more house and land for your money.
❌ CONS:
- Car-dependent sprawl. Traffic is real.
- High humidity and hurricane risk. The weather can be oppressive.
- Higher crime rates (varies by neighborhood).
- Lack of natural beauty. It’s flat and green, but no mountains or oceans.
Burbank: The Pros & Cons
âś… PROS:
- Unbeatable industry access. A stone’s throw from Hollywood.
- Safe, family-friendly vibe. Low crime, good schools.
- Great weather. Dry, mild, and sunny most of the year.
- Proximity to nature. Hiking in the hills, beaches a short drive away.
- Walkable neighborhoods. More pedestrian-friendly than Houston.
❌ CONS:
- Extreme cost of living. The housing index is 173—brutal.
- High state income tax. Takes a big bite out of your paycheck.
- Competitive housing market. Renting and buying are fierce.
- Wildfire and earthquake risk. Natural disasters are a real concern.
- Traffic to LA. Commutes can be soul-crushing.
The Bottom Line
Choose Houston if: You prioritize financial freedom, space, and career opportunities in traditional industries. You’re okay with driving everywhere and trading mountains for a vibrant, diverse city that feels like a giant small town.
Choose Burbank if: Your career is in entertainment or media, and you’re willing to pay a premium for safety, weather, and industry access. You value a creative community and don’t mind a smaller living space for the California lifestyle.
My take? If you’re not tied to Hollywood, Houston offers a smarter financial future and a higher quality of life for the average earner. But if you’re chasing the dream on the silver screen, Burbank is the only logical starting point.