Burbank vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Burbank	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$91,926	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,120,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$719	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	173.0	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	289.0	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	45.8%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	97	52

Los Angeles vs. Burbank: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re looking at two cities that share a zip code area but feel worlds apart. One is a sprawling, global metropolis known for its glittering fame and grinding traffic. The other is a tight-knit, industry-anchored town that feels like a hidden gem just north of the chaos. Choosing between Los Angeles and Burbank isn't just about real estate; it's a decision about your entire lifestyle.

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, walked the streets, and analyzed the data to give you the unfiltered truth. Let’s get into it.

The Vibe Check: Global Metropolis vs. Hometown USA

Los Angeles is the city of dreams, but let’s be real—it’s also the city of traffic, ambition, and a population of nearly 4 million people. The culture here is fast-paced, diverse, and unapologetically ambitious. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods: the beachy chill of Santa Monica, the historic charm of Pasadena, the gritty creativity of Downtown. You’re moving here for the energy, the opportunities, and the sheer scale of it all. It’s for the hustlers, the artists, the dreamers, and those who want to be in the center of the universe (or at least the entertainment universe).

Burbank, on the other hand, is the "Media Capital of the World," but it wears that title like a comfortable sweater. With a population of just over 102,000, Burbank is a true suburb with a strong identity. It’s grounded, family-friendly, and has a surprisingly small-town feel. Think classic diners, a walkable downtown (Downtown Burbank), and a community where neighbors know each other. It’s a haven for industry folks (thanks to Warner Bros., Disney, and NBCUniversal) who want the career without the constant chaos of LA proper. It’s for people who value a calm home base but still need to be close to the action.

Who is each city for?

• Los Angeles is for the urban explorer who thrives on diversity, needs endless entertainment options, and has a high tolerance for chaos and cost.
• Burbank is for the industry professional, the young family, or the retiree who wants a quieter, safer, more manageable version of the LA dream without sacrificing access to it.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

Let’s talk money. On paper, the numbers look similar, but the devil is in the details. The sticker shock is real in both cities, but your purchasing power—the actual stuff you can buy with your paycheck—varies significantly.

Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s take a hypothetical salary of $100,000. In Los Angeles, that’s about 25% above the median income. In Burbank, it’s roughly 9% above the median. However, the cost of living isn't identical. While housing costs are similarly astronomical, other expenses like groceries and utilities can be marginally cheaper in Burbank, and the slightly higher median income there suggests that $100k might stretch a tiny bit further in terms of daily life. But the real kicker? Both cities are in California, meaning you're subject to the state's high income tax (up to 13.3%). There’s no escaping the tax bite here.

Here’s a direct comparison of the key costs:

Expense Category	Los Angeles	Burbank	The Winner (Bang for Your Buck)
Median Income	$79,701	$91,926	Burbank
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$1,120,000	Los Angeles (by a hair)
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$2,252	Los Angeles
Housing Index	173.0	173.0	Tie
Groceries (Est.)	10-15% above U.S. avg	10-12% above U.S. avg	Burbank (marginally)
Utilities (Est.)	~$180/month	~$170/month	Burbank (marginally)

Insight: The Housing Index is a critical number here. It shows that, relative to the national average, both cities are 73% more expensive for housing. This is the core of the financial challenge. While Burbank has a higher median home price, the slightly lower cost of everyday items and a higher median income might give residents a marginally better sense of financial ease, but don't be fooled—you're still paying a premium to live in these areas.

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The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying in a Seller's Paradise

Both markets are notoriously brutal, but they play out differently.

Los Angeles offers a wider spectrum. You can find a studio in Koreatown for $1,800 or a 3-bedroom in Brentwood for $6,500. The rental market is vast and competitive. Buying is a different beast. With a median home price of over $1 million, you’re looking at a $7,000+ monthly mortgage (with 20% down). It’s a seller’s market with constant bidding wars. The "starter home" in a desirable LA neighborhood is becoming a mythical creature.

Burbank is more compact and, in some ways, more predictable. The rental market is tight, with fewer options than LA, which can drive prices up slightly (as seen in the data). Buying here is equally daunting, with a median price of $1.12 million. However, the community feel can make the process less anonymous. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into a neighborhood. The competition is fierce, but the inventory, while limited, is consistent. It’s a seller’s market here too, but the overall scale is smaller.

Verdict: If you need flexibility and variety in your rental options, Los Angeles has more volume. If you’re ready to buy and want a more defined community feel, Burbank might offer a clearer path, but be prepared for the same financial hurdles.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Under the Microscope

This is where the cities truly diverge.

Traffic & Commute:

• Los Angeles: The infamous traffic. A 10-mile trip can easily take 45 minutes during rush hour. The commute is a core part of the LA experience. If you work in the city, you’ll likely spend hours in your car each week. Public transit exists (Metro) but is often not the most efficient option for daily commuting.
• Burbank: A game-changer. Being centrally located, commutes to most of the San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA, or even the Westside are often shorter and more predictable. You have access to major freeways (I-5, CA-134, CA-170) without being trapped in the heart of the gridlock. For many, this is the single biggest quality-of-life win.
• Winner: Burbank. It’s the clear victor for anyone who values their time.

Weather:

• Los Angeles: The classic SoCal climate. Average highs in the 70s and low 80s year-round, with very little rain. The data point of 54.0°F likely reflects a coastal or valley average, but it’s generally mild. Humidity is low. It’s nearly perfect, which is why everyone wants to live here.
• Burbank: Slightly warmer and less coastal. The data shows an average of 63.0°F, indicating a bit more inland warmth. It can get hotter in the summer (low 90s occasionally), and there's a bit more seasonal variation. Still, no snow, no hurricanes, no brutal winters.
• Winner: Tie. It's subjective. If you love the beach breeze, LA wins. If you prefer slightly warmer, drier air, Burbank wins.

Crime & Safety:

• Los Angeles: With a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100,000, LA faces significant challenges. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide stats are high. Safety varies drastically by area, requiring careful research.
• Burbank: The data is stark and telling. A violent crime rate of 289.0 per 100,000 is less than half of LA's. This reflects its smaller, more residential, and heavily policed nature (thanks to the studio presence). It’s consistently ranked as one of the safer large suburbs in the LA area.
• Winner: Burbank. The data doesn’t lie. If safety is a top priority, Burbank is the objective choice.

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The Final Verdict

After weighing the data, the culture, and the daily grind, here’s the breakdown.

Winner for Families: Burbank

With a violent crime rate that’s less than half of LA’s, better schools, more parks, and a community-oriented vibe, Burbank is the safer, more stable choice for raising kids. The slightly lower day-to-day costs and manageable commute are huge pluses for busy parents.

Winner for Singles & Young Pros: Los Angeles

If you’re in your 20s or early 30s and want the quintessential "big city" experience—unmatched nightlife, endless networking, diverse cultures, and the energy of a global hub—LA is the place. The higher cost is the price of admission for that level of access and excitement.

Winner for Retirees: Burbank

For retirees, stability, safety, and walkability are king. Burbank offers a quieter, more predictable life with excellent weather, lower crime, and a strong sense of community. The walkable Downtown Burbank area is perfect for casual strolls and dining. You’re close enough to LA’s world-class museums and hospitals, but you get to go home to peace.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• Unmatched Diversity & Culture: Every neighborhood is a new world.
• Endless Entertainment: From concerts to museums to nightlife, you’ll never be bored.
• Global Opportunities: The epicenter for multiple industries (entertainment, tech, finance, etc.).
• Mild Weather: Nearly perfect year-round.

Cons:

• Brutal Traffic: Commutes can be soul-crushing.
• High Cost of Living: Everything from rent to groceries is expensive.
• High Crime Rate: Safety varies wildly by neighborhood.
• Scale Can Be Overwhelming: It’s easy to feel lost in a city of nearly 4 million.

Burbank

Pros:

• Superior Safety: Significantly lower crime rates.
• Manageable Commute: Central location cuts down on drive times.
• Strong Community Feel: Feels like a real town, not just a suburb.
• Media Industry Hub: Unbeatable for careers in film/TV.

Cons:

• Limited Nightlife/Dining: Compared to LA, options are more limited.
• Can Feel "Small": If you crave constant urban stimulation, you might feel boxed in.
• Similar Housing Costs: You’re paying LA prices for a smaller town.
• Less Cultural Diversity: While diverse, it doesn’t match the sheer variety of LA neighborhoods.

The Bottom Line: Your choice boils down to a simple trade-off. Do you want the energy and scale of a global metropolis (Los Angeles), or do you want safety, community, and a more manageable pace (Burbank)? Both are fantastic places to live, but they serve two very different masters. Choose the one that aligns with your life’s current chapter.