Burbank vs New York

Category / Metric	Burbank	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$91,926	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,120,000	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$719	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	173.0	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	289.0	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	45.8%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	97	31

New York vs. Burbank: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Let’s cut to the chase. You’re trying to decide between two cities that are polar opposites in almost every way. On one side, you have the concrete jungle of New York City—a global powerhouse where ambition is the currency. On the other, you have Burbank, California—the “Media Capital of the World” nestled in the sun-drenched San Fernando Valley, offering a quieter, more focused slice of SoCal life.

This isn’t just about geography; it’s about lifestyle, ambition, and where your paycheck actually gets you. Whether you’re a creative chasing the next big gig, a family looking for roots, or someone simply craving a change, this breakdown is for you. We’re going deep into the data, the vibe, and the real-world trade-offs.

Ready? Let’s roll.

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The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

New York City is a 24/7 adrenaline shot. It’s the city that never sleeps because there’s always something to do, see, or conquer. The culture is defined by its relentless pace, diversity, and a sense of being at the center of the universe. You trade personal space and quiet for unparalleled access—to art, food, finance, and a million different subcultures crammed into five boroughs. It’s for the hustler, the dreamer, and anyone who thrives on being around a critical mass of talent and energy.

Burbank, in contrast, is the calm after the storm. It’s a self-contained media hub where the glamour of Hollywood meets the reality of suburban Southern California. The vibe is more laid-back, community-focused, and industry-specific. You’re not just in a city; you’re in a neighborhood of professionals who likely work in film, TV, or animation. It’s for the creative who wants proximity to the industry without the chaos of downtown LA or the pretense of Beverly Hills. It’s family-friendly, sunny, and feels like a real town rather than a sprawling metropolis.

Who is each city for?

• New York is for the ambitious extrovert who values global access, cultural saturation, and doesn’t mind the grind. It’s for those who see their city as a character in their life story.
• Burbank is for the focused creative or family person who wants a high quality of life, excellent weather, and a direct line to the entertainment industry without the gridlock of LA. It’s for those who value community and sunshine over sheer scale.

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The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary Wars

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about purchasing power—where your money feels heavier.

First, the hard numbers. We’re comparing a major global city to a mid-sized, wealthy suburb. The data tells a fascinating story.

Metric	New York	Burbank	Winner (for your wallet)
Median Income	$76,577	$91,926	Burbank
Median Home Price	$875,000	$1,120,000	New York
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$2,252	Burbank
Housing Index	149.3	173.0	New York
State Income Tax	4% - 10.9% (NY)	1% - 12.3% (CA)	New York
Sales Tax	8.875% (NYC)	9.5% (Burbank)	New York
Gasoline Tax	High	High	Tie

The Salary & Purchasing Power Paradox:
On paper, Burbank residents earn a median income $15,349 higher than New Yorkers. That’s a significant gap. However, let’s unpack it.

• In New York: With a median income of $76,577 and a median home price of $875,000, the home price-to-income ratio is roughly 11.4x. This is brutally high. Your dollar gets you less housing here than almost anywhere in the US. The $2,451 average rent for a 1BR is a national high, and it often requires roommates or a long commute to find something affordable.
• In Burbank: With a higher median income of $91,926 and a staggering median home price of $1,120,000, the ratio is even worse at 12.2x. The rent is slightly cheaper at $2,252, but the home ownership dream is astronomically expensive. The Housing Index of 173.0 (compared to a US average of 100) confirms you’re paying a severe premium for real estate here.

The Tax Twist:
This is where the data gets sneaky. New York State has a progressive income tax, but California’s is also steep and famously burdensome. However, New York City adds its own local income tax on top of the state tax. For a high earner, the total tax burden in NYC can be 5-10% higher than in Burbank. Meanwhile, New York has a slightly lower sales tax. It’s a wash for most, but the state income tax is a critical dealbreaker for those sensitive to it.

Insight: You’ll have a higher nominal salary in Burbank, but you’ll spend more of it on housing. In New York, you earn less but are also squeezed by rent and taxes. The real winner for purchasing power is a tough call. If you can secure a remote job with a New York or national salary while living in Burbank, you come out ahead. If you’re tied to local job markets, New York’s lower median home price (relative to income) might offer a sliver of better affordability, but it’s a razor-thin margin. Both are “sticker shock” cities.

Verdict: Dollar Power
It’s a near-tie, but Burbank gets a slight edge for its higher median income and marginally cheaper rent. However, the home ownership barrier is equally daunting in both. For pure salary-to-cost ratio, neither is a win—they’re both expensive luxury markets. The real financial advantage goes to those who can leverage a national salary in either location.

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The Housing Market: Rent vs. Buy

Buying a Home:

• New York: The market is brutally competitive, especially in desirable boroughs. With a median price of $875,000, you’re looking at a minimum 20% down payment of $175,000 just to get in the door. The market is fast and favors all-cash offers. Co-ops and condos are the norm, not single-family homes.
• Burbank: The median price is even higher at $1,120,000, requiring a $224,000 down payment. The market is equally fierce, driven by entertainment industry money and limited inventory. You’re more likely to find a single-family home, but at a premium price. The Housing Index of 173.0 screams “seller’s market.”

Renting:

• New York: The rental market is a battlefield. You’re competing with thousands for a limited supply. The $2,451 average is just the start; studios in Manhattan can easily be $3,000+. Lease terms are standard, but the hunt is intense.
• Burbank: Slightly less chaotic, but still a high-demand market. The $2,252 average is more manageable, and you can find newer complexes with amenities. It’s a renter-friendly market for professionals, with less cutthroat competition than NYC.

Availability & Competition:
Both are firmly seller’s markets. In New York, you’re competing with global wealth. In Burbank, you’re competing with studio executives and successful creatives. There’s no easy win here. Renting is the only viable short-term option for most, and buying is a long-term, capital-intensive goal.

Verdict: Housing
Burbank for renters (slightly cheaper, less chaotic competition). Tie for buyers (both are brutally expensive and competitive). If you want a house with a yard, Burbank is your only realistic option; in NYC, you’re looking at a very expensive condo or co-op.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Here’s where the cities truly diverge.

Traffic & Commute:

• New York: The subway is a masterpiece of public transit (when it works). Owning a car is a liability—expensive to park, insure, and navigate. Commutes are by foot or train, which can be long but predictable. The "commute" is a way of life, often 45-60 minutes each way.
• Burbank: Car-dependent. You will drive everywhere. Traffic on the 5, 134, and 101 freeways is legendary. A 10-mile commute can take 45 minutes. Public transit exists (Metro, buses) but is limited. Your commute is in your car, often in stop-and-go congestion.

Weather:

• New York: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (can hit 90°F+) and cold, snowy winters (can dip below freezing with 20-30 inches of snow). It’s beautiful in fall and spring, but the extremes are real. You need a full wardrobe and seasonal resilience.
• Burbank: Mediterranean climate. The data says 63.0°F as an average, but that’s misleading. It’s consistently sunny and pleasant. Summers are hot and dry (90°F+), but no humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below 50°F. Rain is minimal. You can live in shorts and t-shirts year-round. This is a massive lifestyle advantage.

Crime & Safety:

• New York: The violent crime rate is 364.2 per 100k. While this is lower than many other major US cities, NYC is vast and neighborhood-dependent. Areas like the Upper East Side are incredibly safe; others have higher crime. General awareness is crucial.
• Burbank: The rate is 289.0 per 100k, notably lower. As a smaller, wealthier suburb, Burbank is statistically safer and feels more secure. It’s a family-oriented community with a strong police presence.

Verdict: Quality of Life

• Traffic/Commute: New York (if you hate driving). Burbank (if you prefer a car and hate subways).
• Weather: Burbank in a landslide. The consistent sunshine and mild winters are a game-changer.
• Safety: Burbank. The lower crime rate and suburban feel provide a tangible sense of security.

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The Verdict: Who Should Move Where?

After crunching the numbers and living the lifestyles, here’s the final call.

Winner for Families: Burbank

Why? The lower violent crime rate (289.0 vs. 364.2), more space (single-family homes), excellent public schools in the Burbank Unified School District, and a community-oriented vibe make it ideal for raising kids. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities. The financial barrier to buying is high, but once you’re in, the quality of life for a family is superior.

Winner for Singles & Young Pros: New York

Why? The sheer density of opportunities, networking, and cultural experiences is unmatched. You can build a career, date a diverse pool of people, and never run out of things to do without needing a car. The higher energy and anonymity can be liberating. While expensive, the ability to live without a car and with roommates makes the entry point somewhat more accessible than buying a $1.12M home in Burbank.

Winner for Retirees: Burbank

Why? The weather is the ultimate retiree asset. No more shoveling snow or battling humidity. Lower crime, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community are perfect for this life stage. While healthcare is top-notch in both, the daily quality of life in Burbank is far less physically demanding than navigating NYC’s subway stairs and crowded streets.

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Final Pros & Cons

New York

PROS:

• Unparalleled career and cultural opportunities.
• World-class public transit (no car needed).
• Four beautiful seasons (if you love fall).
• Incredible diversity and global food scene.
• Walkable neighborhoods.

CONS:

• Extremely high cost of living, especially rent.
• Brutally competitive housing market.
• Crowded, noisy, and fast-paced (not for everyone).
• Harsh winters and humid summers.
• High tax burden (state + city).

Burbank

PROS:

• Excellent, consistent weather year-round.
• Lower violent crime rate and safer feel.
• Proximity to Hollywood industry jobs.
• More space (potential for single-family homes).
• Slightly cheaper rent and higher median income.

CONS:

• Astronomical home prices and competitive buying market.
• Car-dependent with terrible traffic.
• Less cultural diversity and fewer global amenities.
• Can feel insular or "bubbly" compared to NYC.
• High California taxes and cost of living overall.

The Bottom Line: Choose New York if your career and social life demand the epicenter of action, and you’re willing to trade comfort for access. Choose Burbank if your priority is a high-quality, sunny, and secure lifestyle with a direct line to the entertainment industry, and you’re okay with a car being your constant companion. Both are elite, expensive cities—they just sell very different dreams.