Burbank vs Phoenix

Category / Metric	Burbank	Phoenix
Financial Overview
Median Income	$91,926	$79,664
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$1,120,000	$457,000
Price per SqFt	$719	$278
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$1,599
Housing Cost Index	173.0	124.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	98.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	289.0	691.8
Bachelor's Degree+	45.8%	33.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	97	39

Phoenix vs. Burbank: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. One path leads to the sprawling, sun-drenched desert metropolis of Phoenix. The other winds through the sun-kissed, industry-adjacent foothills of Burbank. Both are in the American Southwest, both boast over 300 sunny days a year, but that’s where the similarities end. This isn't just a choice between two cities; it's a choice between two entirely different visions of the American dream.

As your relocation expert, I’m not just going to throw numbers at you. I’m going to tell you where your hard-earned cash will stretch, where you’ll sit in traffic, and which city’s soul matches yours. Let’s dive in.

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The Vibe Check: Big Desert vs. Hollywood-Adjacent

Phoenix is the quintessential sprawling American city. It’s vast, flat, and feels endless. The vibe is laid-back but ambitious, a mix of transplants who came for the sunshine and a growing tech scene. It’s a city where you can get a massive backyard for your money, where the pace is a bit slower, and where the “desert cool” aesthetic—think mid-century modern architecture and rooftop bars—is in full swing. It’s for the person who wants space, sun, and a lower-stress daily grind.

Burbank is the opposite. It’s a dense, tight-knit community nestled in the San Fernando Valley, right next to the epicenter of global entertainment. The vibe is fast-paced, creative, and a little gritty. It’s the “Media Capital of the World,” home to Warner Bros., Disney, and countless production studios. Life here revolves around the industry, with a small-town feel that’s constantly buzzing with energy. It’s for the hustler, the dreamer, the one who wants to be where the action is, even if that action means dodging celebrities in the grocery store.

Who it’s for:

• Phoenix: Families looking for affordability, retirees escaping the cold, and remote workers who want a vibrant city without the coastal price tag.
• Burbank: Young professionals in entertainment or adjacent fields, singles who crave a walkable, community-focused vibe, and anyone who prioritizes proximity to L.A.'s cultural nucleus over square footage.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Get You?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. You might make more in Burbank, but does it feel like more? Let's break it down.

First, the Tax Reality Check. This is a massive dealbreaker that often gets overlooked. California (Burbank) has one of the highest state income tax rates in the nation, with a top marginal rate of 12.3% for high earners. Arizona (Phoenix) is a flat 2.5% for most residents. That means if you earn $100,000, your state tax bill is roughly $2,500 in Phoenix versus potentially $7,000+ in Burbank. That’s $4,500+ back in your pocket every single year just on state taxes. That’s a car payment. That’s a vacation fund. That’s a down payment on furniture.

Now, let’s look at the monthly cost of living.

Cost of Living Comparison (Monthly)

Category	Phoenix	Burbank	The Takeaway
Rent (1BR)	$1,599	$2,252	Burbank rent is 41% higher. You could rent a 2BR in Phoenix for the price of a 1BR in Burbank.
Utilities	~$250	~$200	Phoenix utilities are higher due to extreme summer AC usage, but Burbank's baseline is already steep.
Groceries	~$335	~$380	California's supply chain and regulations keep grocery costs about 13% higher.
Housing Index	124.3	173.0	A national average is 100. Phoenix is 24% above average; Burbank is a staggering 73% above.

The Purchasing Power Verdict:
If you earn $100,000 in Burbank, you’d need to earn about $140,000 in Phoenix to maintain the same standard of living, and the tax savings alone make Phoenix feel like a raise. Your money goes much, much further in Phoenix. You’re not just getting more square footage; you’re getting a higher quality of life for your dollar. In Burbank, you’re paying a premium for location and proximity.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Phoenix: The Buyer’s Playground (Mostly)
The median home price in Phoenix is $457,000. While this is up from years past, it’s still within reach for many middle-class families. The market is competitive, but with more inventory than coastal cities, you have options. You can find a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a pool and a yard. It’s a tangible asset that offers real equity growth in a growing city. Renting is a solid stepping stone, but the goal here is clear: own a piece of the desert.

Burbank: The Seller’s Fortress
The median home price in Burbank is $1,120,000. Let that number sink in. You need a household income well over $250,000 to comfortably afford that mortgage. The market is a relentless seller’s market. Bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers from investors or industry execs are the norm. For the average professional, buying in Burbank is a monumental challenge, often requiring family money or a double-income-no-kids (DINK) lifestyle with top-tier salaries. Most residents rent, and even that is a financial stretch.

The Bottom Line: If homeownership is a core life goal, Phoenix is your clear winner. In Burbank, you’re largely at the mercy of the rental market.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

Phoenix: Sprawl is the key word. You will drive. A lot. Public transit (Valley Metro) is improving but is not as comprehensive as L.A.'s. The average commute is 25 minutes, but you can easily spend an hour crossing the city during rush hour. The upside? The grid layout is logical, and traffic moves (eventually). The downside? You’re dependent on a car for everything.

Burbank: You’re in the heart of the L.A. traffic beast. The 5, 134, and 101 freeways are your arteries, and they are clogged. The average commute is longer, and the stress is higher. However, Burbank itself is very compact. You can often bike or walk to work, shops, and restaurants. If you work in the media industry, your office might be just down the street. It’s a trade-off: epic L.A. traffic vs. hyper-local convenience.

Weather: The Sun is a Double-Edged Sword

Phoenix: The data says 55.0°F average. Don’t be fooled. That’s the winter average. Summers are brutal. We’re talking 110°F+ for months on end. You cannot go outside. Your life revolves around air conditioning, from your home to your car to the office. The pool becomes your best friend. Winter, however, is paradise. It’s why people move here. It’s a lifestyle of extremes.

Burbank: The data says 63.0°F average, which is much more balanced. Summers are hot (often 90°F+), but it’s a dry heat, and it’s not the relentless, furnace-like blast of Phoenix. You can still enjoy evenings outdoors. Winters are cool but rarely freezing. The weather is more livable year-round, without the extreme seasonal shift.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest data point.

• Phoenix: Violent Crime Rate is 691.8 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any major metro, safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must do your research on specific areas.
• Burbank: Violent Crime Rate is 289.0 per 100,000. This is also above the national average but is less than half of Phoenix's rate. Burbank feels, and is statistically, safer. Its small-town community feel and higher income levels contribute to lower crime rates.

Verdict: If safety is a top priority, Burbank has a clear statistical advantage.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After weighing the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final scorecard.

Winner for Families: Phoenix
Why: The math is undeniable. A family earning $120,000 can afford a $457,000 home with a yard in Phoenix. They can get a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house with a pool for the price of a 1-bedroom apartment in Burbank. The schools are good (though you must research districts), there are endless parks, and the community is built around family-friendly activities. The trade-off is the brutal summer heat, but for many, the financial freedom is worth it.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Burbank
Why: This is a close call, but Burbank edges out Phoenix for the career-driven single. If you’re in film, TV, or media, being in Burbank is a career advantage. The networking opportunities are unparalleled. The neighborhood is walkable, with a cool, creative energy. You can grab a coffee, hit a studio tour, and feel part of the action. Yes, you’ll pay a premium and have a smaller space, but for this demographic, proximity and vibe often trump square footage.

Winner for Retirees: Phoenix
Why: This isn’t even a contest. The combination of affordable housing, low taxes, and sunshine is the retiree’s trifecta. You can sell your home in a high-cost state and buy a luxury home in Phoenix for cash, with money left over. The warm, dry winters are easy on arthritis and joints. The active adult communities are vast and offer endless activities. Burbank’s cost and congestion are a nightmare for retirees on a fixed income.

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Final Pros & Cons List

Phoenix: Pros & Cons

• PROS:

  • Massive Affordability: You get significantly more house for your money.
  • Low Taxes: Arizona’s flat income tax keeps more cash in your pocket.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, golf, and desert landscapes are minutes away.
  • Growing Economy: Strong in tech, healthcare, and finance.
  • International Airport: PHX is a major hub with global connections.

• CONS:

  • Extreme Summer Heat: 110°F+ for months is brutal and restrictive.
  • Car Dependency: Sprawl means you need a car for everything.
  • Higher Crime Rate: Statistically more dangerous than Burbank.
  • Cultural Scene: Less dense than a coastal city; you have to seek it out.

Burbank: Pros & Cons

• PROS:

  • Prime Location: 20 minutes to Hollywood, 30 to Downtown L.A.
  • Media Industry Hub: Unmatched career opportunities in entertainment.
  • Walkable & Vibrant: Small-town feel with big-city amenities.
  • Better Weather: More moderate year-round climate.
  • Lower Crime: Statistically safer than Phoenix.

• CONS:

  • Sky-High Cost of Living: The biggest financial hurdle.
  • Insane Housing Prices: Ownership is a distant dream for most.
  • Car Culture & Traffic: You’re in the epicenter of L.A. gridlock.
  • High State Taxes: California’s tax burden is significant.
  • Competitive: Everything, from jobs to apartments, is a competition.

The Final Word

Your choice boils down to one question: What do you value more, space or place?

Choose Phoenix if you want to build a life with financial breathing room, own a home, and don’t mind retreating indoors for a few months a year. It’s the pragmatic choice for a comfortable, sun-soaked life.

Choose Burbank if you’re chasing a dream in the entertainment industry, thrive on creative energy, and are willing to pay a premium to be at the center of it all. It’s the passion choice for a dynamic, career-focused life.

There’s no wrong answer—just a different version of the American dream. Now, go pick your path.