đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Burbank and San Antonio
Head-to-Head Analysis
Burbank vs San Antonio
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Burbank | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $91,926 | $62,322 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $1,120,000 | $264,900 |
| Price per SqFt | $719 | $153 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,252 | $1,197 |
| Housing Cost Index | 173.0 | 94.2 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 91.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.98 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 289.0 | 798.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 45.8% | 30.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 97 | 39 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between San Antonio, Texas, and Burbank, California.
San Antonio vs. Burbank: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Antonio—a sprawling, historic giant in the heart of Texas. On the other, Burbank—a compact, media-centric enclave nestled in the Los Angeles basin.
This isn't just about geography; it's a clash of lifestyles, economies, and futures. Are you chasing the Hollywood dream, or are you looking for a slice of Southern comfort with a side of affordability? Let's cut through the noise and figure out which city deserves your one-way ticket.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
San Antonio is where history meets hustle. It’s a massive, 1.5 million-person city that feels surprisingly grounded. The vibe is distinctly Texan: friendly, unhurried, and steeped in a blend of Mexican heritage and cowboy culture. You go for the River Walk, the Alamo, and a sense of space. It’s a city for those who want big-city amenities without the crushing density of a New York or Chicago. It’s for families seeking community, history buffs, and anyone who values a "live and let live" attitude.
Burbank is the opposite. It’s the "Media Capital of the World," and it wears that badge with pride. With a tiny population of just 102,768, it feels like a tight-knit neighborhood rather than a city. The vibe is fast-paced, creative, and intensely career-driven. You go for the studios (Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon), the indie coffee shops, and the electric energy of being near the epicenter of entertainment. It’s for young professionals, creatives, and singles who feed off the hustle and want to be where the action is.
Who is it for?
- San Antonio: Families, history lovers, budget-conscious professionals, and those who prefer a slower, more grounded pace.
- Burbank: Media/entertainment professionals, young singles, urbanites who want a walkable, high-energy environment.
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. The sticker shock in California is real, but Texas isn't exactly a bargain anymore. Let's break down where your hard-earned money goes further.
Cost of Living Table
| Category | San Antonio | Burbank | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $264,900 | $1,120,000 | San Antonio (by a landslide) |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,197 | $2,252 | San Antonio |
| Housing Index | 94.2 (Lower than US avg) | 173.0 (73% higher than avg) | San Antonio |
| Median Income | $62,322 | $91,926 | Burbank |
The Salary Wars: Where Does $100k Feel Like More?
Let’s do the math. If you earn $100,000 in Burbank, you’re making more than the local median, but you’re up against a $1.12 million housing market. In San Antonio, $100,000 is a top-tier salary for the area, and a median home costs $264,900.
Purchasing Power Verdict: San Antonio wins this round decisively. The $650,000+ gap in median home prices is a chasm. Even with Burbank's higher median income, the cost of housing eats up a massive portion of your budget. In San Antonio, your paycheck stretches significantly further, allowing for a higher quality of life (bigger home, more savings) on the same salary.
The Tax Factor:
- Texas: 0% state income tax. This is a huge win for high earners. However, property taxes in Texas are notoriously high (often 2-3% of home value) to compensate. On a $264,900 home, that’s roughly $5,300-$8,000 annually in property taxes alone.
- California: High state income tax (up to 13.3% for top earners). But, Proposition 13 keeps property taxes relatively low (capped at 1% of purchase price plus assessments). On a $1.12 million home, that’s about $11,200 annually.
Bottom Line: The lack of state income tax in Texas gives San Antonio a distinct edge for most income brackets, especially when combined with the lower housing costs.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
San Antonio:
- Buyer’s Market: While prices have risen, the market is still relatively accessible. A median home price of $264,900 is within reach for many professionals. Inventory is decent, and the market isn't as frenzied as major metros. It's a classic "buy what you can afford" market.
- Renting: Rent is affordable ($1,197 for a 1BR), making it a great landing pad for newcomers. However, the rental market is competitive due to population growth.
Burbank:
- Seller’s Market: This is an ultra-competitive, high-stakes environment. A median home price of $1.12 million puts homeownership out of reach for the vast majority without significant wealth or dual high incomes. Bidding wars are common, and cash offers dominate.
- Renting: Rent is high ($2,252 for a 1BR), but it’s the only viable option for most. The rental market is tight, with high demand from industry professionals.
Verdict: San Antonio is the clear winner for aspiring homeowners. Burbank is a renter's city unless you're in the top tier of earners.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- San Antonio: Traffic is significant but manageable. The average commute is around 28 minutes. The city is car-dependent, but the sprawl means you can often live closer to work without breaking the bank.
- Burbank: Traffic is legendary. The 5, 134, and 210 freeways are notoriously congested. The average commute is 30+ minutes, but it can easily double during peak hours. Public transit (Metro) is an option but not as comprehensive as other LA neighborhoods.
Winner: San Antonio (for less soul-crushing daily commutes).
Weather
- San Antonio: Hot and humid. Summers regularly hit 95°F+ with stifling humidity. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below freezing. If you hate the cold, it’s paradise, but if you hate heat, it’s brutal.
- Burbank: Mediterranean perfection. The data says 63°F as a median, but that’s misleading. It’s typically 70-80°F and sunny for most of the year. Low humidity, no snow, minimal rain. It’s arguably the best weather in the U.S.
Winner: Burbank (for perfect, temperate weather).
Crime & Safety
This is a critical factor. Let's look at the violent crime rates per 100,000 people:
- San Antonio: 798.0 / 100k
- Burbank: 289.0 / 100k
Analysis: San Antonio's violent crime rate is nearly 2.8 times higher than Burbank's. While San Antonio has many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods, the city-wide average is significantly elevated. Burbank, being a smaller, more affluent enclave, consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the Los Angeles area.
Winner: Burbank (by a significant margin).
5. The Final Verdict
There is no "better" city, only the city that's better for you. Here are the winners for specific demographics:
🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
- Why: The math is undeniable. You can buy a $264,900 home with a yard, enroll in solid school districts (like Alamo Heights or Northside ISD), and enjoy a slower pace of life. The community feel is strong, and the cost of living allows for financial breathing room. The higher crime rate is a concern, but it's heavily concentrated in specific areas; your choice of neighborhood is key.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Burbank
- Why: If your career is in media, tech, or entertainment, Burbank is the epicenter. The higher median income ($91,926) reflects the industry salaries. The walkable downtown, endless networking opportunities, and perfect weather create an energizing environment for a young, ambitious single person. You trade space and affordability for access and vibe.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: San Antonio
- Why: Stretching a retirement fund is everything. San Antonio offers lower costs, no state income tax on pensions/401k withdrawals (huge!), and a warm climate. The healthcare system is robust, and the city’s slower pace is easier on the aging body. Burbank’s high costs and frenetic energy are less ideal for a fixed income.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
San Antonio, TX
PROS:
- Massive affordability in housing and rent.
- 0% state income tax boosts your take-home pay.
- Rich culture and history.
- Family-friendly communities and lifestyle.
- Big-city amenities with a manageable feel.
CONS:
- High violent crime rate (city-wide average).
- Brutal summer heat and humidity.
- Car-dependent sprawl.
- Higher property taxes.
Burbank, CA
PROS:
- World-class weather year-round.
- Extremely low violent crime and safe neighborhoods.
- Career hub for media/entertainment.
- Walkable, vibrant downtown.
- Access to all of Los Angeles.
CONS:
- Staggering cost of living (especially housing).
- High state income tax.
- Infamous traffic and congestion.
- Extremely competitive housing market (buying is nearly impossible for most).
- Smaller, feels like a neighborhood—can lack big-city diversity.
Final Word: If you prioritize financial freedom, space, and family roots, choose San Antonio. If you prioritize career access, perfect weather, and urban energy—and can stomach the high costs—choose Burbank.