F
91%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
257%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Burbank California National
Cost of living191141100
Groceries110111100
Health care119116100
Housing357197100
Transportation122118100
Utilities118119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment123120100
Household Items114111100
Education & Childcare135127100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Burbank, CA

Knowing the cost of living in Burbank allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Burbank stands at 191, marking it 91% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Burbank may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Burbank falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Burbank cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 257.2% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Household expenses make up 8% of the total cost of living index score and cover the everyday essentials needed to keep your home running smoothly. These items may include cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toiletries, clothing basics, and kitchen essentials. In Burbank, you can expect to pay 13.8% more than average for these everyday necessities, making it a more expensive place to live.

Groceries are getting more expensive by the day and the cost of groceries makes up 13% of the overall cost of living index. In the past two years, prices have shot up by over 10%! Unfortunately, in Burbank, it's the same story – grocery costs are 10.4% higher than what people pay across the country.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Burbank?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 25 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Burbank. The results indicated that 20% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 80% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Burbank Affordable?

Is Burbank affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Burbank, for instance, where the median home price falls 332.8% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 80.9% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Burbank flaunting a median household income of $120,276, 47.9% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Burbank?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Burbank, is 257.2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Burbank, the utilities index registers 17.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Burbank cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Burbank is 35% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Burbank is 91% higher than the national average
  • Burbank housing is 257% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Burbank

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Compare Burbank, CA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$164,184$13,682$3,831$4,926
      Renters$93,452$7,788$2,180$2,804
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Burbank, CA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Burbank, the median monthly income is $164,184 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,831 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $93,452, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,180 on monthly rental expenses.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Westside, CA21812423.9%
      Vernon, CA25411716.8%
      Commerce, CA13,06613938.8%
      Maywood, CA27,79814040.2%
      Huntington Park, CA59,59114343.0%
      Burbank, CA106,56819190.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rialto, CA106,52413332.5%
      Strathcona County, AB106,316n/a 
      San Mateo, CA106,097249148.8%
      Las Cruces, NM106,024955.4%
      Green Bay, WI107,144928.4%
      Burbank, CA106,56819190.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.