Cost of Living in Burbank vs Glendale: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- mc10990
- Dec 22, 2025
- 5 min read
If you're choosing between Burbank and Glendale, you're not alone. These two neighboring cities sit next to each other in the San Fernando Valley, share similar demographics, and both offer strong schools, safety, and proximity to Los Angeles. But they're not identical.
As a Burbank Realtor who works with clients in both cities, I'm going to break down the real cost of living in Burbank vs. Glendale: home prices, rent, utilities, dining, commute times, schools, and lifestyle. By the end, you'll know which city makes more sense for your budget and priorities.
The Big Picture: Burbank vs. Glendale
Let's start with the basics.
Burbank:
Population: ~105,000
Vibe: Suburban, community-oriented, entertainment industry hub
Known for: Studios (Warner Bros., Disney), walkable neighborhoods, strong schools
Glendale:
Population: ~200,000
Vibe: More urban, diverse, bustling commercial areas
Known for: The Americana at Brand, diverse dining, proximity to LA
Both cities are safe, family-friendly, and have excellent schools. The differences come down to density, walkability, commute times, and cost.
Home Prices: Burbank vs. Glendale
Let's cut to the chase: housing is your biggest expense.
Burbank Home Prices (2026):
Median home price: $1.1 million
Starter homes (2-bed fixers): $800K-$950K
Move-in-ready 3-bedroom homes: $1M-$1.5M
Larger homes with ADUs: $1.5M-$2M
Luxury homes (Toluca Lake adjacent): $2M-$5M+
Glendale Home Prices (2026):
Median home price: $1 million
Starter homes (2-bed fixers): $750K-$900K
Move-in-ready 3-bedroom homes: $950K-$1.4M
Larger homes in hills: $1.4M-$2M+
Luxury homes (Glenoaks Canyon, Oakmont): $2M-$5M+
Winner: Glendale (slightly more affordable overall)
Glendale tends to be 5-10% cheaper than Burbank for comparable homes. You'll find more inventory under $1M in Glendale than in Burbank.
Rent Prices: Burbank vs. Glendale
If you're not buying, here's what rent looks like.
Burbank Rent (2026):
1-bedroom apartment: $2,200-$2,800/month
2-bedroom apartment: $2,800-$3,500/month
3-bedroom house: $4,000-$5,500/month
Glendale Rent (2026):
1-bedroom apartment: $2,100-$2,700/month
2-bedroom apartment: $2,700-$3,400/month
3-bedroom house: $3,800-$5,200/month
Winner: Glendale (slightly cheaper)
Rent in Glendale is about $100-$200/month cheaper on average. Not a huge difference, but it adds up over a year.
Utilities and Other Costs
Utilities:
Both cities have similar utility costs. Burbank has its own Burbank Water and Power (BWP), which is generally reliable and competitively priced. Glendale uses Glendale Water & Power. Both are municipally owned, so rates are similar.
Electricity/Water (average): $150-$250/month in both cities
Gas (Southern California Gas): Similar in both cities
Internet/Cable: Similar ($50-$100/month depending on provider)
Winner: Tie
Groceries and Dining
Groceries:
Both cities have similar grocery store options (Trader Joe's, Ralphs, Whole Foods, ethnic markets). Prices are comparable.
Dining:
Burbank: Strong local dining scene (Magnolia Park cafes, Porto's, Smoke House). Less expensive than Westside LA.
Glendale: More diverse dining (Armenian, Middle Eastern, Korean, American). The Americana and downtown Glendale have upscale options.
Both cities offer excellent food at reasonable prices. Glendale has slightly more ethnic diversity in restaurants.
Winner: Tie (slight edge to Glendale for diversity)
Transportation and Commute
Gas prices:
California gas prices are high in both cities. No difference.
Commute times (to major employment centers):
From Burbank:
To Warner Bros./Disney: 5-15 minutes
To Downtown LA: 20-30 minutes
To West Hollywood: 20-25 minutes
To Santa Monica: 35-45 minutes
From Glendale:
To Warner Bros./Disney: 15-25 minutes
To Downtown LA: 15-25 minutes
To West Hollywood: 25-30 minutes
To Pasadena: 15-20 minutes
Winner: Depends on where you work
If you work in entertainment (studios), Burbank is closer. If you work in downtown LA or Pasadena, Glendale has a slight edge.
Public transit:
Both cities have Metrolink stations. Burbank has Bob Hope Airport (small, convenient). Glendale doesn't have an airport, but Burbank Airport is 10-15 minutes away.
Winner: Burbank (for airport access)
Schools: Burbank vs. Glendale
Both cities have strong public-school systems.
Burbank Unified School District:
Test scores: Consistently above California state averages
Graduation rate: ~90%+
Strengths: Strong arts, music, STEM programs
Top schools: Roosevelt Elementary, Luther Burbank Middle, John Burroughs High School
Glendale Unified School District:
Test scores: Comparable to Burbank, slightly lower on some metrics
Graduation rate: ~90%
Strengths: Diverse language programs, strong community support
Top schools: Ben Franklin Elementary, Roosevelt Middle, Hoover High
Winner: Burbank (slight edge overall)
Burbank's schools rank slightly higher on average, but both districts are excellent. If schools are your #1 priority, Burbank edges out Glendale—but not by much.
Safety: Burbank vs. Glendale
Both cities are safe compared to Los Angeles County overall.
Crime rates (compared to LA County average):
Burbank: Lower violent crime, lower property crime
Glendale: Low violent crime, slightly higher property crime than Burbank
Winner: Burbank (slightly safer overall)
Burbank consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in LA County. Glendale is also safe, but Burbank has a slight edge.
Walkability and Lifestyle
Burbank:
Walkable neighborhoods: Magnolia Park, Downtown Burbank
Parks: 40+ parks
Vibe: Suburban, community-oriented, quieter
Entertainment: Close to studios, Griffith Park, Hollywood Bowl
Glendale:
Walkable areas: The Americana at Brand, downtown Glendale
Parks: 30+ parks
Vibe: More urban, busier, diverse
Entertainment: The Americana, Brand Boulevard, Verdugo Mountains hiking
Winner: Depends on preference
If you want a quieter, more community-oriented vibe, choose Burbank. If you want more urban energy and diversity, choose Glendale.
Tax Comparison
Property taxes:
California property tax is capped at 1% of assessed value statewide (Proposition 13). Both cities have similar effective property tax rates.
Sales tax:
Burbank: 10.25%
Glendale: 10.25%
Winner: Tie
The Verdict: Which City Is More Affordable?
Let's break it down by category:
Category | Winner |
Home Prices | Glendale (5-10% cheaper) |
Rent | Glendale ($100-$200/month cheaper) |
Utilities | Tie |
Dining | Tie (slight edge to Glendale for diversity) |
Commute | Depends on job location |
Schools | Burbank (slight edge) |
Safety | Burbank (slight edge) |
Walkability | Tie (different styles) |
Taxes | Tie |
Overall: Glendale is slightly more affordable, but Burbank offers better schools and safety.
Who Should Choose Burbank?
Choose Burbank if:
You work in entertainment (shorter commute to studios)
Schools are your #1 priority
You want a quieter, more suburban vibe
You value walkable neighborhoods with charm (Magnolia Park)
You want access to Bob Hope Airport
Who Should Choose Glendale?
Choose Glendale if:
You're on a tighter budget (5-10% cheaper housing)
You work in downtown LA or Pasadena (shorter commute)
You want more diverse dining and cultural options
You prefer a more urban, bustling environment
You want more inventory under $1M
Final Thoughts
Burbank and Glendale are both excellent cities. The "right" choice depends on your priorities:
If cost is the deciding factor: Glendale wins.
If schools and safety are non-negotiable: Burbank wins.
If you work in entertainment: Burbank wins.
If you want more diversity and urban energy: Glendale wins.
You can't go wrong with either city. Both offer strong schools, safety, proximity to LA, and excellent quality of life.
If you're trying to decide between Burbank and Glendale and want help finding the right home in the right city, let's talk. I know both markets inside and out, and I can help you make the best decision for your budget and lifestyle.
Michelle Crochet Realtor | eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles
DRE #02099298
📞 (818) 688-2062
