Budget for Living in Burbank CA: Cost of Living Guide 2026
Burbank is LA’s entertainment industry capital — home to Disney, Warner Bros, NBCUniversal, and dozens of production studios. It’s one of the most in-demand rental markets in Los Angeles County, with near-zero vacancy rates and strong upward rent pressure. If you’re moving here for a job in entertainment, media, or adjacent industries, or simply want a small-city feel with excellent LA access, here’s what you need to budget for in 2026.
Monthly Cost of Living in Burbank
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment | $2,100 – $2,700 |
| 2BR Apartment | $2,700 – $3,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water) | $130 – $200 |
| Groceries (single person) | $360 – $480 |
| Transportation | $150 – $340 |
| Health insurance | $200 – $440 |
| Dining out / entertainment | $220 – $500 |
| Total (single, 1BR) | $3,160 – $4,660 |
Burbank Neighborhoods: What You Pay
Downtown Burbank / Magnolia Park: The walkable core of Burbank. Restaurants, boutiques, and the Media City Center mall. Apartments here command $2,300–$2,800 for 1BR. High turnover as entertainment workers come and go.
The Ranches (Disney Ranch area): Quieter residential neighborhood near the Disney lot. Mix of older single-family and apartment buildings. 1BR from $2,200. Popular with Disney employees who can walk or bike to work.
South Burbank: Borders North Hollywood. More affordable — 1BR from $1,900. Trade-off is more industrial character and less walkability.
Chandler Park / Lake area: Mid-Burbank residential. Family-friendly, quieter. 1BR from $2,100. Close to Burbank Airport for flight attendants and aviation workers.
Glenoaks Canyon: Upper hillside Burbank. Views, quieter, mostly older stock. Limited apartment supply; when available, 1BR from $2,100.
The Entertainment Industry Connection
Burbank is ground zero for Hollywood production. Major studios and networks based here:
| Company | Employees in Burbank |
|---|---|
| The Walt Disney Company | 10,000+ |
| Warner Bros. Discovery | 8,000+ |
| NBCUniversal (Burbank lot) | 5,000+ |
| Netflix (production facilities) | 2,000+ |
| Cartoon Network / Adult Swim | 1,000+ |
Entertainment industry wages span a wide range:
- Production Assistant (PA): $800–$1,200/week ($42,000–$62,000/year)
- Animation Assistant: $55,000–$80,000/year
- Staff Writer: $75,000–$130,000/year (WGA minimums)
- Editor: $80,000–$140,000/year (IATSE)
- Cinematographer (DP): $100,000–$250,000+/year
- Animation Director: $120,000–$200,000/year
For entry-level entertainment workers (PAs, production assistants), Burbank rent is aggressive relative to starting salaries. Roommate arrangements are extremely common for workers under $65,000/year.
Transportation
Bob Hope Airport (BUR): Burbank’s own airport with direct flights across the US. A major perk — no LAX chaos.
LA Metro G Line (Orange Line): North Hollywood station is adjacent to Burbank’s south side. Connects to the Red/Purple Line subway into Hollywood and downtown LA.
Metrolink Antelope Valley Line: Burbank Airport–North and Downtown Burbank stations. Service to downtown LA in 30–40 minutes; $8–$12 one way, monthly pass ~$200.
Driving: Burbank sits at the junction of I-5, SR-134, and US-101. Commutes within Burbank are manageable; toward Hollywood or downtown LA is heavy during rush hours.
Sample Monthly Budgets
Budget: Entertainment Industry PA ($3,800/month take-home)
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (split 2BR with roommate) | $1,350 |
| Utilities (split) | $80 |
| Groceries | $360 |
| Transportation (car + insurance) | $400 |
| Health insurance | $200 |
| Dining/Entertainment | $350 |
| Savings | $300 |
| Miscellaneous | $760 |
| Total | $3,800 |
Budget: Mid-Level Entertainment Professional ($7,000/month take-home)
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR, Downtown Burbank) | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $160 |
| Groceries | $420 |
| Transportation (car) | $450 |
| Health insurance | $300 |
| Dining/Entertainment | $500 |
| Savings & Investments | $900 |
| Miscellaneous | $870 |
| Total | $7,000 |
How to Save Money in Burbank
1. South Burbank is your budget play: The area south of Burbank Blvd and east of Hollywood Way is $300–$500/month cheaper than central Burbank, with the same access to studios and freeway onramps.
2. Walk or bike to work if you’re at Disney or Warner: Both lots are bikeable from South Burbank and parts of North Hollywood. Eliminating one car in Burbank saves $500–$700/month.
3. Use Metrolink for downtown LA commutes: The monthly pass (~$200) is far cheaper than daily parking in downtown LA ($25–$40/day), especially for hybrid workers commuting 2–3 days/week.
4. Burbank Farmers Market for produce: Tuesday and Saturday markets on San Fernando. Fresh produce at prices below supermarket chains.
5. Entertainment industry discounts: Disney, Warner, and NBCUniversal employees receive merchandise, event, and sometimes housing partner discounts. Maximize these benefits.
Burbank vs. Nearby Cities
| City | Avg 1BR Rent | Entertainment Jobs | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burbank | $2,300 | Excellent | Industry-centric, small-city feel |
| Glendale | $2,300 | Good | More diverse, denser |
| North Hollywood | $2,100 | Good | Arts/creative district, younger |
| Studio City | $2,500 | Good | Wealthier, suburban |
| Toluca Lake | $2,600 | Excellent | Upscale, quiet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burbank good for people not in entertainment? Yes — Burbank has strong neighborhoods, good schools, and a genuine small-city feel. Many residents commute to other parts of LA. Healthcare workers, teachers, and government employees also live here in large numbers.
How safe is Burbank? Burbank consistently has crime rates well below the LA County average. It’s considered one of the safer cities in the area, which is part of why demand for housing is high.
Can I afford Burbank on a PA salary? It’s tight. Entry-level PAs earning $42,000–$50,000 gross typically need roommates to make Burbank work. Many start in North Hollywood or Sun Valley (cheaper) and move to Burbank after a few years of income growth.
Ready to build your Burbank budget? Use our Freelancer Expense Tracker — built for variable income that entertainment contract work often produces. Also see our guides for Glendale, Los Angeles, and how to budget on $5,000 a month.