Burlingame, CA vs Hillcrest, CA

The cost of living difference between Burlingame, CA and Hillcrest, CA is dramatic. Hillcrest is 207.9% cheaper than Burlingame, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Burlingame has a cost index of 285 while Hillcrest sits at 93, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Burlingame is $2,643/month compared to $1,197/month in Hillcrest — a 121% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hillcrest is more affordable at $250,300 median vs $2,000,001.

Median household income in Burlingame is $168,832 compared to $44,954 in Hillcrest (+275.6%). While Burlingame is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Burlingame spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 32% in Hillcrest. The Burlingame ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.