There isn't one single "most luxurious" city, as luxury is subjective, but Atherton consistently ranks as the wealthiest by income and home value (Silicon Valley), while Beverly Hills embodies classic Hollywood glamour and high-end shopping (LA area), and Newport Beach/La Jolla/Malibu offer coastal luxury with expensive real estate and lifestyle amenities. The choice depends on whether you prefer tech wealth, celebrity glam, or beachside living.
Beverly Hills is undoubtedly one of the most famous wealthy areas in California and even the United States. From the iconic palm-lined avenues to the expansive hillside mansions, everything here embodies the luxurious lifestyle of Hollywood glamour.
1. Atherton. Topping the list, Atherton has long held the title of not only the richest city in California, but also one of the wealthiest in the entire United States. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Atherton is home to venture capitalists, CEOs of major tech companies, and generational wealth.
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New York City, New York
As the country's financial capital, it houses more millionaires and billionaires than any other U.S. city. New York's mix of finance, culture, and global influence keeps it firmly at the top. No other American city matches its scale of wealth or its role as a global financial center.
A home is shown in Los Altos, which is the wealthiest suburb in California, with a typical home value of more than $4.3 million, according to a Chronicle data analysis. It's no secret that the Bay Area is full of wealthy enclaves. But just how wealthy, compared to suburbs across California?
Beverly Park, Los Angeles: Guide to LA's Most Exclusive Gated Neighborhood. Beverly Park is one of the top options for celebrities living in Los Angeles and those who love luxury living. This gated community sits high above the city, hiding some of the most expensive homes in America.
California is home to more billionaires than any other state, with roughly 200 residents holding fortunes exceeding $1 billion. Among them are four of the world's wealthiest figures: Page and Sergey Brin of Alphabet, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Jensen Huang of Nvidia, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires index.
The net worth threshold for the “upper class” in California is approximately $3 million and can increase to as high as $4.7 million in the most affluent areas.
So when headlines declare Palos Verdes Estates the “richest small town” in California, it is worth remembering that its true wealth was built long before the accolades—with the foundation laid by people who believed in what this place could become.
You get everything at once: No need to choose between excitement and relaxation, or nature and city life, California delivers both seamlessly.
The income you need to live comfortably in the 10 most expensive U.S. cities—it's over $200,000 in No. 1
Both Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades are synonymous with luxury living and rank among the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
Santa Rosa Ranked #1 Safest City in California. Santa Rosa has been ranked the #1 safest city in California for 2025, and was ranked as the city with the fewest traffic fatalities per capita nationwide.
No surprise here: Los Angeles is the ultimate star-studded destination for global travelers. There is almost too much to do in the vast Southern California city.
Amador City, located in the heart of the state and about six hours from L.A., is officially the smallest in area, covering just 0.53 square miles, and the least populated, with only 205 residents. All of this according to the latest 2020 census.
California's surge in super-wealthy people fueled by Bay Area high tech, new survey finds