Richest Cities Globally in 2025: Sweet Fortunes Await
Top 10 Ultra-Affluent Cities in 2025
Welcome to the world's most monstrously wealthy metropolises — a gilded selection of cities where you'd need a lifetime of wages to afford a single bedroom flat. According to the World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2025, these lavish urban jungles are thriving. Here are the top 10, following the footsteps of Henley & Partners, a global juggernaut in residence and citizenship-by-investment, and New World Wealth, a South African-based firm specializing in global wealth intel.
New York City
Ruler of the pack, New York City remains the pinnacle of wealth, housing an overwhelming 384,500 millionaires, 818 ultra-wealthy centi-millionaires, and a staggering 66 billionaires. Wall Street reigns supreme as a global powerhouse, with Manhattan's luxury real estate market demanding premium prices. The ruling class often retreats to estates in the Hamptons for weekend escapes.
The Bay Area
Twistitution of Tech and Wealth, the Bay Area (San Francisco and Silicon Valley) takes the second spot, boasting 342,400 millionaires and 82 billionaires. The region has witnessed an incredible 98% surge in its millionaire population over the past decade, owing to tech giants such as Tesla, Meta, Apple, and Google. Blissful tech-driven lives flourish here with an abundance of private chefs, AI-driven homes, and eco-conscious mega-mansions.
Tokyo
The Empress of Asia, Tokyo comes in third with 292,300 millionaires. Japan's robust economy and long-standing business traditions keep wealth flourishing, with many fortunes being intergenerational. Tokyo's elite indulge in upscale dining, luxury shopping in districts like Ginza, and extensive art collections.
Singapore
The Lion City takes the fourth spot with 242,400 millionaires, experiencing a significant 62% increase in its millionaire population. The city-state’s appealing tax policies, political stability, and cosmopolitan lifestyle make it an attractive destination for the wealthy from countries like China, India, and Indonesia.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels edged past London, making it into the top 5, hosting 212,100 millionaires. Hollywood's glittering entertainment industry continues to produce stars, producers, and streaming-era moguls who nestle in affluent neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Bel-Air.
London & Paris
London slips to sixth place, having suffered a 12% decline in its millionaire population since 2014. Factors like high taxes, Brexit, and less competitive tech sector play their part. Regal Paris, on the other hand, claims 165,000 millionaires and the seventh spot. Both cities remain bastions of heritage, class, and cultural offerings.
Hong Kong
The Pearl of the Orient ranks eighth, with 154,900 millionaires. Despite geopolitical shifts and competition from other financial hubs, the city remains a luxurious haven, particularly in real estate and high-end retail. From towering skyscrapers to opulent seaside residences, Hong Kong epitomizes aspirational living.
Sydney
The Emerald City secures the ninth spot, reflecting Australia's thriving economy, alluring lifestyle, and booming property market, beckoning 147,000 millionaires. Harborfront mansions and beachside retreats are highly sought after.
Chicago
Finally, Chicago bags the tenth spot, with 135,000 millionaires. The city's diversified economy, blending old money, tech startups, and a strong financial services sector, serves as a nest for its affluent residents. They enjoy restored townhouses, exclusive clubs, and high-end dining experiences.
In the world of wealth, the US reigns with 11 cities in the global Top 50, while Dubai exhibits the fastest growth, climbing three spots in 2025. Mumbai, India’s wealthiest city, remains outside the Top 10. So, keep your wallets charged, and join the winner's circle in these ultra-affluent cities!
- In 2025, New York City, with its 384,500 millionaires, 818 centi-millionaires, and 66 billionaires, will continue to be the epitome of wealth, offering the luxury real estate market in Manhattan that demands premium prices, making it a preferred destination for the wealthy.
- The Bay Area, hosting 342,400 millionaires and 82 billionaires, will thrive due to the booming tech industry, providing an abundance of private chefs, AI-driven homes, and eco-conscious mega-mansions for its residents.
- Tokyo, housing 292,300 millionaires, will maintain its position as a hub for intergenerational wealth, offering upscale dining, luxury shopping, and extensive art collections.
- Singapore, with a millionaire population of 242,400, will continue to attract the wealthy with its appealing tax policies, political stability, and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
- Los Angeles, boasting 212,100 millionaires, will continue to captivate the wealthy with its glamorous entertainment industry and affluent neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Bel-Air.
- In 2025, investors looking for a luxurious haven may consider Hong Kong, home to 154,900 millionaires and a thriving market in real estate and high-end retail.
