World's Richest Locales: Top 20 Cities Revealed for their Affluence - Affluence resides in these locations: revealing the 20 wealthiest cities globally
In the latest report by Niels Kruse, the world's 20 wealthiest cities by number of billionaires are revealed. The ranking, titled "Where Billionaires Live," positions New York and the San Francisco Bay Area at the top, followed by global financial and tech hubs such as Hong Kong, London, Beijing, Mumbai, and others.
- New York – Leading the pack with 66 billionaires, New York is a global financial powerhouse and home to some of the world's most successful businesses.
- San Francisco Bay Area – With 82 billionaires, the Bay Area's tech sector has propelled it to second place. Companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla have made this region a hotbed for wealth creation.
- Hong Kong – Though exact numbers are not specified, Hong Kong is among the top cities with a significant concentration of billionaires. Its status as a global financial centre and a hub for luxury real estate contributes to its wealth.
- London – London's financial sector and its position as a global city attract a substantial number of billionaires.
- Beijing – China's capital city, Beijing, also hosts a considerable number of billionaires, reflecting the country's growing economic power.
- Mumbai – India's financial capital, Mumbai, shares 50 billionaires with Delhi, showcasing the country's rising economic might.
- Paris – Paris, with its strong luxury industry and significant number of millionaires (160,100), also ranks among the top cities with a substantial billionaire population.
- Chicago and Sydney – These cities, along with other major cities worldwide, also host multiple billionaires, further consolidating their positions as global financial and tech hubs.
The global billionaire count is approximately 3,030 as of 2025, with a significant concentration in a few metropolitan areas. Since 2001, the number of billionaires has almost sextupled, underscoring the increasing wealth concentration in certain cities.
The British consulting firm Henley and Partners maintains a list of cities with super-rich residents, providing valuable insights into global wealth distribution. However, data for cities in the USA, China, and Russia regarding purchasing power is not available.
It's important to note that the assumption that many millionaires and billionaires equate to prosperity for many others may not always be correct. This reminder serves as a contextual reminder in our discussion of the wealthiest cities in the world.
Notable billionaires such as Bernard Arnault, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk continue to top the lists, further highlighting the growing wealth in these cities.
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- Community policy: As the world's wealthiest cities continue to attract millionaires and billionaires, it's crucial for community policies to address income inequality and promote social mobility to ensure prosperity for all residents.
- Investing and wealth-management: With a substantial number of billionaires residing in these global financial hubs, the demand for quality services such as investing and wealth-management is increasing, potentially fostering new opportunities for businesses in these sectors.