Where the Wealth Lives: The World’s 10 Most Lavish Cities in 2025
As global wealth soars, there are certain cities that shine brightest for the ultra-rich. According to the JB.com luxury index, reported by The Economic Timesthese are the ten cities that combine the opulence of dining, shopping, and real estate — the places where millionaires don’t just live, they luxuriate.
But how deep does the wealth run in each of these cities? Below, we explore not just their luxe lifestyle credentials but also a key billionaire or high-net-worth figure tied to each city.
1. Paris – The Timeless Capital of Luxury
Paris tops the global luxury index, and for good reason: it has nearly 900 fine-dining restaurants, about 150 five-star hotels, and is home to the flagship stores of haute couture brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. The city remains a magnet for those who want a refined lifestyle imbued with history, elegance, and culture.
Wealth Spotlight: Bernard Arnault – The chairman and CEO of LVMHArnault is often cited as France’s richest individual, with a fortune estimated in the hundreds of billions. His empire spans Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon, and more — central to the luxury fabric of Paris.
2. Melbourne – Class, Culture, and Millionaire Density
Melbourne comes in second on the list, celebrated for its sophisticated yet laid-back charm. The city features 279 high-end restaurants, 125 luxury hotels, and 143 premium boutiques. According to the index, around 94,000 millionaires call Melbourne home. This mix of refined urban living and ease makes the city a standout in the southern hemisphere.
Wealth Spotlight: Gina Rinehart – While not based in Melbourne right now, she is Australia’s richest person according to Forbes. Her wealth, built in mining, reflects the scale of capital that underpins Australia’s elite class and resonates across its wealthiest cities.
3. Zurich – Quiet Haven for Millionaires
Zurich is a city of subtle, powerful wealth. It has an astonishing density of millionaires: 17,700 per 100,000 residents, according to JB.com. Luxury boutiques, alpine views, and Swiss stability make it a sanctuary for the ultra-rich.
Wealth Spotlight: Klaus‑Michael Kühne – The logistics magnate behind Kuehne + Nagel is often cited as Switzerland’s richest person. Although he resides in Canton Schwyz, his influence and wealth are very much part of Zurich’s financial ecosystem.
4. Miami – Sun, Sand, and Super‑Wealth
Miami’s luxury appeal is unmistakable: beach clubs, waterfront mansions, and more than 120 fine-dining restaurants make it a paradise for the rich. It’s a city where the wealthy live life at full throttle — yet with a laid-back, tropical edge.
Wealth Spotlight: Peter Thiel – Among Miami’s billionaire circle, Thiel stands out. A tech veteran and investor, he ranks high on Forbes’s list of billionaires residing in the US, and his presence underscores Miami’s draw for libertarian-minded, crypto‑friendly capital.
5. New York City – The Financial Powerhouse
New York City is home to 384,000 millionairesaccording to the Henley & Partners wealth report, making it a heavyweight in global wealth rankings. Its luxury lifestyle — from penthouses and Michelin-starred restaurants to ultra-exclusive shops — is unmatched.
6. Los Angeles – Glamor Meets Private Luxury
Los Angeles represents a blend of glitz and discretion. High-end estates, private clubs, and boutique-level luxury define its affluent lifestyle. The city continues to draw celebrities, entrepreneurs, and legacy wealth alike.
Wealth Spotlight: Peter Thiel (again) – Thiel also has strong ties to the West Coast. His presence in both LA and Miami illustrates how some billionaires play multiple wealth hubs, leveraging tax strategies, lifestyle preferences, and global networks.
7. Milan – Fashion Capital with Deep Pockets
Milan’s essence is style: 193 gourmet restaurants, 76 luxury storesand a design-driven lifestyle make it a mecca for the fashionably rich. The city’s elegance appeals to those who want their wealth expressed in aesthetics, art, and couture.
Wealth Spotlight: Bernard Arnault (indirect influence) – Given the centrality of LVMH (which includes brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and more), Arnault’s empire deeply influences the Milan luxury scene, even if he is headquartered in France.
8. Singapore – Asia’s Financial & Luxury Hub
Singapore boasts 242,000 millionaires, 450 fine dining restaurantsand six casinos. Its reputation as a stable, ultra-modern, business-friendly city makes it a top choice for global capital and high-net-worth individuals.
Wealth Spotlight: Eduardo Saverin – A co‑founder of Facebook, Saverin is Singapore’s richest resident. His journey from Silicon Valley to Singapore reflects the city’s appeal for tech wealth and global entrepreneurs.
Singapore
9. Seoul – Korea’s Luxe Transformation
Seoul has rapidly entered the ranks of luxury cities, with over 350 high-end dining spots and a booming high fashion scene. The city appeals to modern entrepreneurs, cultural icons, and tech titans who want a blend of tradition and cutting-edge luxury.
Wealth Spotlight: Tech & K-Culture Billionaires – While no single name stands out from the JB.com list, Seoul’s ultra-wealthy are often linked to Korea’s vibrant tech sector (think global gaming companies, large conglomerates) and the rising international influence of K-pop and entertainment.
10. London – Historic Powerhouse and Luxury Beacon
London closes out of the top ten with its timeless elegance: more than 400 fine dining restaurantsprestigious neighborhoods like Mayfair and Knightsbridge, and a legacy of global influence. Although some millionaires are leaving, its cultural richness, financial institutions, and real estate still draw major capital.
Wealth Spotlight: Bernard Arnault (via LVMH and Luxury Real Estate) – While not a London native, Arnault’s reach extends deeply into London through LVMH’s luxury portfolio and high-end real estate. His influence underscores how elite global wealth often connects across cities.
Why These Cities Dominate the Landscape of Global Wealth
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Lifestyle Meets Capital: These cities aren’t just about money — they offer curated experiences, from fine dining to high fashion, that wealthy individuals want.
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Global Mobility: Many rich individuals move between these cities, seeking not just residence, but lifestyle, tax efficiency, and access to international networks.
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Various Sources of Wealth: The ultra-rich in these cities come from different industries — from fashion and media to crypto and logistics — reflecting how modern wealth is built.
Final thought
These ten cities aren’t just the richest places to live — they’re the hearts of global luxury. For wealthy individuals, they represent much more than prestige. They offer ecosystems of capital, culture, and choice. Whether you’re drawn to Paris’s timeless glamour, Singapore’s modern efficiency, or New York’s financial dynamism, living in one of these cities means being part of a global elite.
