The Wealthiest Cities in California Ranked (2026 Edition)
California has never been short on ambition. Wealth concentrates here differently than anywhere else in the country — sometimes behind gates, sometimes along the coastline, sometimes tucked quietly into hills most people drive past without realizing what sits beyond them.
I grew up in Los Angeles, and I’ve watched these neighborhoods evolve — not just in price, but in identity. What used to signal old Hollywood money now signals global capital. What used to be a quiet equestrian community now competes with the most elite enclaves in the world.
For affluent buyers, business managers, entrepreneurs, and family offices considering a move to Los Angeles, understanding where wealth truly lives — and how it behaves — matters. Price alone doesn’t tell the full story. Privacy, long-term positioning, liquidity, cultural tone, and access all play a role.
Below is a strategic ranking of the wealthiest cities in California, with particular focus on the best luxury neighborhoods in Los Angeles — including Beverly Hills, Hidden Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, Encino, and surrounding coastal markets.
Ranking Overview (2026)
-
Atherton
-
Hidden Hills
-
Beverly Hills
-
Malibu
-
Newport Coast
-
Calabasas
-
Manhattan Beach
-
Encino
1. Atherton
Northern California consistently claims the top statistical position among the wealthiest cities in California, and Atherton remains the benchmark.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $8M–$12M+
-
Primary Wealth Source: Tech founders, venture capital, private equity
-
Privacy Level: Extremely high
-
Lot Sizes: Expansive estates
-
Market Liquidity: Strong but discreet
Lifestyle Profile
Atherton is quiet power. No retail corridors. No commercial distractions. Just large estates set behind manicured hedges in the center of Silicon Valley wealth.
Buyer Profile
-
Founders post-liquidity
-
Venture capital partners
-
Multi-generational tech families
Investment Strength
As long as innovation capital remains anchored in Northern California, Atherton maintains elite valuation status.
2. Hidden Hills
Hidden Hills represents one of Southern California’s most private concentrations of wealth.
Official city information can be found via the City of Hidden Hills:
https://www.hiddenhillscity.org/
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $5M–$10M+
-
Community Type: Guard-gated equestrian city
-
Privacy Level: Exceptional
-
Inventory: Limited and tightly controlled
Lifestyle Profile
Rural elegance inside Los Angeles County. Long driveways, custom estates, equestrian trails, and strict privacy standards define the Hidden Hills gated community.
Buyer Profile
-
Entertainment executives
-
Professional athletes
-
High-profile entrepreneurs
-
Celebrities seeking security
Investment Strength
Scarcity protects value. There is simply no large-scale development pipeline here.
Cultural Identity
Private, insulated, reputation-driven.
Long-Term Outlook
Hidden Hills has shifted from niche enclave to globally recognized luxury address. Demand remains steady due to limited supply.
3. Beverly Hills
Few names carry as much global weight as Beverly Hills real estate.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $4M–$9M+
-
Icon Status: International brand
-
Walkability: Strong in the Flats
-
Privacy Level: Moderate to high depending on location
Lifestyle Profile
Old Hollywood estates. Palm-lined streets. Rodeo Drive. International capital.
Beverly Hills attracts global buyers who value brand recognition and long-term liquidity.
Buyer Profile
-
International investors
-
Studio executives
-
Business managers representing global talent
-
Legacy families
Investment Strength
Brand equity drives consistent demand. Even in shifting markets, Beverly Hills remains liquid.
Cultural Identity
Prestige. Visibility. Legacy.
4. Malibu
Malibu offers something none of the others can replicate: direct Pacific Ocean frontage.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $4M–$15M+
-
Primary Draw: Malibu oceanfront homes
-
Privacy Level: Varies by enclave
-
Market Considerations: Coastal regulations + insurance
Lifestyle Profile
From Carbon Beach to Point Dume, Malibu ranges from ultra-private bluff estates to surf-adjacent retreats.
Buyer Profile
-
Creatives
-
CEOs seeking retreat-style living
-
International buyers wanting coastline exposure
Investment Strength
True oceanfront property remains finite. Scarcity supports long-term value, though acquisition requires strategic due diligence.
5. Newport Coast
While outside Los Angeles County, Newport Coast competes at the highest level of California coastal wealth.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $4M–$12M+
-
Community Type: Gated coastal enclaves
-
Privacy Level: High
-
Views: Ocean + canyon
Polished, structured, and meticulously maintained.
6. Calabasas
Calabasas has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and continues to attract affluent families and entrepreneurs.
Official information can be found via the City of Calabasas:
https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/
The business community is supported by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.calabasaschamber.org/
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $2.5M–$5M+
-
Community Type: Multiple gated neighborhoods
-
Proximity: Malibu + Westside access
-
Market Depth: Broad luxury tiers
Lifestyle Profile
Family-oriented, secure, and increasingly international. Calabasas luxury homes attract buyers from entertainment, tech, and sports sectors.
Buyer Profile
-
Young founders
-
Business managers relocating clients
-
Families prioritizing schools and security
Investment Strength
Gated communities, strong schooling options, and proximity to both Malibu and Beverly Hills support long-term stability.
Cultural Identity
Modern luxury with structured community living.
7. Manhattan Beach
A different type of wealth — coastal, active, and community-driven.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $3M–$6M+
-
Primary Draw: Beach proximity
-
Community Feel: Tight-knit
-
Lot Sizes: Smaller, high value
Athletes, founders, and finance professionals gravitate here for walkability and ocean air.
8. Encino
Encino luxury real estate often operates quietly — and that’s part of its appeal.
Quick Facts
-
Estimated Average Home Price: $2M–$4M+
-
Lot Sizes: Larger than many Westside neighborhoods
-
Accessibility: Strong freeway connectivity
Encino offers estate-sized properties without Beverly Hills pricing, making it a strategic acquisition market.
Comparison Summary Table
| City | Avg Price Range | Privacy | Investment Strength | Lifestyle Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | $8M–$12M+ | Very High | Very Strong | Tech legacy estates |
| Hidden Hills | $5M–$10M+ | Extremely High | Strong | Guard-gated equestrian |
| Beverly Hills | $4M–$9M+ | High | Very Strong | Iconic prestige |
| Malibu | $4M–$15M+ | Variable | Strong | Oceanfront retreat |
| Newport Coast | $4M–$12M+ | High | Strong | Structured coastal |
| Calabasas | $2.5M–$5M+ | High | Strong | Gated suburban luxury |
| Manhattan Beach | $3M–$6M+ | Moderate | Strong | Beach community |
| Encino | $2M–$4M+ | Moderate | Steady | Understated estate lots |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the wealthiest city in California?
Atherton frequently ranks #1 by average home price and income concentration. In Southern California, Hidden Hills and Beverly Hills lead in visible luxury wealth.
Is Beverly Hills richer than Hidden Hills?
Beverly Hills has stronger global brand recognition. Hidden Hills often offers larger estates and greater privacy. Wealth expression differs between the two.
Is Calabasas a good investment?
Calabasas luxury homes have shown consistent appreciation due to gated communities, school quality, and geographic positioning between Malibu and Los Angeles.
Where do celebrities live in Los Angeles?
Celebrities are concentrated in Beverly Hills, Hidden Hills, Malibu, and increasingly Manhattan Beach due to privacy and community culture.
Best For Summary
-
Maximum Privacy: Hidden Hills
-
Global Prestige: Beverly Hills
-
Oceanfront Living: Malibu
-
Family Luxury + Gates: Calabasas
-
Coastal Energy: Manhattan Beach
-
Understated Value Play: Encino
Wealth in California isn’t just about numbers. It’s about alignment — lifestyle, discretion, positioning, and long-term strategy.
If you’re exploring properties in Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Beverly Hills, Malibu, or Encino, you can view current luxury opportunities at:
👉 https://www.getzelsgroup.com/
About the Author
Nathaniel Pitchon-Getzels is the founder of the Getzels Group at Coldwell Banker, specializing in luxury real estate throughout Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Beverly Hills, Malibu, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Having grown up in Los Angeles, Nathaniel brings a rare perspective — combining local insight with global luxury positioning. He advises affluent buyers, business managers, and entrepreneurs seeking discreet acquisitions in the most prestigious neighborhoods in Southern California.
His approach is strategic, data-driven, and relationship-centered.
Learn more about the Getzels Group at:
👉 https://www.getzelsgroup.com/
If you’re considering a move to one of Los Angeles’ most affluent communities, I offer discreet, strategic guidance tailored to high-net-worth buyers and sellers.