11 Richest Cities in California (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageThe wealthiest cities in California include Atherton, Los Altos Hills, and Woodside. They also include Hillsborough, Los Altos, and Orinda. Other wealthy cities include Palos Verdes Estates, Cupertino, and Foster City.
The list also includes La Habra Heights and Westlake Village. This article looks at these affluent cities.
It focuses on median household income, home prices, and unique features. It also explains what makes each town attractive. Let’s discuss the Richest Cities in California!
From Silicon Valley’s tech hubs to picturesque coastal towns, let’s explore what makes these cities the richest in California.
1. Atherton: the Richest City in California
The richest city in California is Atherton, which boasts a median household income of $534,000. It is also recognized as the wealthiest city in the United States. In 2023, the median home price in Atherton hit $7.25 million. This made it California’s most expensive place to buy a home.
Atherton is in San Mateo County, near Stanford University’s campus and Palo Alto, where Apple’s headquarters are located. It is just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco.
Notable residents of Atherton include Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and venture capitalist Marc Andreessen.
2. Los Altos Hills: the second Richest City in California
Los Altos Hills is one of the wealthiest cities in California. As of 2023, its median income was $417,500, making it one of the most affluent towns in the country. Although Los Altos Hills was California’s wealthiest city in 2019, Atherton has since surpassed it.
For example, the median home price in Los Altos Hills is about $5.3 million. This makes it one of California’s most expensive places to buy a home.
In Silicon Valley, Los Altos Hills is home to around 8,000 residents, many of whom work in the tech industry. With its sunny weather and scenic hills, it is an ideal place to live.
3. Woodside
Woodside is California’s third-wealthiest city. Its median income is $403,000, which is slightly lower than Los Altos Hills. Located in San Mateo County, Woodside is home to numerous technology millionaires.
The real estate market here reflects the residents’ wealth, with many properties priced over $5 million.
4. Hillsborough
Hillsborough is the fourth richest city in California, boasting a median income of $250,001. It has consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest areas in the state, even holding the top spot in 2019.
Located in San Mateo County, Hillsborough is well known for its excellent public schools. It has safe neighborhoods. The cost of living is very high.
Additionally, it is one of the most expensive cities in California for homebuyers, with a median home price surpassing $5 million.
5. Los Altos
Los Altos is one of the wealthiest cities in California, ranking fourth in median income at $240,094. It should not be confused with Los Altos Hills, which ranks first. Located in Santa Clara County, Los Altos is considered one of the best places to live. Featuring numerous mansions on large lots, the city offers a quieter atmosphere that is ideal for families.
6. Orinda
Orinda is one of California’s wealthiest cities. It has a population of 19,461 and a median income of $231,230. Known for its friendly suburban atmosphere, Orinda offers residents a variety of activities.
There are numerous outdoor opportunities, including hiking trails and golf courses. The city also features a lively town center filled with trendy boutiques, vibrant bars, and excellent restaurants.
Orinda balances a quiet family lifestyle and an active nightlife, making it an ideal place for families with children. The public schools are good, and many families call this city home.
7. Palos Verdes Estates
Palos Verdes Estates sits along the beautiful Pacific Ocean shoreline. It has stunning landscapes. It is one of California’s wealthiest cities. With a population of 13,359 residents, the city has a median income of $197,826.
As a resident of Palos Verdes Estates, you can easily access the beach and hiking trails.
The town is famous for its safety and features a vibrant dining and entertainment scene.
8. Cupertino
Cupertino is the seventh richest city in California, with a median income of $182,857. Located near the Santa Cruz Mountains, it offers beautiful views and lush surroundings.
Cupertino is home to Apple Inc., attracting many Silicon Valley tech professionals. The town is known for being a welcoming, safe environment for families and for providing numerous job opportunities. These attractive features have contributed to Cupertino’s being one of California’s most expensive places to live.
9. Foster City
Near the end of the list, Foster City stands out as one of the wealthiest cities in California. Its median income is $163,815, and its population is 33,056. A significant number of people in the city own their homes.
Foster City offers a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and parks, ensuring that there is always something to do. Additionally, the city boasts an excellent safety record, ranking among the safest places to live in California.
10. La Habra Heights
La Habra Heights is one of the wealthiest cities in California. It has a median income of $163,750. The city has 5,318 residents. It features a canyon-like landscape and a warm Mediterranean climate between Los Angeles and Orange counties.
One of the area’s standout attractions is its breathtaking scenic views.
11. Westlake Village
Westlake Village is California’s 10th most prosperous city, boasting a median income of $153,007.
For example, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the state. Still, residents feel they get strong value because many activities and amenities are available. This suburb of Los Angeles is conveniently located just a short drive from the city, the beach, and natural scenery.
Richest Cities in California Compared
| Ranking | City | Median Household Income | Median Home Price |
| 1 | Atherton | $534,000.00 | $7.25 Million |
| 2 | Los Altos Hills | $417,500.00 | $5.35 Million |
| 3 | Woodside | $403,000 | $3.55 Million |
| 4 | Hillsborough | $250,001.00 | $5.02 Million |
| 5 | Los Altos | $240,094.00 | $3.9 Million |
| 6 | Orinda | $231,230.00 | $1.97 Million |
| 7 | Palos Verdes Estates | $197,826.00 | $2.7 Million |
| 8 | Cupertino | $182,857.00 | $2.66 Million |
| 9 | Foster City | $163,815.00 | $1.78 Million |
| 10 | La Habra Heights | $163,750.00 | $1.3 Million |
| 11 | Westlake Village | $153,007.00 | $1.42 Million |
Richest Cities in California Methodology
This list of California’s eleven wealthiest cities uses 2023 data. It is based on each city’s median income and median home prices. We analyzed state and federal data to determine the median household income of California’s wealthiest cities.
Additionally, we examined home sales between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
Wealthiest Cities in California: Takeaways
California’s wealthiest cities offer a blend of high incomes, luxurious homes, and exceptional living conditions. From the tech-centric communities of Silicon Valley to the serene coastal landscapes, these cities provide residents with a high quality of life and numerous amenities.
Whether you like busy town centers, top-rated schools, or outdoor activities, you will find something to love. Each city on this list offers luxury. Each one is also highly desirable. It is one of the wealthiest places to live in the state.
If you want to hear about the Most Conservative Cities in California, you can read our post.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
