11 Richest Cities in California
Go Back To Previous Page1. Atherton
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 reached $7.25 million, making it the most expensive place to purchase a house in California.
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
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. Therefore, although Los Altos Hills was the wealthiest city in California in 2019, it has since been surpassed by Atherton.
For instance, the median home price in Los Altos Hills is approximately $5.3 million, ranking it among the most expensive places in California to purchase 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, Los Altos Hills is an ideal place to live.
3. Woodside
Woodside is the third wealthiest city in California, with a median income of $403,000, 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 known for its excellent public school system, safe neighborhoods, and extremely high cost of living.
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 with a median income of $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
One of the wealthiest cities in California is Orinda, which 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 to enjoy. 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, located along the beautiful shoreline of the Pacific Ocean, boasts stunning landscapes and is one of the wealthiest cities in California. 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. The city is located next to the Santa Cruz Mountains and offers beautiful views and lush nature.
Cupertino is home to Apple Inc., which attracts many tech professionals from Silicon Valley. The town is known for being a welcoming and safe environment for families and provides numerous job opportunities. These attractive features have contributed to Cupertino’s being one of the most expensive places to live in California.
9. Foster City
Near the end of the list, Foster City stands out as one of the wealthiest cities in California. It has a median income of $163,815 and a population of 33,056 residents. 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, making it one of the safest places to live in California compared to other cities.
10. La Habra Heights
La Habra Heights is one of the wealthiest cities in California, with a median income of $163,750 and a population of 5,318. 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 instance, while it is one of the most expensive places to live in the state, residents find excellent value in their investments because of the wide range of activities and amenities 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 the eleven wealthiest cities in California was compiled based on the median income and median home prices for each city in 2023. We analyzed state and federal data to determine the median household income of the wealthiest cities in California.
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’re drawn to the bustling town centers, top-rated schools, or outdoor activities, each city on this list exemplifies the opulence and desirability that make them some of the wealthiest places to live in the state.
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.
