For the fourth consecutive year, New York City retains its crown as the city with the highest number of billionaires in the world, according to Forbes‘ 2025 report. With a growing number of ultra-wealthy individuals and significant changes in the global financial landscape, this annual ranking highlights the cities where billionaires choose to live — and where wealth is increasingly concentrated.
New York Stays on Top
With 123 billionaires, New York solidifies its position at the top, adding 13 more billionaires than in 2024. The combined net worth of these residents stands at an astonishing $759 billion. At the helm of this elite group is Michael Bloomberg, the American businessman and former mayor, whose fortune is now estimated at $105 billion.
The United States continues to dominate the global billionaire landscape, with eight of the world’s top ten richest individuals residing in the country. Leading the global list is Elon Musk, once again the wealthiest person on Earth, adding to the prestige of U.S. cities as havens for immense personal wealth.
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Moscow Surges Ahead
Moscow climbs to second place, overtaking Hong Kong after both cities shared the spot last year. Russia’s capital now counts 90 billionaires, marking a jump of 16 individuals compared to 2024. Their combined wealth is valued at $409 billion, led by oil tycoon Vagit Alekperov, whose personal fortune reaches $28.7 billion.
This shift marks Moscow’s resurgence on the global financial stage, as Russian billionaires consolidate their influence in domestic industries, particularly energy and mining.
Hong Kong Slips to Third
Hong Kong now ranks third, with 72 billionaires, two fewer than in 2024. Despite this minor decline, the city still commands a collective net worth of $309 billion. The city’s richest resident remains Li Ka-shing, a 96-year-old business magnate with $38.9 billion to his name.
While Hong Kong continues to be a major financial hub, regional competition and political changes may be influencing the movement of capital and billionaire residency.
Rising Cities and Emerging Wealth Hubs
London Gains Ground
London moves up two spots to sixth place, boasting 71 billionaires, five more than the previous year. As the UK’s financial and cultural capital, London continues to attract wealth despite Brexit-era uncertainties and shifts in taxation.
Beijing Holds Firm
Despite increasing its billionaire population to 68, Beijing remains in fifth place. China’s capital continues to grow economically, though it faces strong competition from other global cities and increased regulatory scrutiny.
Mumbai and Singapore Hold Steady
Mumbai, with 67 billionaires, and Singapore, with 60, reflect Asia’s growing influence in the global wealth ecosystem. Both cities are favored for their dynamic business environments and investor-friendly policies.
The Bottom of the Top 10: Still Billionaire Heavyweights
The final three spots in Forbes’ top 10 are occupied by:
- Shanghai (China)—58 billionaires
- San Francisco (USA) – 58 billionaires
- Los Angeles (USA) – 56 billionaires
Despite being at the lower end of the top 10, these cities still host some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities and entrepreneurs. Los Angeles, in particular, is home to entertainment moguls like Rihanna ($1.4B), LeBron James ($1.3B), and Arnold Schwarzenegger ($1.1B).
What the Billionaire Distribution Reveals
This 2025 ranking by Forbes showcases how global cities are adapting and evolving in the face of economic shifts, technological innovation, and geopolitical changes. While traditional finance centers like New York and London maintain their stronghold, emerging markets are making gains.
The presence of billionaires not only reflects personal wealth but also a city’s investment climate, infrastructure, legal frameworks, and cultural appeal — all essential factors that determine where the world’s wealthiest feel at home.
As billionaires increasingly look for political stability, tax advantages, and innovation-driven environments, the geography of global wealth continues to transform — with these top cities setting the tone for years to come.
This article is originally published on: ouest-france
