What is the story about?
Global wealth has been expanding steadily, but it is far from evenly distributed. Around 55 million people worldwide now possess assets worth more than
one million dollars, and a large share of them are clustered in a small number of major cities. According to recent findings from JB.com, these urban cities attract the wealthy not only for business but also for the lifestyle advantages they offer—from luxury housing and fine dining to cultural influence and global connectivity. Across continents, these cities reveal where financial power and privilege tend to gather.
Paris
Paris continues to embody wealth wrapped in tradition. The city boasts an exceedingly extreme concentration of rich people, where the number of millionaires per 100,000 people is approximately 7,300 and that of billionaires per million is around 10. It is a place where luxury is incorporated into everyday life, and it is evident in its Michelin-starred restaurants, luxurious hotels, designer shopping districts, and grand casinos. To those who are attracted to culture, elegance, and heritage, Paris still remains the first choice.
Melbourne
Melbourne’s climb among the wealthy has been more of a steady walk than a sudden leap. The city is the residence of almost 94,000 millionaires, which is equivalent to about 1,800 millionaires per 100,000 residents, and in addition, there is an increasing number of billionaires. The presence of upscale hotels, luxury retail, arts, and sports is what makes the city a low-key but still glamorous one.
Zurich
Zurich stands out globally for how concentrated its wealth is. Almost 20 per cent of its population qualifies as millionaires, giving it close to 17,700 millionaires per 100,000 residents. Despite its relatively small size, the city also hosts a notable number of billionaires. Long known for banking and financial stability, Zurich attracts the ultra-wealthy through privacy, efficiency, and discreet luxury rather than spectacle.
Miami
Miami has turned into a billionaire magnet and is now ranked as one of the cities with the highest number of billionaires globally. Its environment is characterised by waterfront mansions, expensive dining, luxury resorts, and casinos. Miami thus provides rich people with a perfect blend of status and leisure in a friendly setting which is marked by sunshine all year and a relaxed social scene.
Milan
Milan’s rise to riches is a direct result of its leadership in fashion, design, and business sectors. With more than 8,000 millionaires per 100,000 residents and a consistent number of billionaires, the city becomes a place where those who consider success as something to be shown feel at home. Luxury boutiques, gourmet food, and a strong cultural heritage are some of the factors that make Milan attractive to those who value style with success.
New York City
No city rivals New York in sheer numbers. With approximately 384,000 millionaires and one of the largest billionaire populations on the planet, it remains the world’s leading wealth centre. From Wall Street to Manhattan’s luxury neighbourhoods, New York offers influence, opportunity, and prestige at a scale few places can replicate.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a different version of luxury — one built around space and discretion. Around one in every 18 residents is a millionaire, and the city continues to attract billionaires from entertainment, technology, and global business. Wealth here is often hidden behind gates and private hills, favouring exclusivity over visibility.
Singapore
Singapore has secured its place among the world’s richest cities. With a vast millionaire population, a strong base of billionaires, and world-class hospitality, it combines financial strength with modern comfort. Efficient governance, global connectivity, and high living standards continue to draw international wealth.
Seoul
Seoul is rapidly emerging as a centre of modern wealth. The city now hosts tens of thousands of millionaires and an expanding billionaire group. Known for cutting-edge fashion, premium shopping districts, and a vibrant dining scene, Seoul reflects the rise of a younger, globally connected wealthy class.
