The Richest City on Earth . According to the 2025 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners, New York City continues to reign as the richest city on the planet. With a staggering 384,500 millionaires, 818 centi-millionaires (those with more than $100 million in investable assets), and 66 billionaires, the city has not only held its top spot but also widened the gap with other global financial hubs.
Despite rising concerns over public safety, a higher cost of living, and ongoing debates about quality of life, the Big Apple remains an unrivaled magnet for wealth. Over the last decade, New York has seen an incredible 45% growth in its millionaire population, highlighting the city’s unmatched ability to attract and retain high-net-worth individuals. From Wall Street power players to tech moguls and entertainment elites, NYC continues to offer the opportunities, prestige, and connectivity that the world’s wealthy seek.
This enduring dominance is built on a combination of legacy financial infrastructure and a dynamic, diverse economy. As the home of the New York Stock Exchange and countless multinational corporations, the city remains a core pillar of global finance. Additionally, its appeal extends beyond banking and investment. New York’s booming sectors—real estate, healthcare, media, fashion, and technology—offer fertile ground for fortune-building across industries.
Furthermore, New York’s world-class cultural scene, elite educational institutions, and luxury real estate market make it a highly desirable place not just to do business, but to live and invest. From Fifth Avenue to the Hamptons, ultra-wealthy individuals continue to buy, build, and grow their financial legacies within the city’s ever-evolving landscape.
Critics argue that income inequality and affordability continue to pose serious challenges for everyday New Yorkers, and that growing wealth concentration could exacerbate social divides. Nonetheless, for now, the magnetic pull of NYC’s economy shows no signs of weakening.
As other global cities like London, Tokyo, and Singapore vie for position, New York City remains a symbol of unmatched financial strength and opportunity. In a changing world, one thing remains constant—New York is still the city where fortunes are made, and where the global elite continue to plant their flag.The Richest City on Earth
