What is the Richest City in the World?

Our first richest city in the world is Shanghai, one of the four municipalities of China. It is one of the most populated cities in the world with around 29.2 million people living there in 2023. Shanghai is one of the world’s major centers for finance, business, science, technology, transportation, and tourism, and has the world’s busiest container port.

–GDP: $663.87

RELATED: Did You Know These 12 Richest Towns in America?

Also known as the Golden Gate City, San Francisco is next on our list. Featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and many other sights, San Francisco is a large tourist attraction and home to thousands of residents. Along with housing, San Francisco is a commercial, financial, and cultural center in Northern California.

–GDP: $668.67

Osaka is one of three major cities in Japan and ranks eighth on our list. The city is a major financial center and is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in Japan, with companies like Panasonic and Sharp based there. An international center for research, Osaka is home to several prominent universities like Osaka University, Osaka Metropolitan University, and Kansai University.

–GDP: $699.47

CHECK OUT: 12 Oldest Churches in the World

Also known as the most populous city in the Midwestern United States, Chicago is an international hub for finance, culture, industry, education, and transportation. Often a hub for travelers, the O’Hare International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, and the region also lays claim to the nation’s railroad hub. With a diverse economy, it’s no wonder that Chicago is one of the richest cities in the world.

–GDP: $764.58

ALSO READ: What Is the Oldest Castle in the World?

You may recognize our next richest city in the world from its stunning architecture. Paris is the capital of France and has been one of the world’s centers for diplomacy, commerce, culture, and fashion since the 17th century. Similar to Chicago, Paris is a major railway and air transport hub with two international airports, but it also prides itself in sustainability, receiving the Sustainable Transport Award twice.

–GDP: $904.52

Also known as the capital of South Korea, Seoul is the country’s biggest urban center with nearly 10 million residents. If you are interested in Fortune Global 500 companies there are plenty within the Seoul Capital Area, including Samsung, LG, and Hyundai. Along with industry giants, Seoul is also home to technology hubs like Gangnam and Digital Media City, making this city a place of innovation and technology.

–GDP: $926.79

CHECK OUT: 12 Weird History Facts You Weren’t Taught in School

Traveling back to Europe, our next richest city in the world is in the United Kingdom. London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom and has the largest metropolitan area in Western Europe. London has a large influence on art, entertainment, fashion, health care, science, and tourism, making it a global city. Along with culture, London is home to several prestigious academic institutions, including the Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, and the University College London.

–GDP: $978.40

READ MORE: 12 Forgotten Historical Figures We’re Revisiting

Of course, we couldn’t have the richest cities in the world list without including Los Angeles. Referred to colloquially as L.A., it is the most populous city in California. While San Francisco was the commercial and cultural center of Northern California, Los Angeles holds the same title for Southern California. Even though Los Angeles has a diverse economy with several industries, its most well-known is the Hollywood film industry which pulls in an insane amount of revenue.

–GDP: $1124.68 million

The Big Apple sits at number two on our list, and can also include the areas of Newark and Jersey City. New York City, or NYC, is the most populous city in the United States and has one of the world’s largest natural harbors. Similar to the other cities, NYC is a global center of finance, commerce, academics, and diplomacy. Home to Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, NYC is known for being the premier financial and fintech center.

–GDP: $1992.77 million

CHECK OUT: What is the Most Expensive Dinner in the World?

Rounding out our list and earning the title of richest city in the world is Tokyo, also known as the Tokyo Metropolis, located in Japan. Tokyo serves as Japan’s economic center with both the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan calling the city home. Tokyo is a leading financial hub even after the Lost Decades holding one of the world’s largest stock exchanges, and has been recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities.

–GDP: $2055.69 million

READ NEXT: 12 Expensive and Rare Teas of the World