From coast to coast, America’s most expensive ZIP codes share the same DNA: ocean-adjacent settings, luxury homes, and deep-pocketed buyers.
These markets are dominated by multimillion-dollar estates, with a significant share commanding eight-figure prices.
Economists at Realtor.com® recently identified the 10 most expensive ZIP codes in the nation and the salaries needed to live there.
“There’s a combination of forces that push prices into the multimillion-dollar range across these ZIP codes,” says Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com.
“Scarcity and irreplaceable land are at the top of the list. True oceanfront property exists along a narrow strip of coastline near major population centers. The supply of parcels with real waterfront access and unobstructed views is exceptionally limited, which naturally elevates pricing.”
The country’s most expensive ZIP code is 92657, Newport Coast in California. Here, the median listing price is an astounding $11.8 million.
The estimated mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down) is $59,131. The required income using the 30% affordability rule is $2,365,263, according to Realtor.com data.
“Newport Coast consistently commands some of the highest prices in California because it offers a rare combination of privacy, safety, community, and views,” says California real estate agent Cory Weiss, of Douglas Elliman. “Buyers are drawn to the gated neighborhoods, wide streets, and strong sense of security.”
Weiss says his clients love the family-friendly vibe of the area.
“Many of my clients who move to Newport Coast love that their children can safely play in the neighborhood while still enjoying estate-style homes with ocean and canyon views,” says Weiss. “It delivers a true neighborhood feel without sacrificing luxury.”
Expensive ZIP codes attract a certain type of buyer.
“These ZIP codes are magnets for some of the wealthiest buyers in the world, given their proximity to major tech, finance, entertainment, and business hubs,” says Smith. “Ultraluxury domestic and international buyers help sustain demand even when broader market conditions cool.”
Realtor.com economists calculated how much you would need to earn to afford these houses using the “30% rule,” which recommends people spend no more than 30% of their income on a house. However, that’s not really how these markets function in practice, according to Smith.
“At these price tiers, most purchases are either all-cash or involve a smaller loan-to-value ratio than the 20% down assumption used in the 30% rule,” says Smith. “For example, in the most recent month of data for the 93108 ZIP in Santa Barbara, 6 of the 7 sales were all-cash. In markets like these, buying power is driven far more by accumulated wealth than by paycheck income.”
California dominates the list of most expensive ZIP codes, capturing seven of the top 10 spots.
“In California, Proposition 13 keeps property taxes tied to the original purchase price, giving longtime owners a strong incentive not to move,” says Smith.
This “lock-in” effect helps keep inventory unusually low and prices high across the state in areas such as Beverly Hills (90210) and Bel-Air (90077), which both made the list.
“Beverly Hills attracts buyers because it is its own city with dedicated services, and buyers also value the proximity to world-class shopping, dining, and amenities,” says Weiss. “Buyers who choose Bel-Air over Beverly Hills often do so because the properties tend to offer more land, greater privacy, and a quieter, more secluded environment.”
Santa Barbara has two ZIP codes in the top 10: 93108 and 93110—and the areas are distinctly different.
“The 93108 ZIP is defined by its oceanfront estates, historic hillside mansions, and a high level of privacy that draws prominent residents from around the world,” says Smith. “The 93110 ZIP offers its own sweeping coastal and mountain views but with a more spacious, semirural character. It’s a secluded, equestrian-friendly enclave known for large lots, a private beach, and a quiet, residential feel.”
In Santa Barbara, hard caps on new supply keep inventory tight, according to Smith.
“The city has strict height and density limits paired with coastal permitting constraints, making it challenging to add meaningful amounts of new housing at higher price tiers,” he says.
The remaining California ZIP codes are in Rancho Santa Fe (92067) and Malibu (90265).
Even after January wildfires shook the Malibu market, investors are still betting that Malibu’s legendary beachfront will reemerge stronger through rebuilding.
“Malibu continues to be highly desirable despite the impact of wildfires,” says Weiss. “In fact, many brokers and owners believe that as rebuilding begins over the next five to six years, existing homes that were not affected by fires may see increased demand. These properties offer buyers the chance to live in Malibu immediately while new construction works its way through the area’s notoriously strict and time-consuming building regulations, which are among the most challenging in Los Angeles County.”
Florida’s Fisher Island in Miami Beach (33109) ranked second on the list, with a median listing price of $11,650,000.
It’s only minutes from Miami, but is accessible only by private ferry, yacht, or helicopter. Residents enjoy a rare level of privacy without sacrificing accessibility.
“Fisher Island is one of the most private and secure residential communities not just in Florida, but in the entire country,” says Miltiadis Kastanis of Compass in Miami Beach. “What truly sets it apart is that it is completely water-locked. Access is limited to residents and approved guests only, and every arrival passes through multiple layers of security. That level of controlled access creates a sense of privacy that is virtually unmatched anywhere else in South Florida.”
Elena Bluntzer is a real estate agent with One Sotheby’s Realty who specializes in Fisher Island—and even lives there herself.
“Fisher Island is luxury on steroids,” she says. “My clients are successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, with some coming from the Northeast, from New York, others from California, and international. I recently sold to a 26-year-old influencer, so it really is no longer just an older crowd.”
Bluntzer says residents pay a $500,000 upfront membership fee to use the island’s amenities, which is a significant barrier to entry.
“We have two deep-water marinas for megayachts, golf, 17 tennis courts, pickleball courts, a world-class spa, and a private beach,” she explains.
Areas like Fisher Island tend to have a deeper pool of all-cash, high-income, and global buyers,
“which helps support pricing even when mortgage rates are elevated,” says Smith.
According to Kastanis, many families on Fisher Island have owned there for decades, with residents growing up on the island and developing deep relationships with the staff, community, and overall environment.
“That familiarity, paired with extreme privacy and security, creates long-term loyalty and very limited turnover,” he says.
New York has two cities in the top 10: Bridgehampton and Water Mill, both on the South Fork of Long Island.
Both spots are beloved by wealthy New York City residents, who often spend summers and weekends there frolicking near the Atlantic Ocean.
“Bridgehampton and Water Mill sit at the very center of what makes the Hamptons so desirable,” says real estate agent Adam Hofer, of Douglas Elliman in Southampton.
“Both offer large estate parcels, close proximity to ocean beaches, and easy access to top-tier farm stands, equestrian facilities, golf clubs, and fine dining. Buyers are drawn to the balance of luxury and privacy. You can have a true estate setting without feeling isolated, which is a big part of the appeal.”
Hofer says these two areas consistently command some of the highest prices in the Hamptons because demand remains global.
“Many homes trade privately or off-market, particularly at the high end, which further reinforces pricing,” he says. “Properties with acreage, modern new construction, or proximity to the ocean or village centers are especially competitive.”
Owners in ultraluxury coastal enclaves such as the Hamptons tend to be less mobility-driven and far less rate-sensitive, according to Smith.
“Many are high net worth households using these homes as long-term residences or second/third homes, meaning there’s no financial pressure to sell,” he says. “This leads to slower churn and persistently tight inventory.”
ZIP code: 92657
Median listing price: $11,888,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 29%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $59,131
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $2,365,263
ZIP code: 33109
Median listing price: $11,650,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 40%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $57,947
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $2,317,910
ZIP code: 11932
Median listing price: $8,475,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 24%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $42,155
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,686,205
ZIP code: 90210
Median listing price: $7,995,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 26%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $39,767
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,590,703
ZIP code: 90077
Median listing price: $7,995,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 30%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $39,767
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,590,703
ZIP code: 11976
Median listing price: $6,120,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 25%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $30,441
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,217,649
ZIP code: 93108
Median listing price: $6,047,500
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 24%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $30,080
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,203,224
ZIP code: 90265
Median listing price: $5,995,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 26%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $29,819
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,192,778
ZIP code: 93110
Median listing price: $5,995,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 7%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $29,819
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,192,778
ZIP code: 92067
Median listing price: $5,950,000
Percentage of households that have an income over $500,000: 30%
Mortgage payment on a median listing (30-year loan at 6.25% with 20% down): $29,595
Required income using 30% affordability rule: $1,183,825
