13 Of The Most Expensive Zip Codes In 2026 To Live In

Real estate prices vary drastically across the United States, and there are certain enclaves that are reserved for those with an excessive amount of cash. From coast to coast, some zip codes have surpassed the average home price by miles. Although some states have pricier neighborhoods than others, there are also some major surprises on the list of the top 13 most expensive zip codes in the country. Some of these areas may be familiar, while others might not be places you would expect to see on a list like this.

Even if you're not able to buy in one of these ritzy neighborhoods, it's still fascinating to explore why and how they ended up among the most expensive in the country. The first 10 zip codes are based on listing prices, while the last three "bonus" zip codes are the top three most expensive for rentals. Together, they show just how high real estate prices can reach across the United States.

Taking the number one spot on the list is the 92657 zip code of Newport Coast in Newport Beach, California. The median listing price is an eye-watering $12,500,000, making it a tough price to beat. Although not every home on the Newport Coast is this expensive, there are enough multi-million-dollar properties to boost the median up to this shocking number. According to the Los Angeles Times, the most expensive home sold in Orange County as of 2020 was located in Newport Coast, selling for a whopping $61 million. That sale alone gives you an idea of just how high prices can go in this part of coastal Orange County, although the median listing price shows that the market is not dependent on just one ultra-expensive property.

There are a few reasons why Newport Coast and Newport Beach as a whole have some of the most expensive real estate in the area, and frankly, the entire U.S. Although Northern California used to have the monopoly on multi-million-dollar mansions, coastal Orange County homes have skyrocketed in recent years. One of the biggest driving factors is that people from LA moved down to Orange County for a calmer life with more space during COVID, and later out of necessity from the Palisades fires. They brought their pocketbooks and quickly drove up prices in the area, making it more coveted than ever before. 

On the opposite side of the U.S., a neighborhood in Miami Beach takes second place. The median listing price on Fisher Island, zip code 33109, hit $11,980,000 this year. Although it's a few hundred thousand less than Newport Coast, it's certainly still impressive. It's actually a private island, which makes the high price tag more understandable. The entire island is 216 acres and sits on the stunning Biscayne Bay. It has resort-like amenities, attracting a luxury-driven crowd. Between the privacy and the waterfront setting, Fisher Island offers the kind of lifestyle that naturally attracts buyers who are willing to pay a premium to live there.

The price of the homes is actually only a small fraction of what residents pay to live on Fisher Island. The HOA fees are staggering, and amenities cost even more. There were only 830 residents as of 2023, and the average resident's income is upwards of $2.5 million annually. Although not every home is over $10 million, an entry-level condo will run you a cool $2 million to $5 million, with average HOA fees of $23,470 per year. That means the cost of living on Fisher Island goes far beyond the purchase price of the property itself. For residents, the exclusivity and resort-like lifestyle come with significant ongoing costs, helping explain why this private island continues to rank among the country's most expensive places to live.

There are countless stunning multimillion-dollar homes in the LA area. 90210 has been synonymous with luxury for decades. Beverly Hills has maintained its status as exclusive and elite, even with the rise of other pricey neighborhoods. With a median price of $10,495,000, it clearly hasn't lost its appeal. You can even take a peek inside Rihanna's Beverly Hills mansion to understand the level of luxury. Most of the real estate never even reaches the public MLS, as many private buyers are already waiting in the wings. That combination of an internationally recognized name, limited inventory, and wealthy buyers helps keep Beverly Hills firmly positioned among the most expensive real estate markets in the country.

There are a few reasons why buyers continuously invest in Beverly Hills. Foreign investors are the primary target for the area, representing 18% of all deals. Because of the international appeal, the U.S. market doesn't affect the overall value as significantly. Beverly Hills also has its own city infrastructure separate from LA. As an independent municipality, that enhances its demand. The land itself cannot be built outward, as it is finite. This also helps maintain the value of each lot. With the finite land and the height limit on buildings, there is no such thing as expansion in Beverly Hills, and that's why these properties rarely go down in price. The combination of finite land, limited expansion, and international demand continues to make these properties highly coveted.

Back on the East Coast, Bridgehampton has only been increasing in value. The median listing price is $8,800,000, and it is showing no signs of slowing down. This last year has seen a major surge in buyer demand in the Hamptons enclave of eastern Long Island. Bridgehampton has long been associated with luxury, but the continued increase in demand has helped push prices even higher. It remains one of the most recognizable destinations for wealthy buyers looking for a summer home, an investment property, or a place to spend time away from the city.

In addition to the ultra-luxury homes that keep the median so high, less expensive properties between $1 million and $5 million have been selling like hotcakes. Business Insider suggests that luxury real estate is seen as a more stable asset in times of economic uncertainty. Stocks have been iffy, which has made property even more appealing. That helps explain why buyers are still looking at the Hamptons even when other investments feel less certain. The ultra-wealthy have been coming to the Hamptons for over a century, and it isn't changing any time soon. 

Another well-known Los Angeles enclave, Bel Air has been the home to countless celebrities, movie stars, and industry icons. The median listing price sits just under $8 million, at $7,947,000, but this is far from the most expensive price point in the area. For example, here's what a $139 million Bel Air mansion looks like. This affluent hilltop neighborhood hovers just over Los Angeles, but feels tucked away and ultra-exclusive. It's for those who desire complete privacy in the center of the city. That combination of being close to everything while still feeling secluded has long been one of Bel Air's biggest appeals. For wealthy buyers, it offers a level of privacy that can be difficult to find in such a major city.

As of the time of writing, there is currently a home in Bel Air for sale for $400 million, aiming to surpass the most expensive home sale in the entire history of the United States. In fact, it seeks to almost double it. It is currently owned by an oil tycoon from Qatar, echoing the foreign interest that keeps these luxury markets in LA afloat and only growing. While a $400 million asking price is obviously far above the median listing price, it illustrates the enormous range found in Bel Air. The neighborhood continues to attract buyers who are looking for privacy, prestige, and some of the most extravagant real estate in Los Angeles.

Located in the town of Southampton, Water Mill might seem like a low-key enclave — that is, until you look at the historic mansions and jaw-dropping prices. Named after the first-ever water mill, which was built in 1644, the tranquil town houses countless multi-millionaires each summer. The median listing price is $6,995,000. That number alone puts Water Mill firmly in the conversation when it comes to the most expensive places to live, but the area's history and increasingly upscale amenities make it even more interesting. It has the quiet atmosphere buyers expect from the Hamptons, while still attracting increasingly large investments.

Two of Water Mill's most important business spots sold for $39 million, a signal of the fast growth of the area that was previously farmland. It used to be more low-key than Bridgehampton or Sag Harbor, but it's now been put on the map by its growing appeal. Major amenities are making their way in, and buyers are aware of its changing landscape. It might seem absurd to get in "early" when the median price is already $6,995,000, but there is no ceiling. As more amenities arrive and more buyers become aware of the area, Water Mill could continue to become even more desirable. 

Another California zip code appears on the list. The Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara has long been a celebrity escape (see: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle). The Spanish-style mansions hovering above the sea are picturesque, so it's no surprise that the area commands such high prices. A median listing price of $6,495,000 shows the area's desirability, in spite of its quiet surroundings. Montecito manages to offer something that many wealthy buyers are looking for: privacy and beautiful surroundings, without feeling completely removed from nearby amenities and the rest of the Santa Barbara area.

The typical Montecito buyer usually has the pocketbook to make an all-cash offer. Loans are rare, and the prime properties are extremely competitive. Buyers are looking for ocean views and privacy, yet still close enough to nearby amenities. This very narrow want-list results in specific properties having a sky-high price, driving up the median. When buyers are looking for a very particular combination of views, privacy, location, and luxury, there are only so many properties that can meet those expectations. For those who can afford it, Montecito offers a secluded, celebrity-friendly coastal lifestyle.

Rancho Santa Fe is located in San Diego County. It might not be as well-known as other California zip codes like 90210, but the median listing price of $5,995,000 proves that homes in the area are valued very highly. It's largely residential, with the zip code feeling more like an exclusive, members-only club. The area has a quieter reputation than some of the better-known luxury enclaves in California, but that does not mean the real estate is any less expensive. Instead, the residential character and exclusivity are a major part of the appeal for buyers who want privacy and space.

The real estate market in the Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood changes drastically based on the specific enclave. This makes it difficult to generalize about the entire market, because the value of a property can depend heavily on where exactly it is located. Although the sales are slower on ultra-luxury properties worth tens of millions, any home around or below $5 million is extremely desirable. That creates an interesting divide in the market: The very highest-priced homes can take longer to sell, while properties closer to the median remain highly sought-after. For buyers looking for a California luxury market that feels more private and residential, Rancho Santa Fe continues to stand out.

Back in Newport Beach, a second zip code also made the list. 92663 has a median listing price of $5,995,000. Newport Beach isn't just expensive to buy — it's also super expensive to rent. The average monthly rent is $9,250. That means the cost of living in this part of Newport Beach can add up quickly, whether you are buying a property or simply trying to rent one. The combination of high home prices and high rents shows just how strong demand remains for living in this coastal Southern California community.

If you're wondering why Newport Beach is so desirable for big spenders, it's all about the lifestyle. The LA weather, but with a cleaner, more relaxed atmosphere right on the beach is paradise for many. Beachfront properties also drive up prices, as there is only so much coastline to sell. Plus, the more cash buyers there are, the less the mortgage rates bring down the market. Buyers who can purchase without relying heavily on financing are less affected by changing mortgage rates, which can help keep prices elevated. Add in the limited amount of beachfront property and the appeal of the Newport Beach lifestyle, and it becomes easier to understand why demand remains so strong. If you want to take design inspiration from this luxe destination at a fraction of the price, check out the ultimate guide to beach house decor.

One neighborhood in Arizona squeezed its way onto the list of most expensive zip codes. 85253 in Paradise Valley has a median listing price of $5,500,000. In fact, the most expensive home for sale in Arizona is in Paradise Valley. The neighborhood is close in proximity to Phoenix, with a more upscale, spread-out feel. The surrounding mountains make it striking when it comes to scenery, and it has a low-density housing approach. Compared with the dense feel of a major city, Paradise Valley offers buyers more space and a quieter environment while still being close to Phoenix. That combination gives the neighborhood a distinctive appeal among luxury buyers.

The price is high due to a few factors. Gated communities are common, and each home often sits on an acre or more lot. Therefore, land value, space, and a sense of exclusivity all contribute to the high prices. Zoning laws prohibit commercial development, keeping the peace and helping preserve the residential character of the area. Home prices were already rising in the 1970s and have continued to climb until today. Paradise Valley has developed into one of the country's most expensive residential markets. It may not have the same name recognition as Beverly Hills or Newport Beach, but the prices prove that it belongs in the conversation.

For the most expensive places to rent in the U.S., there are three zip codes that take the cake. The first is 11976 in Water Mill, NY, which you'll remember from above as one of the most expensive zip codes to buy a home. No other rental market compares to this whopping $95,833 per month average rental price. This growing Hamptons summer destination is incredibly sought-after during the warmer months, and the summer rental prices are a major reason why the average is so high.

Although $95,833 per month might seem excessive, there are actually rentals that can go for several million dollars in the summertime. One of the most exclusive properties in the area was $1.25 million just for the month of July. Also, landlords might not make as much in the winter, but just a few summer months can be more than enough to sustain the home through the rest of the year. For full-timers, they can make a pretty penny by leaving their Hamptons mansion in the summer and staying elsewhere, especially in the newly exclusive area of Water Mill. If these rentals are out of your budget, but you want to curate a Hamptons-inspired vacation, check out these gorgeous beach houses you can rent on Airbnb.

The other most expensive zip code for rentals is 11963 in Sag Harbor, New York. The average rental price is $41,809 per month. Although it is less than half of Water Mill, this is still an almost unbelievable price to pay monthly for rent. At that level, even a relatively short stay can represent a major expense, which shows just how expensive the Hamptons rental market has become. Sag Harbor remains one of the area's most recognizable destinations, and its long-standing reputation among the rich and famous continues to support strong demand for rental properties.

Unlike Water Mill, which is a newly sought-after destination, Sag Harbor has been a staple for the rich and famous for many years. An article by Realtor.com deduced that owners of Sag Harbor homes could make 50% of the entire mortgage in just one summer. The nightly rent in summer a couple of years ago was $1,082. This isn't a market to flip — it's a market to buy, hold, and then rake in the cash. The appeal is not necessarily in making a quick profit by selling the property, but in owning a home in a desirable location and taking advantage of the enormous demand for summer rentals. For owners who can wait, the seasonal income can make a significant difference.

Last but not least, it's another Long Island zip code. 11937 in East Hampton, NY, has a median rental price of $40,745 per month, once again solidifying the Hamptons as one of the most expensive areas in the entire country. The rental prices have only increased every year. Even though East Hampton comes in below Water Mill and Sag Harbor on this list, an average monthly rental price of more than $40,000 is still an extraordinary figure.

There are different rules for rentals that operate less than 120 days per year, again making summer rentals even more desirable for Hamptons homeowners. Furnished properties also drive this number up. Although maintenance and upkeep can be pricey on these homes, the massive seasonal return can still be worth it. For homeowners, the costs of maintaining a luxury property may be significant, but the ability to charge premium rental prices during the summer can make the investment worthwhile.