When most people hear the name Elon Musk, they think of Tesla, SpaceX, Mars colonization, or even electric pickup trucks and underground tunnels. But beyond the spotlight and tech wizardry, one question continues to fascinate many: Where does Elon Musk live? Given his net worth, you might expect sprawling estates and palatial mansions. However, the reality is far more curious, minimalist, and, frankly, a bit eccentric.
This article takes you deep into Musk’s residential journey — from multimillion-dollar properties in Bel-Air to a tiny prefabricated home near SpaceX headquarters — and explores how the billionaire’s living situation reflects his philosophies about wealth, innovation, and simplicity.
Elon Musk’s Real Estate Journey: From Mansions to Minimalism
To understand where does Elon Musk live, it’s worth starting with his earlier real estate investments. Like many Silicon Valley elites, Musk once owned several high-profile properties in California — especially in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air, Los Angeles. At one point, he owned six mansions there, collectively worth over $70 million.
The Bel-Air Era
Here’s a quick look at Musk’s notable properties in Bel-Air:
- The Gene Wilder Estate: Perhaps the most talked-about purchase was the former home of legendary actor Gene Wilder. Musk reportedly bought it to preserve the unique character of the property and even turned it into a private school for his children and some others.
- Modern Hilltop Mansions: Musk also owned a sleek modern estate with a two-story library, a home theater, wine cellar, and even a motor court for several cars — befitting a billionaire CEO.
But by 2020, something unusual happened: Musk tweeted that he was selling almost all physical possessions and will own no house. And he wasn’t joking.
Why Did Elon Musk Sell All His Homes?
In May 2020, Musk made headlines when he tweeted:
“I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house.”
While many initially thought this was a publicity stunt or a phase, Musk followed through. He began listing his Bel-Air properties for sale and eventually offloaded all of them.
Why would someone worth billions choose to sell luxurious real estate? There are several reasons Musk himself and others have floated:
- Focus on Mission: Musk claimed that owning houses was a distraction and he wanted to devote all his energy to missions like colonizing Mars.
- Criticism Over Wealth: As conversations around income inequality and billionaire wealth grew louder, Musk’s extravagant lifestyle came under scrutiny. Downsizing may have been his way of deflecting criticism.
- Personal Philosophy: Musk has repeatedly emphasized efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Lavish homes didn’t align with his growing preference for minimalism.
Elon Musk’s Current Home: A $50,000 Boxabl Tiny House
So, where does Elon Musk live now?
In true Musk fashion, his current living situation is anything but conventional. According to various reports — and Musk himself — he lives in a compact, foldable Boxabl Casita, a 375-square-foot modular home, near SpaceX headquarters in Boca Chica, Texas (now referred to as Starbase).
What is Boxabl?
Boxabl is a startup that creates ultra-affordable, energy-efficient modular homes that can be assembled in just a day. These homes are designed to address housing affordability issues and are made of durable materials, optimized for insulation, and resistant to mold and pests.
The Casita model that Musk reportedly lives in includes a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and a bedroom — all compacted into a single room with sliding glass doors and high ceilings. While the house costs about $50,000, it aligns perfectly with Musk’s minimalist turn.
He confirmed in an interview that this tiny home is rented from SpaceX and located on-site to keep him close to operations. Although he also owns a property in the Bay Area for occasional use, the Boxabl is his primary residence.
Elon Musk and Texas: Why the Move Made Sense
Musk’s decision to shift from California to Texas wasn’t just personal; it was also strategic.
- Taxes: Texas has no state income tax, unlike California, which has one of the highest in the country. For a billionaire, that’s no small consideration.
- SpaceX and Starbase: Much of SpaceX’s cutting-edge work is now based in Texas. By living close to the action, Musk stays involved and hands-on.
- Tesla Gigafactory Texas: Another significant reason was the construction of Tesla’s Gigafactory near Austin. Musk’s presence in the state aligns with Tesla’s growing Texas footprint.
Life Inside a Billionaire’s Box
Though living in a small prefab home sounds humble, don’t be fooled — Musk’s lifestyle still includes private jets, expensive gadgets, and access to anything money can buy. But he chooses not to flaunt it through property. This lifestyle aligns with a broader trend among ultra-wealthy individuals seeking simplicity or alternative living — whether for climate reasons, public perception, or genuine personal belief.
Does Elon Musk Still Own Any Homes?
As of late 2023, public records indicate Musk no longer owns residential properties in California. However, he does still hold onto some private properties, including land in Texas and possibly undeclared real estate in other locations. But nothing as high-profile or extravagant as before.
He has also been linked to a $78 million mansion in Austin, which was reportedly built by a Musk associate and possibly used for entertaining guests and business purposes. Musk, however, denies living there full-time.
The Message Behind Musk’s Minimalism
Musk’s decision to give up his lavish homes and embrace a tiny home lifestyle isn’t just an eccentric choice — it’s a signal. A message that:
- You don’t need luxury to build something extraordinary
- Personal comfort can take a backseat to global missions
- Wealth doesn’t always equal extravagance
For someone constantly talking about sustainable futures and multi-planetary life, the Boxabl lifestyle fits like a well-engineered puzzle piece.
Final Thoughts
To recap: Where does Elon Musk live? Currently, in a minimalist, foldable house in Starbase, Texas — right next to where rockets are built and launched. From multi-million-dollar mansions to a prefab box, his housing story is an evolution that mirrors his broader ambitions — less about personal luxury and more about legacy.
Musk’s real estate choices are another reminder that not all billionaires follow the same script. In fact, some tear it up, fold it into a tiny cube, and call it home.
If you’ve been inspired by Musk’s real estate downsizing or are simply looking to move fast — perhaps from a bigger house into something smaller or vice versa — working with professionals who can close deals quickly is key. That’s why many sellers turn to cash home buyers in El Paso when they need a fast, reliable sale without the hassle of traditional listings. Whether you’re scaling down like Musk or upgrading your lifestyle, speed and simplicity can make all the difference
Call us anytime at 713-561-5162 or connect with us on our website and we’ll lay out all of your options for your specific situation.