Elon Musk is the world’s wealthiest person, yet he lives in a home most middle-class families would hesitate to buy. His real estate story has taken more twists than any of his rocket launches, and his car collection is equally fascinating — built over decades and shaped by genuine passion rather than a desire for show. In 2026, both his living situation and his garage tell the story of a man who treats every choice as a statement about what he values.
From $100 Million in Mansions to a $50,000 Tiny Home
For years, Musk owned one of the most enviable real estate portfolios in California. At one point, he owned multiple mansions in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, including a $17 million French-style chateau formerly owned by Gene Wilder, and a modern 16,000 sq ft mansion featuring 7 bedrooms, a two-story library, and sweeping canyon views.
That all changed in 2020 when Musk shocked the world with a declaration on social media. He tweeted that he would be selling all his physical possessions and would “own no house,” then immediately listed four stunning mansions in the USA for sale for a total of $137 million. True to his word, <cite index=”8-1″>he began offloading all his Bel Air properties — over $100 million worth — by the end of 2021.
His reason was not financial hardship. He said he wanted fewer distractions and more liquidity to fund his mission to get humans to Mars.
Where Does Elon Musk Live in 2026?
Today, Musk’s primary residence is about as far from a Bel Air mansion as it gets. His main home in 2026 is a 375 sq. ft. Boxabl Casita tiny home in the SpaceX Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. He rents the home from SpaceX for some $50,000 in equivalent value.
The strategic location matters to him more than the size. The home was chosen for proximity to SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas, just miles from rocket testing operations.
However, he is not entirely without a larger footprint. He also owns a family compound in Austin, Texas, for when he wants to be with his children, which includes a 14,400 sq ft Tuscan villa and a six-bedroom mansion, purchased in 2024 for around $35 million.
And there may be something grander on the horizon. In May 2026, reports indicated that Musk is considering a $300 million mega-mansion being built on a 2.3-acre waterfront lot overlooking Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach. This home would feature a 31-car garage, hurricane-resistant construction, and a private dock, though the purchase has not been confirmed yet.
Elon Musk’s Real Estate Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Property / Event | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Purchased Bel Air mansion (Los Angeles) | $17 million |
| 2013 | Bought Gene Wilder’s former Bel Air home | $6.75 million |
| 2020 | Listed all California properties for sale | ~$137 million total |
| 2021 | Sold final California property (Bay Area) | $32 million |
| 2022 | Moved to Boca Chica Boxabl Casita (Texas) | ~$50,000 |
| 2024 | Austin family compound purchased | ~$35 million |
| 2026 | Rumored Miami Beach mega-mansion (unconfirmed) | $300 million |
The Car Collection: A Garage Built on Passion
If Musk’s housing choices reflect a philosophy of minimalism, his car collection tells a very different story. His car collection is as eclectic as his ideas, showcasing his love for the full spectrum of automotive history.
The crown jewel of his past collection was a McLaren F1. In 1999, following the lucrative sale of his initial tech company, Zip2, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing the iconic silver hypercar for $1 million, famously taking delivery on camera with a CNN news crew. The story did not end smoothly. His time enjoying the legendary 618-hp BMW-sourced V12 engine was short-lived following a high-speed stunt in the year 2000 that resulted in a severe, uninsured wreck. He paid for the extensive structural repairs entirely out of pocket before eventually selling the car for a significant profit in 2007.
Beyond the McLaren, his collection has always leaned toward meaning over market value. One of the oldest cars in Musk’s collection is a 1920 Ford Model T reportedly gifted to him by a friend as a symbol of how it changed the automotive industry. He also owns a 1967 Jaguar E-Type roadster. Then there is the wildcard of the collection: the 1976 Lotus Esprit “Wet Nellie,” the car used in the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.
What Elon Musk Drives Daily in 2026
While the vintage cars make headlines, Musk’s daily driving is very much about Tesla. As of late 2025, his primary daily driver is the Tesla Cybertruck (Cyberbeast trim). He has been frequently spotted arriving at Gigafactory Texas and SpaceX facilities in his personal, unpainted stainless-steel truck.
When not in the Cybertruck, Musk alternates between the Tesla Model S Plaid for performance and long-distance business commutes, the Tesla Model X for family outings with his children, and the Tesla Model 3 often used as a low-profile vehicle when traveling with security.
And then there is the car that is literally out of this world. Musk’s most famous Tesla is the original Roadster that SpaceX launched into orbit aboard Falcon Heavy in February 2018. As of 2025, the car is still orbiting the sun, with a mannequin named “Starman” in the driver’s seat. No other billionaire on earth can say their car collection extends beyond the atmosphere.
Musk has also expressed great love for the Porsche 997-generation 911 Turbo he owned, calling it “incredible” and one of his “favourite cars of all time” on a podcast appearance. It was actually his desire to convert his 911 to electric power that directed him towards Tesla while it was still a small startup. In a very real sense, that Porsche sparked an electric revolution.
What His Choices Tell Us About the Man
Elon Musk’s real estate and car choices are not random. They reflect someone who uses possessions as tools, not trophies. He sold over $100 million in mansions and moved into a $50,000 box near a rocket factory — not because he had to, but because he wanted his lifestyle to match his mission. His garage, meanwhile, is a museum of automotive disruption, from the Ford Model T that started mass motoring to a Tesla orbiting the sun.
Whether he ends up in that rumored $300 million Miami mansion or stays in his tiny Texas home, one thing is certain: whatever Elon Musk does next with his real estate or his cars, the world will be paying attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Elon Musk live in 2026?
His primary home is a 375 sq. ft. Boxabl Casita tiny home in Boca Chica, Texas, rented from SpaceX.
What car does Elon Musk drive daily?
He primarily drives the Tesla Cybertruck (Cyberbeast trim) and alternates with the Model S Plaid.
Did Elon Musk really sell all his houses?
Yes, between 2020 and 2021 he sold his entire California real estate portfolio, worth over $100 million.
Does Elon Musk still own a McLaren F1?
No, he sold the McLaren F1 in 2007 after crashing it uninsured and having it repaired, selling it for a profit.