Musk dumps his mansion empire

In 2020, Elon Musk announced he was selling almost all his physical possessions and would no longer own a house. He had built a massive California real estate portfolio with multimillion-dollar mansions featuring pools and tennis courts.

“Possessions just weigh you down.”

His reason wasn't about money

Musk said the sales were about dedicating himself to Mars and Earth, not financial gain. He claimed to be couch-surfing at one point while following through on his pledge to own nothing.

Now living near SpaceX in Texas

After moving to Texas in 2020, Musk lived in a tiny home near SpaceX's launch site in Boca Chica. Despite a net worth of 932.2 billion dollars as of September 2026, his living arrangements remain relatively modest.

Expanding to Austin and beyond

Musk has since purchased several properties in the Austin area as his businesses expand. He is also putting down roots elsewhere in the South to support his growing ventures.

Living in an Airstream in Tennessee

In Tennessee, where his artificial intelligence startup xAI is building a data center, Musk is reportedly living in an Airstream trailer. The setup reflects his continued preference for minimal housing despite his enormous wealth.