You’ve probably seen the headlines. The world’s richest man, a guy with a net worth that fluctuates by the billions every time he posts a meme, supposedly lives in a tiny, foldable box. It makes for a great story. The eccentric billionaire who sold all his worldly possessions to live in a $50,000 prefab house at the edge of a rocket launch site.
But honestly? It’s only about half true.
The reality of where elon musk live is a weird mix of billionaire pragmatism, a chaotic family life, and a genuine obsession with proximity to his work. If you're looking for a simple address, you won't find one. He basically bounces between a minimalist shack in South Texas and a sprawling, secretive compound in Austin. It’s not just about "living" somewhere; it's about a strategic lifestyle designed to maximize his time on Earth—and eventually, Mars.
The Boca Chica "Box" vs. The Reality
Let's clear up the biggest myth first. For a long time, the internet was convinced Musk lived in a Boxabl Casita. You know the one—the 400-square-foot modular home that unfolds like a piece of IKEA furniture.
While he definitely owns one (he uses it as a guest house), he eventually clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that his primary residence in Boca Chica is actually a different "tiny house." It’s a basic, three-bedroom ranch-style home that he rents from SpaceX. It’s located in a sleepy coastal spot called Boca Chica Village, right down the road from the Starbase facility.
He likes it because it’s efficient. No commute. Just rockets.
People often ask why someone with hundreds of billions would choose a house that costs less than a Tesla Model S. It’s not just a PR stunt. Musk has been vocal about his desire to "own no house" to prove his commitment to the mission. By 2022, he had sold off his massive real estate portfolio in California, including the famous Gene Wilder estate.
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Living in a $50,000 house in the middle of a Texas marshland is his way of staying "hardcore."
The Secret Austin Compound
While the tiny house gets all the clicks, the real action shifted to Austin in late 2024 and 2025. You can't run Tesla, Boring Company, and xAI from a 400-square-foot room forever, especially when you have a family that is, frankly, getting quite large.
Recent reports, including a deep dive by the New York Times, revealed that Musk has been quietly assembling a $35 million compound in a wealthy Austin neighborhood. We aren't talking about one giant Mega-Mansion. Instead, it’s a cluster of at least three properties.
One of them is a massive, 14,400-square-foot Tuscan-style villa. Directly behind it sits another six-bedroom home.
The goal? A "collective" living arrangement.
Musk has fathered at least 14 children as of early 2026. He reportedly wanted his younger children and their mothers—including Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis and musician Grimes—to live in adjoining properties. This would allow the kids to be a part of each other's lives while he manages his insanely packed schedule.
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Shivon Zilis and her children have reportedly moved into the compound. Grimes, however, has been involved in a complex custody battle and hasn't exactly signed up for the "communal living" dream just yet.
A Breakdown of the Austin Setup
- The Tuscan Villa: The anchor of the compound, used for hosting and primary family space.
- The "Back" House: A separate, large residence for the mothers of his children and the kids themselves.
- The Tesla Factory Commute: Located just about 15-20 minutes from Giga Texas.
- Security: This isn't your average gated community. The security presence is massive, often described by neighbors as "intense."
Why He Left California
You can't talk about where elon musk live without mentioning why he bailed on the West Coast. It was a messy breakup.
California was his home for decades. But the combination of high taxes, what he calls the "woke mind virus," and over-regulation during the pandemic pushed him over the edge. In 2021, he officially moved Tesla’s headquarters to Austin.
Texas offers something California couldn't: space and freedom. In the Rio Grande Valley, he basically built his own city (Starbase). In Austin, he has a business-friendly environment that lets him build factories at light speed.
Also, no state income tax. That’s a pretty big deal when you’re the world’s wealthiest person.
The Future: The Tesla Tiny House?
Interestingly, Musk’s personal housing choices are starting to bleed into his business. By 2026, rumors and early "leaks" about a "Tesla Tiny House" have started to circulate.
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It’s a concept that takes the prefab Boxabl idea and adds the Tesla ecosystem—Powerwalls, solar roofs, and hyper-efficient HVAC. Whether he actually moves into one of these himself is TBD, but he’s clearly obsessed with the idea of "living small" to think big.
Actionable Insights: What This Means for You
If you’re fascinated by Musk’s living situation, there are actually a few practical takeaways you can apply to your own life—even if you don't have a SpaceX budget.
Prioritize Proximity over Prestige
Musk lives in a "crappy" house because it's 5 minutes from his work. He values his time more than his ZIP code. If you’re choosing between a long commute to a "nice" neighborhood or a shorter commute to a "modest" one, consider the value of those extra 10 hours a week.
Minimalism is a Tool, Not just a Trend
By selling his California mansions, Musk removed the "cognitive load" of managing property. You don't have to sell everything, but decluttering your physical space often declutters your mental space.
Communal Living is Making a Comeback
The Austin compound is basically a high-tech version of a multi-generational home. As housing costs rise, more people are looking at "clustered" living with family or friends as a way to share resources and childcare.
Invest in Energy Independence
Regardless of which house he’s in, Musk uses Starlink and Tesla Solar. Moving toward an "off-grid" or "grid-adjacent" setup is becoming more accessible for regular homeowners, providing a level of security that traditional houses lack.
Musk’s living situation will probably change again by next year. He’s a guy who lives on a plane (his Gulfstream G650ER) as much as he lives in a house. But for now, if you're looking for him, check the launch pads in Boca Chica or the quiet, high-security cul-de-sacs of Austin. Just don't expect him to be sitting on the porch. He’s probably working.