Billionaires Who Live Simply Despite Their Massive Fortunes

While often associated with luxury, some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, including Warren Buffett and Sergey Brin, live with striking simplicity.

Wealth Without Extravagance: Why Some Billionaires Choose Simplicity

It’s a common assumption that billionaires indulge in luxury, owning private jets, lavish mansions, and designer wardrobes. Yet, several ultra-wealthy individuals across the globe have quietly rejected that narrative, favoring routines that reflect modesty, discipline, and restraint. Their choices suggest that wealth and extravagance are not necessarily intertwined.

Warren Buffett Still Lives in the Same House Since 1958

Warren Buffett, one of the most iconic investors in the world, still resides in the Nebraska home he bought in 1958 for $30,000. Despite a net worth exceeding $73 billion, he maintains a simple lifestyle centered around familiar routines and personal contentment. Rather than upgrading to opulence, Buffett has remained consistent in his surroundings and preferences for decades.

Chuck Feeney Quietly Gave Away His Fortune

Co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers, Chuck Feeney made headlines for giving away the bulk of his $7.5 billion fortune. Retaining only around $2 million, he channeled over $8 billion into global philanthropic projects through his foundation. He preferred to stay out of the spotlight and continued living modestly until his death.

Ingvar Kamprad Practiced Frugality at Every Level

The late Ingvar Kamprad, founder of IKEA, famously led a minimalist life despite the success of his brand. He drove an old Volvo, flew economy class, reused tea bags, and even saved condiment packets from restaurants. His lifestyle choices were deeply aligned with the cost-saving principles that defined IKEA’s business model.

David Cheriton Still Cuts His Own Hair

A professor at Stanford University and early investor in Google, David Cheriton is worth nearly $20 billion. Yet, he continues to live in the same house he’s owned for decades, rides a bicycle around town, and reportedly cuts his own hair. Cheriton has also donated over $50 million to support education and research in computer science.

David Green Avoids Cell Phones and Private Jets

David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, is another example of wealth not translating into extravagance. He reportedly refuses to own a mobile phone, opts for economy class when flying, and prefers a straightforward approach to daily life. At the same time, he has helped fund a $500 million museum project, focusing on long-term impact over luxury.

Carlos Slim Maintains the Same Routine for Decades

With an estimated fortune of $92 billion, Carlos Slim could afford any luxury. Yet, he still drives himself, lives in the same Mexico City home he’s owned for over 40 years, and doesn’t own a private jet or a yacht. His approach reflects a strong preference for continuity and independence.

The Walton Legacy: Simplicity Over Status

Jim Walton, heir to the Walmart empire, still drives a 15-year-old pickup truck and operates from a basic office in Arkansas, despite a net worth exceeding $115 billion. His sister-in-law, Christy Walton, inherited a massive fortune but chose to raise her son in a 19th-century home, which she eventually donated to charity.

Sergey Brin Shops Wholesale

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has accumulated over $127 billion but continues to shop in bulk at wholesale stores, tallying his receipts personally. Brin has emphasized that keeping spending in check helps him stay grounded and connected to his early life experiences.

Mark Zuckerberg Stays Low-Profile

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, with an estimated $206 billion net worth, is rarely seen in designer clothing. He drives a modest car, wears gray t-shirts almost daily, and held his wedding in a private backyard ceremony. Zuckerberg’s public image is centered on practicality and focus rather than glamor.

Tony Hsieh and Charlie Ergen Lived on Their Own Terms

The late Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, chose to live in a trailer park in Las Vegas with a rent of about $1,000 per month. Similarly, Charlie Ergen, founder of Dish Network, is known for bringing his own lunch from home and sharing hotel rooms with employees during business trips.

A Lifestyle Philosophy Beyond Wealth

What these individuals demonstrate is that financial success doesn’t always manifest in luxury. For Amancio Ortega, founder of Zara, and Karl Albrecht, founder of Aldi, simplicity is both a personal value and a strategic choice. These billionaires often prefer quiet routines, low consumption, and grounded habits—showing that for some, less truly is more.