When most people hear the name Kathy Hilton, they immediately think of two things: the world-famous Hilton hotels and her superstar daughters, Paris and Nicky Hilton. In recent years, she has also become a fan favorite on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where her quirky sense of humor and “hunky dory” catchphrase made her a household name once again.
But Kathy is much more than just a famous relative. As of early 2026, Kathy Hilton’s net worth is estimated to be $350 million. While this fortune is shared with her husband, Rick Hilton, Kathy has spent decades building her own businesses, investing in real estate, and starring on television.
In this blog, we will break down how she made her money, what she spends it on, and why she is considered one of the wealthiest reality stars in the world today.
The Early Years: From Child Actress to Mrs. Hilton
Long before she was a billionaire-adjacent socialite, Kathy Hilton (born Kathleen Elizabeth Avanzino) was a working girl. She started her career as a child actress in the 1960s and 70s. You might recognize her from classic TV shows like:
- Bewitched
- Happy Days
- The Rockford Files
- Family Affair
She retired from acting at age 15, right around the time she met Richard (Rick) Hilton. They married in 1979 when she was just 20 years old. Even after marrying into the wealthy Hilton family, Kathy didn’t just sit back. She actually worked in the banquet and sales department at the Waldorf Astoria hotel for a modest $160 a week.
Creating Her Own Business Empire
One of the biggest secrets to Kathy Hilton’s net worth is that she is a natural entrepreneur. She didn’t want to rely solely on her husband’s family name, so she started several successful ventures of her own:
Retail and Antiques
In the 1980s and 90s, Kathy owned and operated a novelty gift and antique store called The Staircase on Sunset Plaza in Los Angeles. This helped her build her own capital and learn the ropes of running a retail business.
The Home Shopping Queen
Kathy was a pioneer in using home shopping networks to sell products. In 2002, she began selling merchandise on QVC, and by 2007, she had a signature skincare line on HSN. Her ability to connect with audiences made her products sell out quickly.
Fashion Design
In 2012, she launched the Kathy Hilton Collection, a line of high-end party dresses. These dresses were sold in over 400 stores worldwide, including famous retailers like:
- Neiman Marcus
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Nordstrom.
Real Estate: The “Hilton Hilton” Legacy
A massive portion of Kathy and Rick’s wealth comes from real estate. Rick Hilton co-founded the luxury brokerage Hilton & Hyland, which has handled billions of dollars in home sales, including the $100 million sale of the Playboy Mansion.
More recently, the family launched a new brokerage called Hilton Hilton in 2024, continuing their dominance in the luxury market into 2026. Kathy and Rick also personally own several incredible properties:
- Bel-Air Estate: Their main home is a 15,000-square-foot mansion with seven bedrooms and eight baths.
- Hamptons Retreat: They own a 3-acre estate in the Hamptons that they frequently rent out to other wealthy vacationers for hundreds of thousands of dollars a season.
- New York City Condo: They maintain a luxury residence at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan.
Reality TV and the Bravo Paycheck
While Kathy was already wealthy before joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) in 2020, her “friend of” role and later full-time status added millions to her bank account.
Rumors suggested that Kathy requested as much as $2 million to return for Season 12. While the exact number isn’t public, she is widely believed to be one of the highest-paid cast members in the history of the franchise, likely earning over $1 million per season.
The “Disinheritance” Myth
There is a famous story that Rick and Kathy were “cut out” of the Hilton family fortune. When Rick’s father, Barron Hilton, passed away in 2019, he left 97% of his $4.5 billion fortune to charity.
While this meant Rick didn’t inherit billions, it didn’t leave them broke. By that time, Rick and Kathy had already built their own $350 million empire through their real estate brokerage and Kathy’s fashion and retail deals.
Summary of Wealth Sources (2026)
| Source | Impact on Net Worth |
| Real Estate Brokerages | Massive; primary source of long-term wealth |
| Retail & Fashion | Significant; high-volume sales at major retailers |
| Reality TV (RHOBH) | High; estimated $1M+ per season |
| Brand Deals & Modeling | Notable; partnerships with brands like Valentino and QVC |
Conclusion
Kathy Hilton is the ultimate example of someone who took a famous name and worked hard to make it their own. Whether she is selling skincare on HSN or giving us a tour of her Beverly Hills mansion on Bravo, Kathy knows how to turn fame into fortune. With a net worth of $350 million in 2026, she remains the undisputed “Queen of Beverly Hills” wealth.