Taylor Swift became a billionaire at the age of 33, but her net worth has risen considerably thanks to the success of her sell-out Eras Tour.
The 34-year-old is now the richest female musician in the world after she netted over $2 billion for 125 shows, which means she now holds the record for the largest tour gross ever.
The "Bad Blood" singer has dethroned Rihanna, who previously held the title of the world's richest female musician with a net worth of $1.4 billion, thanks mostly to her cosmetics line Fenty Beauty, and her lingerie line Savage X Fenty.
Taylor Swift's net worth
In October 2023, Taylor was estimated to have a net worth of $1.1 billion but now, according to Forbes, she is worth a staggering $1.6 billion.
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Taylor is one of a handful of entertainers to reach that status based on music and performing alone.
Her music catalog is valued at $600 million, and an additional $600 million in royalties. Her Eras Tour film has also raked in over $261 million at the box office since its October 2023 premiere.
"Taylor Swift’s 'Eras' tour is rewriting the playbook of entertainment economics," Chris Leyden, director of growth marketing at SeatGeek, previously told CNN. "She’s not just a performer — she's an economic phenomenon."
It's not just Taylor's wealth that grew either, thanks to her record-breaking Eras tour, she helped boost the US economy by $4.3 billion.
Throughout her illustrious career, Taylor’s key income streams have been her record sales, concert tours, merchandise sales, and high-profile brand endorsements.
She has partnerships with prominent brands such as Capital One, AT&T, Stella McCartney, and others, which also contribute significantly to her income.
Yet, it's her tours that truly stand as a testament to her global popularity and profitability. In 2015, The 1989 World Tour grossed over $250 million, and her Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018 generated $315 million.
Taylor’s earnings don't just stop at ticket sales; her merchandise sales too play a crucial role in her financial success.
According to Forbes, "her coveted on-site merchandise — which she sells at an average price of $80 — could add an estimated $87 million in proceeds to her fortune."
On the real estate front, Taylor has astutely invested in properties spanning four states. Her real estate portfolio is estimated to be worth over $150 million, including a $30 million Beverly Hills mansion, a $17.75 million seaside estate in Rhode Island, and an estimated $40 million worth of property in New York City.
However, it's not just earning and investing where Taylor shines. She is also known for her generosity and philanthropy. Over the years, she has made significant donations to causes she supports. Taylor once said: "I've been so lucky to have fans who have supported me so much, and I wanted to give back."
She has donated to disaster relief efforts, pledged $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and supported education initiatives.
Moreover, her support extends to fellow artists too. Speaking about Taylor’s financial assistance during her lawsuit, Kesha told Rolling Stone, "Taylor is a sweetheart. Very, very sweet, very, very genuine, extremely generous."
In addition to her earnings, investments, and philanthropy, Taylor's decision-making showcases her financial acumen.
In 2022, she backed out of a $100 million sponsorship deal with FTX over concerns of selling unregistered securities. Business Insider reported that this proved to be a wise decision, given that other celebrities who failed to withdraw are now facing lawsuits.