Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, with millions of fans all over the globe. Ever since she burst onto the music scene as a country singer in 2006 with her debut single “Tim McGraw”, Swift has dominated the charts and broken countless records. She is renowned for her ability to write relatable songs about love, heartbreak and the trials of growing up. Swift’s legions of devoted fans, known as “Swifties”, eagerly await each new album release and tour announcement.
When Taylor Swift announces a new tour, it inevitably sparks a frenzy as fans rush to get their hands on the coveted concert tickets. Tickets to see Swift perform live regularly sell out within minutes, even in huge stadiums and arenas. This is a testament to her popularity as an artist and performer.
Reputation Stadium Tour Ticket Prices
Swift’s most recent major concert tour was the Reputation Stadium Tour in 2018 in support of her 2017 album Reputation. The tour featured 53 concerts over the course of 8 months from May to November 2018. In total, it grossed over $345 million, breaking the record for the highest-grossing tour by a woman. The Reputation tour also had over 2 million in attendance, another record.
Ticket prices for the Reputation Stadium Tour ranged widely depending on the city, stadium/arena, and seat location. According to data from online ticket reseller StubHub, here were some of the average ticket prices for shows on the Reputation tour:
- Chicago, IL – $240
- Foxborough, MA – $380
- East Rutherford, NJ – $260
- Toronto, ON – $160
- Denver, CO – $190
- Phoenix, AZ – $150
- Pasadena, CA – $280
- Manchester, UK – $130
- Dublin, Ireland – $110
As you can see, ticket prices varied widely for the Reputation Stadium Tour. The most expensive average ticket prices were for shows on the U.S. East Coast in places like Massachusetts and New Jersey. The cheapest average prices were for shows in Canada and Europe. Of course, these were just the average prices – front row floor seats likely went for over $1,000 or more for many shows.
| City | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $240 |
| Foxborough, MA | $380 |
| East Rutherford, NJ | $260 |
| Toronto, ON | $160 |
| Denver, CO | $190 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $150 |
| Pasadena, CA | $280 |
| Manchester, UK | $130 |
| Dublin, Ireland | $110 |
1989 World Tour Ticket Prices
Prior to the Reputation Stadium Tour, Swift’s most recent major tour was the 1989 World Tour in 2015 in support of her 2014 pop album 1989. The 1989 World Tour featured 85 shows over 8 months from May to December 2015. It grossed over $250 million and had more than 2.3 million in attendance.
Here are some of the average ticket prices for the 1989 World Tour, again according to StubHub data:
- Pittsburgh, PA – $130
- Chicago, IL – $170
- East Rutherford, NJ – $240
- Nashville, TN – $160
- Denver, CO – $140
- Vancouver, BC – $125
- Los Angeles, CA – $130
- London, UK – $110
- Dublin, Ireland – $85
Compared to the later Reputation tour, tickets for the 1989 World Tour tended to be cheaper overall. Average prices only exceeded $200 for a few East Coast shows like New Jersey. Prices for Canadian and European dates on the 1989 tour were consistently lower than $150 on average. Again, these prices do not include the expensive VIP packages and front row seats that certainly went for much higher amounts.
| City | Average Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA | $130 |
| Chicago, IL | $170 |
| East Rutherford, NJ | $240 |
| Nashville, TN | $160 |
| Denver, CO | $140 |
| Vancouver, BC | $125 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $130 |
| London, UK | $110 |
| Dublin, Ireland | $85 |
Red Tour Ticket Prices
Going back even further, Swift’s Red Tour ran from March 2013 through June 2014 in support of her 2012 album Red. The Red Tour featured 66 shows in North America, 23 shows in Europe, 18 shows in Oceania, and 5 shows in Asia. Overall it grossed over $150 million and had more than 1.7 million attendees.
Tickets for the North American leg of the Red Tour went on sale in November 2012. Here are some of the initial face value ticket prices:
- Los Angeles, CA – $49.50-$79.50
- Miami, FL – $26.50-$146.50
- Nashville, TN $25-$75
- Vancouver, BC – $32.50-$82.50
- Pittsburgh, PA – $25-$99.50
- Chicago, IL – $25.50-$89.50
Considering these were face value prices direct from Ticketmaster in 2012, the prices for Red Tour tickets were quite reasonable compared to Swift’s later tours. Fans could get basic admission tickets for under $30 to many shows. Some floor seats were priced below $100. Of course, resale prices likely exceeded face value prices once the tickets started selling on secondary markets.
| City | Face Value Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $49.50-$79.50 |
| Miami, FL | $26.50-$146.50 |
| Nashville, TN | $25-$75 |
| Vancouver, BC | $32.50-$82.50 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $25-$99.50 |
| Chicago, IL | $25.50-$89.50 |
Speak Now World Tour Ticket Prices
Swift’s Speak Now World Tour ran from February 2011 through March 2012 supporting her 2010 album Speak Now. This tour hit Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania and featured over 110 shows. Total gross revenue was over $123 million with over 1.5 million attendees.
Tickets for the North American leg of the Speak Now World Tour also went on sale in November 2010. Here were some of the initial ticket price ranges:
- Los Angeles, CA – $25-$69.50
- Newark, NJ – $25-$125
- Nashville, TN – $20-$60
- Toronto, ON – $25-$55
- St. Louis, MO – $20-$90
- Denver, CO – $25-$85
Once again, considering these were 2010 ticket prices, the entry points were quite affordable. Fans could get basic admission tickets for as low as $20-25 in most cities. Better lower bowl seats ranged from $50 to $100+. Of course, the premium floor seats likely re-sold for much higher.
| City | Face Value Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $25-$69.50 |
| Newark, NJ | $25-$125 |
| Nashville, TN | $20-$60 |
| Toronto, ON | $25-$55 |
| St. Louis, MO | $20-$90 |
| Denver, CO | $25-$85 |
Fearless Tour Ticket Prices
Swift’s Fearless Tour in 2009-2010 was her first major headlining tour supporting her blockbuster sophomore album Fearless. The tour hit North America, Europe, Australia and Asia over 105 dates. Total gross revenue exceeded $63 million with over 1 million in attendance.
Tickets initially went on pre-sale in October 2009 with general public on-sale in November 2009. Here are some example ticket price ranges for North American dates:
- Chicago, IL – $17-$67
- Los Angeles, CA – $22.50-$69.50
- Nashville, TN – $17-$57
- Miami, FL – $17-$77
- Denver, CO – $17-$57
- Boston, MA – $20-$70
As Swift’s first major headlining tour, the ticket prices for the Fearless Tour were understandably more affordable compared to her subsequent tours. Fans could get basic admission tickets for as low as $17 in many cities. Lower bowl seat prices ranged from $40-$70. Floor seats were priced $60-$70+ in most venues. Considering this was 2009-2010, these were very reasonable prices for a Swift concert at the time.
| City | Face Value Ticket Price Range |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $17-$67 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $22.50-$69.50 |
| Nashville, TN | $17-$57 |
| Miami, FL | $17-$77 |
| Denver, CO | $17-$57 |
| Boston, MA | $20-$70 |
Conclusion
In summary, Taylor Swift concert ticket prices have gradually increased over the years as her popularity has skyrocketed. During her first headlining tours like Fearless and Speak Now, fans could pay well under $100 for lower bowl seats. In more recent years, lower bowl seat prices now exceed $100 or more for most venues.
Basic entry level tickets now start around $150-$200 on average in major U.S. cities. Premium floor seats can run $500+ depending on the city and demand. International ticket prices are generally lower on average compared to U.S. dates.
While the sticker shock may seem high for newer tours, Swift does have a history of keeping ticket prices relatively affordable earlier in her career. Ultimately, as one of the top-selling artists in the world now, the high demand allows market forces to drive Swift’s ticket prices higher for each new tour.
For her millions of fans around the world, the opportunity to see Taylor Swift live in concert is priceless. Judging by her sold-out shows and record-breaking ticket sales, fans are clearly willing to pay the price, whatever it takes.
