Rich People And Their Most Ridiculous Indulgences
For the world’s wealthiest, every whim can be fulfilled instantly without worrying about the price tag. So, which billionaires’ purchases are bizarre, extravagant, and downright ridiculous?
Jeff Bezos—Superyacht For $500 Million
The mastermind behind Amazon decided that having one of the largest fortunes in the world deserved a fitting status symbol: a $500 million superyacht named Koru. This colossal vessel stretches an impressive 417 feet, making it one of the largest yachts in the world.
Jeff Bezos $500 Million 417 ft. Yacht Koru Makes Maiden Voyage by YachtWorld
Paradise On Water
Koru was too massive to pass under Rotterdam’s historic Koningshaven Bridge. So, Bezos requested the bridge be partially dismantled, which caused public outrage and was ultimately denied. It has multiple decks, swimming pools, and a smaller support yacht designed to house more guests and additional crew.
Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht Koru first day of sea trials by Dutch Yachting
Bill Gates—Horse Ranch For $18 Million
Bill Gates, better known for his tech legacy and philanthropic efforts, also indulges in lavish purchases. Among his most notable splurges is an $18 million horse ranch in California. This sprawling estate spans 228 acres with state-of-the-art stables, pastures, a racetrack, and a horse rehab.
Class 28 - Alex - Jennifer Gates by Horse Network
All For The Daughter
Some reports mentioned that Gates bought the ranch to support his daughter, a professional equestrian. Although many rich people pay fortunes for hobbies, the sheer scale and cost of the property are staggering. Yet, it’s a dream come true for any horse lover.
Steinfurth (Nordlicht8), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Steve Cohen—Preserved Shark For $12 Million
Titled The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde became one of the most unconventional art pieces ever. However, Steve Cohen, the billionaire hedge fund manager and art collector, decided that it was exactly what he needed.
Agent001, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Frozen In Time
The actual price paid for the shark wasn’t disclosed, but some say the piece created by British artist Damien Hirst cost between $8 and $12 million. Initially commissioned in 1991, the shark had to be replaced due to decay, but Cohen ensured its longevity by funding its restoration.
Agent001, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jay-Z—Racehorse For $55 Million
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is no stranger to luxury, but one of his most eyebrow-raising purchases was a $55 million racehorse named California Chrome, a two-time champion that won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. This purchase perfectly aligns with the star’s love for glamour.
Jlvsclrk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Living Investment
California Chrome is one of the most celebrated racehorses in modern history, with career earnings exceeding $14 million. Some might see that the horse is a living, breathing investment in prestige and high-stakes competition. However, the $55 million gamble comes with no guarantees in the unpredictable world of horse racing.
Montanabw, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Larry Ellison—Hawaiian Island For $300 Million
Owning an entire island may sound like a dream, but for $300 million, it’s an over-the-top demonstration of wealth. Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, took real estate to another level by buying 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lanai for $300 million.
Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
His Very Own Utopia
Ellison has turned Lanai into a personal project. It’s a paradise with luxury resorts, a charming town, and pristine beaches to make Ellison the ruler of his own tropical kingdom. He’s also invested in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to change it into an eco-friendly utopia.
Mike Grant, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ken Griffin—Penthouse For $238 Million
Rich people buy expensive homes. However, hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin set a real estate record when he purchased a New York City penthouse for a jaw-dropping $238 million. The property occupies the top four floors of 220 Central Park South, a luxury skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
220 Central Park South --- view of 238 million dollar apartment from the exterior by 799jmt
Some Would Say It’s Worth It
The penthouse measures 23,000 square feet, and Griffin will be neighbors with celebrities like Sting. It’s like a palace in the sky that the billionaire reportedly would use for short stays. Why not spend more than $200 million dollars on a part-time residence if you can?
220 Central Park South --- view of 238 million dollar apartment from the exterior by 799jmt
Nita Ambani—iPhone For $48.5 Million
When billionaire Mukesh Ambani wanted to give his wife, Nita, an iPhone, he had something else in mind. He bought her the iPhone 6 Falcon Supernova Pink Diamond Edition, which is considered one of the most expensive gadgets ever made.
Sandro Halank, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Not Your Usual Phone Call
Apart from sending messages and making calls, the $48.5-million iPhone is encased in 24-karat gold and adorned with a massive pink diamond on the back. It also features state-of-the-art encryption for maximum security to ensure it’s functional and extravagant.
Most Expensive Iphone In The World. by World Luxury Defined
Jeff Bezos—Robot Dog For $74,500
Dog lovers consider their pets to be family. But Jeff Bezos took things up a notch when he got Spot, the robot dog. Unlike a traditional pet, Spot doesn’t offer companionship—it’s more of a high-tech toy which can carry stuff, open doors, and do other complex tasks.
Jeff Bezos with dog, robot-beer pong and vest for deaf people: MARS 2018 by Nexter.org
A Pet Worth Thousands Of Dollars
Although this might not be as pricey as other stuff Bezos bought, it’s definitely a splurge as far as pets go. Spot is made by Boston Dynamics for $74,500, and Bezos reportedly uses it for fun. He sometimes shows it at tech events.
Jeff Bezos with dog, robot-beer pong and vest for deaf people: MARS 2018 by Nexter.org
William Koch—Billy The Kid Photo For $2.3 Million
Would you pay millions of dollars for a faded photo? Billionaire industrialist William Koch probably didn’t think twice when he paid $2.3 million dollars to add a piece of the Wild West and a relic of Americana to his collection.
Ben Wittick, Wikimedia Commons
Paused In Time
The tintype photo is one of the few confirmed images of Billy the Kid. It features him in rugged frontier attire while holding a rifle and represents a valuable asset to collectors like Koch. However, many would agree that paying this amount for a single photo is ridiculous.
Boston Public Library, Wikimedia Commons
Bill Gates—Da Vinci’s Journal For $30.8 Million
In 1994, Bill Gates stunned the art and history world by purchasing Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Leicester, a handwritten journal of scientific notes and sketches, for $30.8 million. The 36-sheet manuscript, written between 1504 and 1508, is a treasure trove of da Vinci’s brilliance.
Leonardo da Vinci, Wikimedia Commons
The Real Da Vinci’s Code
The Codex contains musings on subjects like water movement, astronomy, and geology, showcasing da Vinci’s genius. Gates didn’t just keep the journal locked away but he digitized it for the world to see to blend Renaissance ingenuity with modern technology.
Leonardo da Vinci, Wikimedia Commons
Mukesh Ambani—Home For $1 Billion
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani built Antilia, a 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai, for an estimated $1 billion. This way it became one of the most expensive homes ever constructed. The towering mansion serves as the Ambani family’s primary residence and a spectacular example of how the rich spend their money.
Shrishinde333, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Dream Home
Antilia features amenities like a private theater, a swimming pool, lifts, a snow room that sprays artificial snow, and even a dedicated floor for car parking. Designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8, it also employs a staff of 600 people to maintain its grandeur.
Jhariani, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Maxim Viktorov—Violin For $1.5 Million
Some musical instruments are so rare that they’re worth millions of dollars. Stradivarius violins, crafted by Antonio Stradivari in the 17th and 18th centuries, are renowned for their unmatched sound quality and craftsmanship. As a result, collectors weren’t that surprised when one was sold for $1.5 million.
Håkan Svensson (Xauxa), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Heavenly Tunes
Russian businessman Maxim Viktorov bought a rare Stradivarius violin, one of the most coveted musical instruments in history. Most Stradivarius violins once belonged to historical figures, including Napoleon Bonaparte. This adds to their historical and cultural significance and makes them even more sought after.
Carlos Slim—Museum For $800 Million
Most art collectors would buy pieces of art. But a Mexican billionaire ordered the construction of the Museo Soumaya in Mexico City. Carlos Slim dedicated $800 million to show and preserve his vast art collection and named it after his late wife.
Raystormxc, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Art Can Be Expensive
While building a museum is commendable, spending close to a billion dollars on one reflects a level of personal investment most can’t fathom. The building has a futuristic design with 16,000 hexagonal aluminum tiles and houses 66,000 works, including pieces by Rodin, Van Gogh, and Monet.
Jespa, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nick Cannon—Diamond-Encrusted Shoes For $2 Million
Celebrities are known for their unexplained behavior. But everyone was left questioning their eyes when they saw that entertainer Nick Cannon ordered diamond-encrusted shoes to dazzle the audience during the finale of America’s Got Talent. They set the Guinness World Record for the most expensive shoes ever worn on television.
Nick Cannon Has the World's Priciest Shoe Worth $2 Million by djvlad
Walking On Diamonds
Cannon hired Tom Ford to design the shoes. They are embellished with over 14,000 full-cut round white diamonds set on white gold to represent the ultimate footwear extravagance. The pair took over one year to craft, but Cannon was definitely happy with his purchase.
Nick Cannon Has the World's Priciest Shoe Worth $2 Million by djvlad
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal—Airbus A380 For $500 Million
The Airbus A380, dubbed the “Flying Palace” is on the list of the most expensive things Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bought. It’s the world’s largest plane, and he custom-ordered it to redefine private aviation with an airborne palace of luxury that cost between $450 and $500 million.
rdesoras, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Owning The Skies
With gold-plated furniture, nothing matches this private jet. It can host dozens of guests in lavish suites as a symbol of sky-high luxury and proof of the prince’s unparalleled taste for excess. However, some people say that it never made it to production.
Dmitry A. Mottl, Wikimedia Commons
Ken Griffin—Paintings For $500 Million
Abstract Expressionism is an intriguing art form with its bold, dynamic brushwork. But did you know that someone would gladly pay hundreds of millions of dollars for a statement piece? Ken Griffin, the hedge fund titan, took this step and didn’t look back.
Valuable Artwork
Griffin bought two iconic paintings for $500 million in a single deal. Willem de Kooning’s Interchange was valued at $300 million, while Number 17A shows Pollock’s famous drip technique and cost $200 million. These acquisitions placed Griffin at the forefront of the art world.
Nicolas Cage—Dinosaur Skull For $276,000
Did you know that Nicholas Cage and Leonardo DiCaprio got into an unusual fight over some dinosaur bones? Eventually, Cage bought the 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus bataar skull for $276,000 at an auction. This aligns with the celebrity’s flair for the dramatic, which extends to his purchasing habits.
Gerald Geronimo, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
It Didn’t Turn Out As Expected
After paying this huge sum for the impressive relic, authorities revealed that the rare find had been looted from Mongolia. Cage made the right decision and returned it after being contacted by authorities. However, he didn’t get his money back.
nicolas genin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mike Tyson—Gold Bathtub For $2.2 Million
Although he suffered from some financial setbacks, back in the day, Mike Tyson bought a 24–karat gold bathtub for $2.2 million. He didn’t buy it for himself, but as a gift for his-then wife. This piece of this unnecessary luxury shows how unwise he was with spending.
WE STAYED IN A HOTEL MADE OF PURE GOLD FOR 24 HOURS 😲 IMMY & TANI S5 EP42 by Immy and Tani
Pure Gold
This tub isn’t just gold-plated—it’s solid gold. The boxing legend hired a luxury artisan to make the indulgent centerpiece as a symbol of his extreme wealth back then. Tyson’s financial troubles later in life made this purchase all the more ironic.
Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Prince Hans-Adam II—Fancy Furniture For $36 Million
Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s wealthiest monarchs, added a touch of royal elegance to his estate by spending $36 million on an antique piece of furniture. The piece was originally commissioned for European royalty, which makes it a natural fit for Hans-Adam II’s collection of royal artifacts.
18th century cabinet sells for record breaking price by AP Archive
The Badminton Cabinet
The piece, known as the Badminton Cabinet, was made by 30 experts who worked for six years to build it in the 18th century. It features semi-precious stones like agate, lapis lazuli, and amethyst quartz, all housed in ebony. Today, it resides at the Liechtenstein Museum in Vienna.
18th century cabinet sells for record breaking price by AP Archive
Elon Musk—Car Submarine For $1 Million
Elon Musk, known for his innovative ideas and extravagant tastes, purchased the Lotus Esprit submarine car from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me for $1 million. Musk bought the vehicle at an auction in 2013 and expressed his desire to turn it into a fully functional submarine.
Karen Roe, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Piece Of History
The car, nicknamed “Wet Nellie”, is a piece of cinematic history and an advanced machine for its time. Though it doesn’t currently operate as a real car submarine, Musk planned to leverage Tesla’s technology to make it functional. It’s said to be the inspiration behind his Cybertruck.
sv1ambo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Clive Palmer—Titanic Replica For $500 Million
Although Titanic lies as a shipwreck, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer was fascinated by its legacy to the point that he wanted to revive it. This time, he started a controversial project to build Titanic II, a near-exact replica of the ill-fated ocean liner.
Roderick Eime, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fascinated By History
The controversial project is said to cost around $500 million, although the exact number is unclear. It faced multiple delays, yet Palmer is still committed to reviving the luxury and nostalgia of the original Titanic with period-accurate rooms and a grand staircase but with modern safety measures.
Geographer, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
DJ Khaled—Shoe Collection For $8 Million
Sneakerheads will go above and beyond to get their hands, or better say feet, in the latest releases. But music mogul DJ Khaled’s sneaker obsession skyrockets with one of the world’s most expensive sneaker collections made by legendary designers and brands.
DJ Khaled Legendary Sneaker Closet Now On Airbnb by The Kickz Stand
10,000+ Pairs
DJ Khaled is said to own more than 10,000+ pairs, with ultra-rare sneakers like custom Air Jordans and limited-edition Yeezys, all housed in a temperature-controlled room designed to preserve their condition. Some of his kicks are worth six figures individually.
DJ Khaled Legendary Sneaker Closet Now On Airbnb by The Kickz Stand
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