Not everything can be equal in a relationship, including each partner’s earnings.
If it’s true for everyday folk, you can be sure it’s the same for those in the spotlight. Except, where it might be a matter of $10,000 between us normals, for the famouses, sometimes it’s a matter of tens of millions. Can anyone say prenup?
So just who is the wealthier in these celebrity power couples?
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
The Australian Oscar winner was estimated by BRW to be worth $330 million, amassed over her 30-year acting career, endorsement deals with Swisse and Chanel, and a generous divorce settlement from her previous marriage to Tom Cruise.
The country crooner on the hand is certainly well paid, having signed on for reportedly up to $5 million a year for his gig on American Idol. But even with his fortune (rumoured to be just under the $50 million mark), he’s clearly been eclipsed by Nic.
Jay Z and Beyoncé
They are the reigning monarchs of the music business and their combined fortunes are estimated to be almost a billion dollars. While Beyoncé is said to be bringing home over $100 million for her Mrs Carter tour, Jay Z is raking it in with his many, many business ventures. Jay Z was estimated by Forbes to be worth $520 million in his right from his music, spirits, clothing, sports and start-up interests. As a producer (who, let’s face it, are the ones really netting the dosh) and founder of Roc Nation he’s had his hands in songs from Justin Timberlake and Rihanna.
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady
Last year, New England Patriots star Tom Brady signed a new five-year deal with the team which included a $30 million signing bonus. Bundchen has interests in her Ipanema thongs business, endorsement deals with Procter & Gamble, Chanel and H&M. Of course, there’s also money from her modelling.
Combined, the pair are the second highest paid celebrity couple behind Jay Z and Beyoncé, according to Forbes, with an estimated combined earnings of $80 million for the year. She out-earned him though with $42 million while he pulled in $38 million because of that nice signing bonus. They also just sold their house for $40 million to Dr. Dre.
David and Victoria Beckham
David Beckham (estimated worth $300 million in 2013) is a global brand, no doubt about it. While he may have demanded incredible salaries as a footballer (in 2007, LA Galaxy reportedly signed him on a five-year deal worth $250 million), his retired days sees him racking up the big bucks in endorsements.
Forbes estimated he earned $42 million last year from partnerships with Adidas, Coty, H&M, Sainsbury’s, Samsung and Breitling. Victoria Beckham has been busy in the business world with her clothing range being well-received by shoppers and discerning critics who normally turn up their noses at celebrity fashion lines. In 2012, she added $8 million to the family kitty, according to Forbes.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
Even though her face and name is everywhere and on everything that could be branded, he’s actually worth more from his music ventures. As a producer for the likes of Jay Z and Common, Kanye has been in the music biz since before Kim’s face popped up on MTV. Some estimates have put his worth at $100 million and hers at $40 million.
In the year to June, Forbes estimated West to have pulled in $20 million while she managed $10 million. But she’s starting to command a lot of money for her endorsement, including $20,000 for a tweet. That’s $142 for each character.
This article originally appeared on News.com.au.