10 Things Only Rich People Buy

Let's face it: Wealthy people have it much better than ordinary men and women living paycheck to paycheck! There are countless things rich people buy that a typical person has no shot at ever purchasing. It's incredible what options affluent and successful people have that are unavailable to the rest of the population. What do you think: Are any of these things rich people buy fantastic, or are they simply ridiculous?

AUTHOR: Chris Phelan

Table of Contents

1. Private Islands
2. Trips to Outer Space
3. Superyachts
4. Concierge Services
5. The Ability to Watch New Movie Theater Releases at Home
6. A Private Airport Terminal
7. Celebrities
8. Sports Teams
9. Pieces of History
10. Free Time
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1. Private Islands

Woman in Private Islands — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While most of us can only visit a tropical island after months (or years) of scrimping and saving, the world's richest can buy their own islands outright! Usually commanding a starting bid of $100 million, these islands are entirely desolate, lacking electricity, modern plumbing, and manufactured structures. Billionaires buy these to own the ultimate playground: A swath of land that is a blank slate to mold in their image. Of course, many islands are bought for the same reason your friends post obnoxious photos of their vacations across social media: Clout.

2. Trips to Outer Space

Thanks to companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX, it's easier than ever to take a private trip to outer space on an honest-to-God spacecraft. Of course, what I really mean is that it's easier than ever for rich people to take trips to outer space because a round-trip ticket is still financially out of reach for 99.9% of the world's population. In addition, the trip comes with a significant risk: With each trip, these wealthy people are rolling the dice on whether they'll come back to Earth alive!

3. Superyachts

Luxury Superyacht — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Irresponsible poor people buy jetskis, people who make six figures rent boats a few times a year, millionaires buy small, tasteful yachts, and the uber-rich purchase superyachts! What are superyachts, you may ask? Well, imagine the largest non-cruise ship you've ever seen and multiply that by 20. These superyachts are terrible for the environment, block essential ports, and are the equivalent of your dad buying a Corvette because of a mid-life crisis. (However, I must admit these vessels are undeniably awe-inspiring!)

4. Concierge Services

If you're anything like me, you waste considerable time making dinner reservations, procuring concert or show tickets, and planning trips and vacations. Unfortunately, typical people like you and me aren't privy to what the wealthiest people enjoy: Dedicated concierge services! Imagine being so rich that others can organize and plan your entertainment and non-work life. It's like having a full-time assistant that will cater to your every need!

5. The Ability to Watch New Movie Theater Releases at Home

Home theatre — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

When a new Hollywood blockbuster is released, everyday people have two options: Cram into a crowded movie theater and watch it alongside loud-talking animals eating overpriced food and drinks, or wait for it to be released on streaming services and enjoy it from the comfort of our homes. Rich people, however, enjoy a decidedly different method of watching new movie releases: They pay for the privilege of watching them privately in their home theaters! A few companies specialize in bringing new films to your home (for an astronomical fee), and many of the 1% jump at the opportunity.

6. A Private Airport Terminal

Businesswoman and man at Private Airport Terminal — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In 2023, airports worldwide resemble an out-of-control house party more than a civilized modern transportation hub. Fortunately for rich people, they don't need to rub elbows with ordinary men and women in airports because they often have access to private, luxury terminals, complete with access to their own private planes. It must be nice to be so filthy rich that you don't need to step foot in a traditional airport. I guess it's time for me to start saving my quarters!

7. Celebrities

Millionaire with celebrity — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Celebrities are always for sale. Don't believe me? Ask any millionaire. The urban myth is true: Many affluent men and women often "rent" celebrities for hours or (or even days) at a time. This practice is usually reserved for special events like birthday parties or weddings. Whenever you see photos of random celebrities attending random events, know that those famous people were paid handsomely for their time!

8. Sports Teams

Rio de Janeiro Brazil team — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You're not that rich unless you own a professional sports team, are you? In the minds of the hyper-elite, owning a sports team is the ultimate sign of wealth. Why else would Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney randomly buy an overseas soccer team? Decades ago, Mark Cuban set the standard of using sports team ownership as the ultimate success symbol, and countless rich people have followed in his footsteps ever since.

9. Pieces of History

Woman wearing dress like Marilyn Monroe — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

From historic artifacts to works of art, wealthy people are obsessed with collecting random pieces of history. Don't believe me? Someone once purchased Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress she wore when she sang "Happy Birthday" to JFK at an auction for the princely sum of $4.8 million. Why would anybody want to have something like that in their possession? Unless you're a total creep, the answer is straightforward: To own an iconic piece of American cultural history.

10. Free Time

Wealthy man in vacation — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rich people can buy what we all wish we had more of Free time. Due to their impressive wealth, they simply don't need to do many daily activities and chores that ordinary people must do. From washing dishes to doing laundry to sending emails (and everything in between), the wealthiest individuals can hire a team to do all these mundane things for them, ultimately freeing themselves from the constraints of these time-consuming duties.