Recently, I’ve been trying to read more news articles to feel more connected to life in Canada, and oh boy, I stumbled upon a wild one. So here’s the news: Taylor Swift is performing at BC Place on December 6, 7, and 8, and the demand for tickets is through the roof. According to Daily Hive, resale prices are absolutely staggering. The cheapest solo seat on StubHub is going for $2,734 in Section 435 — a spot so high up you’d probably need binoculars to see Taylor clearly.

Now, if you want to get a prime spot on the floor with a “clear view,” it’ll cost you $16,788 per ticket in Section FLR-B8. Yes, you heard that right: $16,788! That’s apparently equivalent to six months of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver, based on the latest Zumper stats.

Here’s the thing. I love Taylor Swift casually — I’ve watched her Netflix movie and sing her songs in the car. But when I heard about these prices, I thought, this is something I could never afford in my life, never in the future, too. Then, I did the math. For me, $16,788 isn’t just six months’ rent; it’s 10.5 months for us poor immigrants!

So, naturally, I started wondering: How much are people in Vancouver spending on rent? Do they really have this kind of disposable income for a concert?

And here’s where it gets even funnier. One of my friends actually managed to score a premium ticket. When she told me, I’ll admit, I was jealous. But then I looked up the prices, and my jealousy quickly turned into shock. I can’t help but think about what else you could do with that money. A vacation? A down payment?

For me, just to earn $16,788, I need to work 5months and fully invest her concert. Very sad to talk about this. If I had this money, I am most likely able to spend around 2 weeks in Europe, pay tuition for the university and take course or wait, probably I will buy a car! that is most ideal way of spending that money.

Anyway, I was too shocked to think of the dream money for now. so maybe just listen to her music and sleep.

Until next time, stay curious, stay Canadian, and keep those budgets balanced.