15 Celebrities Who Pay the Most for Security

Publish date: 2024-06-07

Celebrities must be careful about their personal security every time they step out the front door for something as big as a red carpet, or something as simple as a trip to the grocery store. In an era of social media and technology, the stars have to be on constant alert because it’s not as easy to hide when paparazzi and fans track their every move.

That’s why many high profile figures like Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé and Jay-Z and Donald Trump spend big bucks to keep themselves and their families safe. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are also on this list, have been publicly discussing security ever since they moved away from the private detail of the royal family to their self-funded guards.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex personally fund a private security team for their family, yet that security cannot replicate the necessary police protection needed whilst in the UK. In the absence of such protection, Prince Harry and his family are unable to return to his home,” the couple’s legal spokesperson recently told Harper’s Bazaar. The Sussexes are now hoping to win a legal battle to get police protection in time for the Queen’s Jubilee celebration (and yes, they will pay out of pocket for those costs).

This list, compiled by Get Licensed, has recognizable names from the entertainment industry, politics and the tech world, but we think at least one name will surprise. Find out who spends the most to keep themselves safe at home and out in public.

1. Donald Trump
Estimated cost of security: $120 million
Even though Donald Trump has Secret Service protection for life as a former president, those costs add up quickly.
2. Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Estimated cost of security: $88 million
Jay-Z and Beyoncé spend a hefty amount to protect their three children, Blue Ivy and twins Sir and Rumi.
3. Mark Zuckerberg
Estimated cost of security: $22 million
The Facebook founder changed the way of life for everyone when it comes to social media, but that also means he has a lot of critics to worry about.
4. Kim Kardashian & Kanye West
Estimated cost of security: $20 million
This amount was generated during the couple’s marriage — it will be fascinating to see if this number goes up or down after their divorce is finalized.
5. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry
Estimated cost of security: $7.8 million
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security expenses seems small in comparison to the public figures in the top half of the list, but as a member of the royal family, Prince Harry will always be a target.
6. Tom Cruise
Estimated cost of security: $2.6 million
As the most famous actor around the world, Tom Cruise needs to make sure he stays safe from his throngs of fans.
7. Larry Ellison
Estimated cost of security: $2 million
The Oracle co-founder keeps a lower profile than some technology executives, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t protect himself.
8. Jeff Bezos
Estimated cost of security: $1.6 million
This number seems shockingly low for one of the most recognizable names in the tech industry.
9. Jennifer Lopez
Estimated cost of security: $1.4 million
Jennifer Lopez is a multi-hyphenate talent like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, so we are surprised to see how much less she spends on security costs.
10. 50 Cent
Estimated cost of security: $1.04 million
Did you expect to see 50 Cent on this list? He spends a cool million on his security detail.
11. David & Victoria Beckham
Estimated cost of security: $1 million
David and Victoria Beckham like to keep themselves and their four children as safe as possible, and for good reason. The couple’s London home was broken into back in 2022. They pay upwards of $1 million per year for their security detail.