Deep Data Cuts: The Highs, Lows, and Shifting Dynamics Of Global Ticket Prices

This week’s Deep Data Cuts examines global ticket prices from 2023-24 based on Pollstar Boxoffice Reports.

The “normalization” column accounts for differences in reporting creating a more accurate apples-to-apples comparison. In 2024, Taiwan recorded the highest average ticket price at $166.85, followed by the Philippines ($157.50) and Thailand ($150.64). On the other hand, the lowest average ticket prices were observed in Chile ($59.03), China ($40.32), and South Africa ($26.48). The largest ticket price increases were seen in Taiwan (+$31.72), Costa Rica (+$28.42), and Thailand (+$27.36), while the biggest reductions occurred in Switzerland (-$26.54), Argentina (-$28.36), and China (-$67.00).

When accounting for the number of reported shows, normalization helps balance potential bias in ticket price averages. Countries with a higher number of shows are more likely to have lower average ticket prices due to greater variability and a wider range of event types. By normalizing, we ensure a level playing field, allowing for fair comparisons across all countries. Under this adjustment, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom emerge at the top, while Luxembourg, China, and South Africa rank the lowest.