Candace Bushnell, the brilliant mind behind Sex and the City, has shaped modern pop culture through her books and TV adaptations.
But beyond the glitz of Hollywood, her financial journey tells a different story. Unlike many assume, she didn’t make millions from her hit TV series. Instead, her wealth largely comes from book sales and publishing deals.
In this article, Aupeo breaks down Candace Bushnell net worth, her earnings from TV adaptations, her real estate ventures, and the key financial decisions that impacted her fortune.
If you’re curious about how an author builds long-term wealth, keep reading.
Candace Bushnell Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Candace Bushnell |
| Popular Name | Candace Bushnell |
| Birth Date | December 1, 1958 |
| Age | 66 |
| Birthplace | Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian descent (from mother’s side) |
| Education | Rice University, Glastonbury High School, New York University |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Charles Askegard (m. 2002–div. 2012) |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Lolly Bushnell |
| Parents | Camille Bushnell, Calvin Bushnell |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $2.5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Writing, Books, TV Adaptations, Real Estate |
What is the Net Worth Of Candace Bushnell in 2025?
As of 2025, Candace Bushnell net worth is estimated to be $2.5 million. While her name is synonymous with Sex and the City, most of her fortune doesn’t come from the HBO series. She sold the TV and film rights for just $100,000, earning far less than what many assume. Instead, her primary income comes from book sales, publishing deals, and real estate investments.
For comparison, other figures in her industry have fared differently. Sarah Jessica Parker, the face of Sex and the City, is worth an estimated $200 million. Similarly, authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King have built multi-million-dollar empires through their publishing success.
Related People & Entities
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Kim Cattrall
- Kristin Davis
- Cynthia Nixon
- HBO
- NBC
- The CW
- New York Observer
- Charles Askegard
- The Carrie Diaries
Looking for more insights into celebrity earnings? Check out the wealthiest celebrities today.
Candace Bushnell Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Candace Bushnell’s journey to financial success started with writing. She sold her first children’s story at 19, but her breakthrough came when she started writing for The New York Observer. Her column, Sex and the City, became a cultural phenomenon and was later adapted into the HBO series.
However, her wealth wasn’t built on Hollywood paychecks. Instead, Bushnell earned most of her money from books like 4 Blondes, Trading Up, Lipstick Jungle, and The Carrie Diaries. These books became international bestsellers, solidifying her status as a leading voice in contemporary fiction.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Unlike many TV creators, Bushnell’s income isn’t heavily tied to Hollywood. Her main earnings come from:
- Book Sales & Royalties – Over 90% of her wealth comes from her books.
- TV Adaptations – She sold Sex and the City rights for $100,000, which didn’t lead to long-term earnings.
- Speaking Engagements & Media – She has appeared on reality shows and hosted a Sirius Satellite Radio show.
- Real Estate Investments – Buying and selling properties contributed to her wealth.
How Much Did She Earn from Sex and the City?
Despite the massive success of the HBO series, Bushnell’s direct earnings from Sex and the City were minimal. She received $100,000 for the TV and film rights, while the show itself generated billions for HBO.
Many assume she received royalties, but that wasn’t the case. In contrast, stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall earned millions per season, making far more than Bushnell from the franchise.
How Has Real Estate Played a Role in Her Finances?
Bushnell has invested in real estate over the years, buying and selling properties in New York and Connecticut. Some key transactions include:
- In 2005, she purchased a Connecticut farmhouse for $661,500. She later sold it in 2020 for $600,000, taking a loss.
- In 2015, she sold an NYC apartment for $2.6 million.
- In 2016, she bought another NYC co-op for $770,000.
While real estate has supplemented her income, it hasn’t been a primary source of wealth.
What Are the Key Financial Decisions That Affected Her Wealth?
Several financial choices have shaped Bushnell’s net worth:
- Selling Sex and the City Rights Cheaply – A major missed opportunity, as she didn’t benefit from syndication or merchandise.
- Focusing on Publishing – A smart move, as her books have provided consistent income.
- Real Estate Investments – Some profitable, others less so.
- Hosting & TV Appearances – Supplemental income from shows like Wickedly Perfect.
What Can Be Learned from Her Financial Journey?
Bushnell’s career provides valuable lessons on financial strategy:
- Owning Intellectual Property Matters – If she had retained a stake in Sex and the City, her wealth would be much higher.
- Diversify Income Sources – Books, TV deals, and real estate all contributed to her wealth.
- Smart Investments Are Key – Some of her real estate purchases helped offset losses from TV deals.
Conclusion
Candace Bushnell’s financial journey proves that success isn’t always about Hollywood paychecks.
Despite earning less than expected from Sex and the City, she built her fortune through books, smart investments, and media engagements.
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