From memory, "platinum" tix were $199 in Perth and Sydney and $299 in Melbourne on the last tour (not including any extra fees). Might be higher this time around though. But I think in Perth at least, the front rows were mostly competition winners and some of the support act's groupies.

As for merch, some of it is pretty expensive. I got a T-shirt for about $50, wristband for $20, program for $30. There were Soul shirts and hoodies for closer to $200 I think.