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The Dark Knight (TWX) is poised to make major bank, and has some even pegging Heath Ledger to win a posthumous Oscar.

We’ve all heard the debate about who is the best Batman – there are five to choose from – or which movie grossed the most – the caped crusader's adventures have grossed $ 1.6 billion total worldwide – but ever wonder what it’s like to be the man behind the mask?

Bruce Wayne, the philanthropist playboy, is unlike most superheroes because his alter ego does not posses any special powers. That’s where the big bucks come in.

Turning to wealth, intellect, technology, science, physical strength and more wealth, Wayne keeps Batman up-to-date with the latest crime fighting gadgets and vehicles. Not to mention indulging himself in the finest suits, five-star restaurants and beautiful women. With a net worth of $7 billion, according to Forbes’ Fictional 15 of 2007, Wayne is a regular on Gotham City’s social scene.

In honor of The Dark Knight’s release, MainStreet takes a look at the cost of being Bruce Wayne, then and now.

2008: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne
Bale’s Bruce Wayne lives a lavish lifestyle, in and out of his batsuit. According to the New York Post (NWS), just being Batman costs an estimated $300 million (with most of the money invested in the bat computer – an IBM (IBM) Blue Gen/L worth $290 million).

Clothing: In The Dark Knight, Wayne is outfitted in Armani, but it’s not just any Armani suit. According to the Italian designer, Wayne is a Hand Made-to-Measure client, meaning he exhibits “status as a discriminating and sophisticated connoisseur of fine fashion, while also showing he has individual taste." But the suit is just part of the ensemble. Additional clothing and accessories, including a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch worn in Batman Begins, wrack up a hefty bill.
Estimated Annual Budget: $500,000

Dining: Patrick Bateman may have had trouble landing a reservation at Dorsia in American Psycho, but Bruce Wayne undoubtedly has no problem getting into the most exclusive restaurants where the best sushi, filet mignon and liquor are served.
Estimated Annual Budget: $300,000

Nightlife: On the rare night when Batman hangs up his cape, Wayne jumps into Gotham’s city’s nightlife. Whether it’s a benefit or an opera, Bruce Wayne’s photo is sure to appear on the society page.
Estimated Annual Budget: $250,000

Lady friends: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and given his track record with the ladies, Wayne has bought more than his fair share of diamond necklaces, earrings and rings from Tiffany’s (TIF). We’re positive current gal pal, Rachel Dawes, is sporting some major ice in the movie.
Estimated Annual Budget: $350,000

Sidekicks: Bruce Wayne may be Robin-less, but he still has one devoted sidekick. Butler Alfred, the dry-humored, sage-like Brit and trusted friend of Wayne is one of the few who knows Wayne’s secret identity. Alfred is looking at a six-figure salary, according to the International Guild of Professional Butlers, and in the butler world, Alfred is a “gentleman’s gentleman” with more than 30 years of experience.
Estimated Annual Budget: $200,000

Wheels: In 1989, Batman uttered “It’s the car, right? Chicks love the car.” Nineteen years later, it’s a definite yes. Especially since Wayne drives a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. This Italian sports car is powered by a 640 horsepower, 12-cylinder engine, and can reach speeds of more than 211 miles per hour.
Estimated Cost: $400,000

Wayne Manor: The Dark Knight was shot at the former Rothschild estate at Mentmore Towers in Buckinghamshire, England.
Estimated Cost (after currency conversion): $39,537,172

The Cost of Being Bruce, 2008: $41,537,172 (excludes his holdings in Wayne Enterprises)

1966-1968: Adam West as Bruce Wayne
POW! BAM! CRACK! Let’s face it, Adam West’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne was less than stellar: Instead of a dark, brooding character, viewers got a comically dimwitted ladies man. But we’re not complaining since it made for cheesy, and entertaining television.

Clothing: In the 60’s Bruce Wayne was on top of the fashion game, remember those slender gray suits, his v-neck sweater vests and an ascot. Despite these fashion missteps, we’re sure Wayne sported suits from the decade’s hottest designers including Pierre Cardin.
Estimated Annual Budget: Not available.

Dining, Nightlife, and Ladies: In the era of rock and roll, it’s only fitting that Bruce Wayne attended ground-breaking performances and the hippest concerts. A three-day pass to Woodstock cost $24, but Wayne acted more like a fan of adult contemporary than a lover of Jimi Hendrix. Wayne probably caught a Simon and Garfunkel performance at Philharmonic Hall or a free Barbara Streisand concert in Central Park, before grabbing a drink at the local hotspot. Thankfully tickets back then barely cost $30, so Wayne could party the night away at little expense.

But there’s more to nightlife than a good show. Wayne was a ladies man, and he surely canoodled with some of the decade’s hottest women, like Valley of the Dolls’ Patty Duke and Sharon Tate. But we all know Batman had much better luck with the women. It must be the uniform.
Estimated Annual Budget: $5,000.

Sidekicks: It’s easy to assume Alfred, the trusted butler, was the only person living at Wayne Manor. But in the 60’s Dick “Robin” Grayson and Wayne’s Aunt Harriet also shacked up at the estate. Fortunately for Wayne, his aunt spent most of her time in an upstairs room after falling into a state of shock. And since Wayne Enterprises handled most of Gotham City – including health care, media and steel, Wayne probably got a discount on local dealings.
Estimated Cost: Free when your company runs a city.

The ride: Although viewers rarely, saw Bruce Wayne/Batman in a vehicle other than the Batcopter, Batboat or Batmobile, we took a look at one of the most famous cars in pop culture history -- the Batmobile. The 1955 Lincoln Futura, powered by a 429 Ford Full Race engine, was created by George Barris whose work includes Smokey and the Bandit’s Trans Am and The Munsters’ gothic car. Built entirely by hand in Italy, Barris acquired the car from Ford (F) for the low price of $1. Meanwhile, a Yamaha Catalina 250 served as the Batcycle. The vehicle was leased to 20th Century Fox for $50 a week, starting on April 18, 1966.
Estimated cost: $252,500

Wayne Manor: From 1966-1968, 380 S. San Rafael Drive in Pasadena, California served as the location of the Wayne Manor. Exterior shots of the house were used, while other scenes were filmed on a sound stage. The mansion is still around, and is commonly included in Hollywood sight-seeing tours. And if you’re curious about the secret door that leads to the Batcave, there are companies around the country who can make your house superhero-friendly. If hidden switches in Shakespeare’s head aren’t your thing, the Hidden Door Company in Elks Grove, California can make a shabby bookcase into a hidden entrance.
Current estimated worth: $3 million

Estimated Cost of Adam West’s Bruce Wayne: Priceless.

THE VERDICT
While Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne could buy or sell Adam West’s Bruce Wayne, money will never beat the campy fun of the Batman television series. Until Bale performs the Batusi, we consider Adam West's take on the Bat story to be totally 'money.'