Politico reveals George W. Bush's sizable speaking income

Turns out, talk isn't cheap after all, especially if you're a former U.S. president.

According to a recent story by the news site Politico, George W. Bush has earned around $100,000 to $175,000 for each of the 200-plus paid speaking engagements he has had since leaving office in 2009.

The sponsoring groups have included the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, global wealth management firms, chambers of commerce, and even the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America where he reportedly said, "Bowling is fun."

Apparently, he was also one of the more affordable speakers to hire, as a homeless shelter who paid him $100,000 considered other notable figures including Hillary Clinton whose rate was around $250,000.

It is estimated that the Clintons have, in fact, raked in more than $125 million in appearance fees since Bill Clinton's second term ended in 2001, with the former president commanding even more than his wife.