Top 10 Costliest Buildings in the World

The new World Trade Center in New York is currently under construction and is estimated that by the time it is completed the project will have cost $3.8 billion, making it the most expensive building in the world. However, there are a number of other structures worldwide which cost in excess of $1 billion to build. Here we look at the top ten costliest buildings that have been completed in the world to date.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas

This 44 story hotel and casino was constructed at a cost of $950 million and opened in 1999. It boasts over 3,300 rooms and although rooms are available costing as little as $60 to stay per night, this rises closer to $600 if you choose to stay in one of the penthouse suites. Along with the casino, there are shows to watch, a shopping mall, an aquarium and beech, not to mention a range of bars and restaurants, so guests don’t even have to leave the resort during their stay.

Bank of China, Hong Kong

Located in the Central District of Hong Kong, the Bank of China is one of the most well known buildings on the skyline. Costing $1 billion to build, it stands at 315m, with its mast adding an extra 52m; it was the tallest building in Hong Kong until 1992, though has now been relegated to fourth place.

World Financial Center, Shanghai

When completed at a cost of $1.2 billion in 2008, the World Financial Center in Shanghai at the time was the second tallest building in the world, reaching a height of 492m. Whilst it has now lost this claim, it houses the world’s second highest hotel located between its 79th and 93rd floors; offices, conference rooms and shopping malls occupy the other floors.

Yankee Stadium, New York

Home to the New York Yankees baseball team, the stadium was opened in 2009 and included many of the same design features as the original stadium. The building costs came to $1.5 billion, which placed it as one of the most expensive baseball stadiums constructed, which stirred up much controversy.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Standing at 830m, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world’s tallest building and cost $1.5 billion to complete in 2009. Overbuilding in Dubai during the financial crisis forced it to seek financial help from neighbouring Abu Dhabi to cover the tower’s costs. On opening more than 90% of its apartments were unoccupied and within the first year their rental value had fallen 40%.

Wembley Stadium, London

When the new Wembley Stadium was finished in 2007 it had been at a cost of $1.5 billion and was the second biggest stadium in Europe, seating 90,000 fans. A distinctive feature of the new stadium is its 134m arch, which harks back to the twin towers of the original.

Ballagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

Taking its name from the town on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, Bellagio was built for $1.6 billion; its most prominent features are an eight acre lake and water fountain synchronized to music. The hotel’s main tower has more than 3000 rooms over 36 floors, while the smaller tower houses an additional 935 rooms.

Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan

Until the Burj Khalifa was constructed, this skyscraper in Taiwan was the world’s tallest building. A sizable $1.8 billion was put into its development, producing a 106 storey building – though five of these are underground – which incorporates both traditional and modern architecture; attention was paid to ensure the design could stand up to earthquakes and typhoons.

Antilla, Mumbai, India

You might wonder how anyone could possibly spend $2 billion on their own home, but that’s exactly what one Indian businessman did, making his the most expensive residence on the planet. With 27 floors looking out on to the ocean, he undoubtedly has great views.

Wynn Resort, Las Vegas

Named after the casino developer Steve Wynn, the resort was the most costly development in the world, coming in at $2.7 billion. It covers 215 acres and on site there are 4,750 rooms; the Wynn Resort also boasts a casino, convention centre and golf course. Despite only opening in 2005, in 2011 almost $100 million was spent renovating more than half of the hotel rooms.