11 Most Expensive Buildings In The World — Cost Not Millions But Billions
Great and enthralling architecture does not come cheap. It requires a massive investment of several million or even billions and some great visionaries for them to be realized and create a masterpiece — the world’s most expensive buildings.
From a pilgrimage place to dizzyingly-high skyscrapers, the world’s costliest buildings come in all sizes and shapes and are loaded with all the gimmicks.
Let’s peek into the top 11 most expensive buildings constructed in the world.
Most Expensive Buildings In The World
- Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Mecca
Also known as the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, the Abraj Al-Bait Towers is situated in Mecca and is one of the world’s costliest buildings. Built at 601m height and 1,500,000 sqm floor area, the complex comes with a housing capacity of 100,000 people to house the pilgrims performing the Hajj. It consists of seven skyscrapers that cost a whopping $15 billion.
Designed by a Lebanese architecture group Dar Al-Handasah with the upper clock designed by German firm SL Rasch, the building is the tallest hotel globally.
The complex is sprawling across 34 acres with a giant clock tower, and the building offers a splendid view of the city. Talking about its construction, it took about ten years to complete its construction, which started back in 2002 and was finally completed in 2012, according to Skyscraper Centre.
2. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Singapore’s most iconic integrated complex wows with the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, most expensive Casino ever constructed, and various shopping and entertainment options.
The building was built in 2010 at the cost of $5.5 billion. It is located at a prime location that offers a scenic view of the skyline and Singapore Strait. The seven-story building comprises a casino, an exhibition center, a science and art museum, a conference center, and a hotel.
3. The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
The gambling city of America, Las Vegas, creates its mark in our list of most expensive buildings in the world with its “The Cosmopolitan.” Said to be the costliest building in the world, this American Casino features two massive towers with nearly 3,000 rooms. The facility consists of a fitness center, restaurant, retail space, a gargantuan spa, popular nightclubs Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub, conference room, and theater. The property cost an eye-watering $3.9 billion to build.
4. World Trade Centre, New York
Popularly known as the World Trade Centre, the principal building in the rebuilt World Trade complex was established on the 9/11 attacks site.
It is also known as the 9/11 Observatory and the 9/11 Tower. One of the tallest buildings in the U.S. and most prominent tourist attraction points, the skyscraper costs $3.9 billion. The WTC stands as a symbol of resistance in the face of terrorism.
5. Wynn Resort, Las Vegas
Another pretty popular property from Nevada’s city that has made it to the list of most expensive buildings in the world is Wynn Resort. This lavish hotel and gaming casino was constructed by one of the real estate tycoons, Steve Wynn, at a $2.7 billion sum.
The luxury hotel houses a lake, a golf course, Casino, around 18 restaurants, 26 shops, an art gallery, and two wedding chapels.
The one thing that catches the attention is a man-made lake onto which images are projected.
6. Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Adding another hotel to the list — Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The hotel is one of the world’s most luxurious and most expensive buildings located on the Arabian Gulf’s shores. Adjacent to the Burj Al Arab, the hotel is spread across 1 kilometer and consists of 8 stories. Got completed in 2005, the spectacular hotel costs $3 billion.
7. Wembley Stadium
The first stadium with a whopping price tag of $1 billion, Wembley Stadium is located in North London. With a massive 90,000 seating space, the iconic stadium is home to English football. The Wembley Stadium is the largest sports venue in the U.K. and the second largest in Europe. It was built from 2003 to 2007 in the same spot that the first Wembley stadium was built.
8. Palace of Parliament, Bucharest
Famous as the Republic’s House or People’s House, the Palace of Parliament is sprawling over 365,000 sq meters. This one of the costliest buildings has been ranked second in Administrative Buildings after the Pentagon. The construction of the building cost a total of $3.9 billion.
9. ECB Building, Frankfurt
The European Central Bank building in Frankfurt is another most expensive buildings in the world, with 2,300 offices. It combines a striking double tower with a polygonal shape and 45 floors. The building consists of a former wholesale market and a north and south tower.
It took about four years to complete the towers’ construction at the cost of $1.57 billion.
10. Taipei 101, Taipei
Once the tallest skyscraper in the world, until Burj Khalifa took over its place, Taipei 101 still is one of the world’s expensive buildings. Earlier known as Taipei World Financial, the building stands at 1667 feet tall. Costs nearly $1.7 billion, the Taipei 101 was designed by C.Y. LEE and C.P. Wang; the skyscraper offers an enormous 360-degree view of the city.
11. Antilia, Mumbai
Antilia, one of the costliest buildings in the world, belongs to the billionaire Mukesh Ambani. The property is situated at one of the world’s priciest addresses, Altamount Road in Mumbai, and the hanging gardens of Babylon inspire the property’s architecture. The building was designed by Chicago-based architects Perkins and Will and nearly $2 billion.
