15 Most Expensive Buildings In The World 2023
1. Abraj Al Bait – Mecca, Saudi Arabia ($15 billion)
The Abraj Al Bait complex, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a group of seven skyscrapers that cost a total of $15 billion to construct. The complex is home to the world’s tallest clock tower and is the world’s third tallest building, standing at 601 meters (1,972 feet) tall.
The complex includes a five-star hotel, a shopping center, and an Islamic museum. It also features a prayer room that can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at any one time.
2. Marina Bay Sands – Singapore ($5.5 billion)
Marina Bay Sands is a luxury integrated resort in Singapore that was built at a cost of $5.5 billion. It includes a luxury hotel, a convention center, a mall, a theater, and two casino floors. The resort is located on 57 acres of reclaimed land along the Marina Bay waterfront and is connected by a bridge to the nearby Central Business District.
The iconic architecture of the resort is a symbol of Singapore’s success in becoming a global city and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Singapore. It is also the world’s most expensive standalone casino property at completion, costing more than the Venetian Macao, the City of Dreams in Macau, and Wynn Las Vegas combined. It is also the most expensive building in Singapore.
3. Palace of the Parliament – Bucharest, Romania ($3.9 billion)
The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania is the world’s second-most expensive building, costing an estimated $3.9 billion to construct. Designed by architect Anca Petrescu, the Palace was built between 1983 and 1997, during the reign of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.
The building is an iconic landmark in Bucharest and is the world’s largest administrative building, measuring 270 m by 240 m and 92 m high. It covers an area of 330,000 sq m and has 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, and a total floor space of 360,000 sq m.
Inside the Palace, there are four museums, conference rooms, salons, and a large library. It is now used as the Romanian Parliament and houses the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
4. One World Trade Center – New York, USA ($3.8 billion)
One World Trade Center is a supertall skyscraper in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex. The total estimated cost of the project is $3.8 billion.
5. Resorts World Sentosa – Singapore ($3.9 billion)
Resorts World Sentosa is a resort, theme park, casino, and hotel complex located on the island of Sentosa in Singapore. It was officially opened on February 20, 2010, and cost an estimated S$3.9 billion to build.
The resort is home to six world-class hotels, two Universal Studios theme parks, a world-class casino, a Marine Life Park, a Maritime Experiential Museum, a Dolphin Lagoon, a FestiveWalk shopping, and entertainment zone, a variety of dining options and a Spa & Wellness Centre.
There are also numerous attractions and shows to keep visitors entertained.
6. Tokyo International Airport – Tokyo, Japan ($3.3 billion)
Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda Airport, is the main international airport serving the Greater Tokyo Area, Japan. It is the busiest airport in Japan and the third busiest in the world with an estimated annual passenger traffic of around 99 million.
It is located 14 kilometers south of Tokyo Station and is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The airport was constructed in 1931 and underwent a major renovation in 2010 which cost around ¥330 billion (around US$3.3 billion).
7. Grand Lisboa – Macau, China ($2.4 billion)
The Grand Lisboa is a luxury hotel and casino resort located in Sé, Macau, China. It is owned by Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau, a Stanley Ho company. The resort opened on February 11, 2007, and cost approximately $2.4 billion to build.
The Grand Lisboa has a total of 870 guest rooms and suites, along with a casino, several restaurants, a shopping mall, and a spa. It is one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels in Macau.
8. Emirates Palace Hotel – Abu Dhabi, UAE ($2.3 billion)
The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is a luxurious 5-star hotel and resort located on a 1.3-kilometer private beachfront. The hotel is owned and operated by the Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company and opened in November 2005.
It is one of the most expensive hotels ever built, with a construction cost of US$2.3 billion. The hotel features 394 luxurious rooms and suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, an expansive spa and health club, two swimming pools, a private marina, and a helipad.
There is also a conference center, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people. The hotel also hosts a variety of events, such as weddings, business meetings, and galas.
9. Taipei 101 – Taipei, Taiwan ($1.9 billion)
Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper located in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. The 101-story tower was designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners and completed in 2004. The building cost $1.9 billion to construct and is the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010.
It features an iconic design that is reminiscent of a large bamboo stalk, with eight segments separated by eight exterior columns. It stands at a height of 508 meters (1,667 ft) and houses 101 floors above ground, as well as five basement levels.
The tower contains offices, retail stores, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor observatories. Taipei 101 is an important symbol of the city and a popular tourist destination.
10. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE ($1.5 billion)
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and the most expensive building ever constructed. It is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was built at a cost of $1.5 billion. The Burj Khalifa stands at a staggering 829.8 meters (2,722 feet) in height and has a total of 163 floors.
It was designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith, of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, and construction began in 2004. The building officially opened in 2010. The Burj Khalifa features a number of unique features, including the world’s highest observation deck, at 452 meters (1,483 feet); the world’s highest mosque, at 158 meters (520 feet); the world’s longest travelator, at 210 meters (689 feet); and the world’s highest restaurant, at 584 meters (1,918 feet).
It also has a variety of luxury amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and luxury hotel.
11. Wynn Palace Cotai – Macau, China ($4.1 billion)
The Wynn Palace Cotai is a luxury integrated resort located in Macau, China. The resort opened in August 2016 and cost an estimated $4.1 billion to construct.
The resort features a variety of amenities including a 2,000-room hotel, a casino, a large selection of restaurants, and a performance lake. Additionally, the resort is home to a variety of entertainment venues, including a theater, spa, nightclub, and shopping mall.
12. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Las Vegas, USA ($1.7 billion)
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a luxury resort and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. The resort opened on December 15, 2010, and it cost an estimated $1.7 billion to build.
The Cosmopolitan features a world-class casino, three lavish pools, an award-winning spa, and more than 20 restaurants. The resort also features its own art gallery, two nightclubs, and a three-story retail mall.
The Cosmopolitan is known for its luxurious amenities, extravagant décor, and unique design, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for travelers to Las Vegas.
13. The Venetian Macao – Macau, China ($2.4 billion)
The Venetian Macao is a luxury hotel and casino resort in Macau, China, owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. It is the largest casino in the world, with a construction cost of US$2.4 billion.
The Venetian Macao offers a wide range of attractions, including a casino, retail shopping, entertainment, and dining, as well as a number of convention and meeting spaces. The resort also features a gondola ride, modeled after the canals of Venice, Italy.
14. Shanghai Tower – Shanghai, China ($2.4 billion)
The Shanghai Tower is a mega-tall skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China. It stands 632 meters (2,073 feet) tall and has 128 floors, making it the world’s second-tallest building by height.
Construction of the Shanghai Tower began in 2008 and was completed in 2015. It cost an estimated $2.4 billion to build. The tower is the centerpiece of the Shanghai Tower Complex, which includes a shopping mall and a luxury hotel.
The tower also features an observation deck at level 121, offering stunning views of the city.
15. Trump International Hotel & Tower – Chicago, USA
The total cost of staying at the Trump International Hotel & Tower – Chicago, USA, is approximately $1,175 per night.
