The construction of a building is a complex and costly process that involves many different factors. When it comes to creating the most expensive buildings in the world, only the best materials, the most skilled architects, and the most advanced technology are used to create stunning structures that are both beautiful and functional. These buildings are not just a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, but also a symbol of wealth and prosperity. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 most expensive buildings in the world, exploring their unique design, the materials used in their construction, and the reasons behind their eye-watering cost. Whether you’re an architecture buff or simply curious about what makes a building truly expensive, this list is sure to fascinate and inspire you.
| No | Most Expensive Building | Price |
| 1 | The Great Mosque of Mecca | $100 billion |
| 2 | Abraj Al Bait | $16 billion |
| 3 | Marina Bay Sands | $5.5 billion |
| 4 | SoFi Stadium |
$5.5 billion
|
| 5 | Apple Park |
$5 billion
|
| 6 | Resorts World Sentosa | $4.93 billion |
| 7 | Wynn Palace | $4.2 billion |
| 8 | The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas | $4.1 billion |
| 9 | Palace of the Parliament | $4 billion |
| 10 | One World Trade Center, NYC, United States | $3.8 billion |
The Great Mosque of Mecca
The Great Mosque of Mecca is the most expensive building in the world. The Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as Al-Masjid al-Haram, is a mosque located in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and is considered the holiest site in Islam. The mosque has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, with the most recent expansion project costing an estimated $100 billion. This project included the construction of several new buildings, the expansion of existing structures, and the installation of new state-of-the-art amenities. The Great Mosque of Mecca is not only a place of worship for Muslims but also a symbol of the wealth and power of the Saudi Arabian kingdom. The stunning architecture and intricate details of the mosque make it a truly awe-inspiring structure and a testament to the religious and cultural significance of the city of Mecca.
Abraj Al Bait
Abraj Al Bait is the 2nd most expensive building in the world. Abraj Al Bait is a complex of seven skyscrapers located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The tallest tower in the complex, the Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower, is the third tallest freestanding structure in the world. The complex was built at a cost of over $15 billion and was primarily funded by the Saudi Arabian government. Abraj Al Bait is a luxury hotel and residential complex that provides accommodations for pilgrims visiting Mecca for the Hajj and Umrah religious pilgrimages. The complex also features several shopping centers, conference facilities, and a large prayer area. The Abraj Al Bait Clock Tower is equipped with a massive clock face that is visible from great distances, making it a recognizable landmark in the city of Mecca. The combination of its size, luxury amenities, and religious significance make Abraj Al Bait one of the most expensive and impressive buildings in the world.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is 3rd the most expensive building in the world. Marina Bay Sands is a luxury integrated resort located in Singapore, featuring a hotel, casino, shopping mall, convention center, and various entertainment options. The resort is known for its iconic architectural design, which features three 55-story towers connected by a rooftop infinity pool and observation deck. The resort also features a wide range of dining and shopping options, as well as a casino and a convention center. Additionally, the resort is home to the ArtScience Museum and the Sands Theatre, which hosts various performances and shows. Marina Bay Sands is a popular tourist destination and a must-see attraction in Singapore.
SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium is the 4th most expensive building in the world. Marina Bay Sands is a luxury integrated resort located in Marina Bay, Singapore. It features a hotel, a shopping mall, convention and exhibition facilities, theaters, and dining and entertainment options. The resort is also known for its iconic architecture, including the SkyPark, a large park on the rooftop of the resort that offers panoramic views of the city. The resort also features a large infinity pool, several fine-dining restaurants, and a casino. Marina Bay Sands is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Singapore’s prosperity and modernity.
Apple Park
Apple Park is the 5th most expensive building in the world. Apple Park is the headquarters of Apple Inc., a technology company based in Cupertino, California. It is located at 1 Apple Park Way, Cupertino, California, 95014. The park covers an area of 176 acres and was designed by Foster + Partners, a British architecture firm. The headquarters building is known as the “spaceship campus” due to its circular design. It has a total of 2.8 million square feet of office space and includes various amenities such as a visitor center, an orchard, a fitness center, and a 100,000-square-foot auditorium named Steve Jobs Theater. Apple Park has been praised for its sustainability features, such as its use of renewable energy, recycling and composting programs, and green roofs.
Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa is the 6th most expensive building in the world. Resorts World Sentosa is a resort and casino located on Sentosa Island in Singapore. It features a variety of attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Adventure Cove Waterpark. The resort also includes a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as a luxury spa and a casino. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Singapore, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Wynn Palace
Wynn Palace is the 7th most expensive building in the world. Wynn Palace is a luxury resort and casino located in Macau, China. It is part of the Wynn Resorts group, known for its high-end accommodations, dining experiences, entertainment, and gaming facilities. The resort features over 1,700 rooms, suites, and villas, as well as multiple dining options, including international cuisine and fine dining. The casino offers an array of games, including slots, table games, and a VIP room for high-stakes play. Additionally, Wynn Palace features a shopping mall, a performance lake, a convention center, and a spa and wellness center. The resort is known for its stunning architecture, luxurious amenities, and commitment to providing a world-class experience for its guests.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is the 8th most expensive building in the world. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a luxury resort, casino, and hotel located on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. It opened in 2010 and is known for its chic and modern design, upscale amenities, and unique dining and entertainment options. The hotel has over 3,000 rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a 70,000-square-foot casino, a three-level pool deck with private cabanas, a full-service spa, and a shopping mall. The Cosmopolitan is also home to several nightlife venues, including Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub, and The Chandelier Bar, which features three floors of bars and lounge areas. The resort has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional service and amenities, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is the 9th most expensive building in the world. The Palace of the Parliament, also known as the People’s Palace, is a massive administrative building located in Bucharest, Romania. It is the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States. The palace was built during the communist era under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu and was intended to serve as the headquarters of the government and the Communist Party of Romania.
Construction of the palace began in 1983 and was completed in 1997, long after the fall of communism in Romania. The palace is made of marble, granite, and steel, and contains over 1,100 rooms, including conference rooms, offices, and halls for various government functions. The palace also has a large underground bunker that was designed to protect the government in case of a nuclear attack.
The palace is a popular tourist attraction in Bucharest, and visitors can take guided tours to see the palace’s grand halls, ornate chandeliers, and marble staircases. The palace also houses the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which features works by Romanian and international artists.
The palace is often criticized for its extravagance and the number of resources that were used to construct it, especially during a time when many Romanians were living in poverty. However, it remains a significant architectural and historical landmark in Romania.
One World Trade Center, NYC, United States
One World Trade Center, NYC, United States is the 10th most expensive building in the world. One World Trade Center is a skyscraper located in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. It is the tallest building in the United States and the sixth-tallest in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mecca the most expensive building?
Mecca, also known as the Grand Mosque, is the most expensive building because of the extensive renovation and expansion projects that have been undertaken to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the city during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The cost of these projects includes the construction of new buildings, the expansion of existing structures, and the installation of modern amenities and technology to improve the overall experience for visitors. Additionally, the use of high-quality materials, advanced engineering techniques, and the involvement of leading architects and designers have also contributed to the high cost of the building.
What is the tallest building in the world?
As of 2023, the tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It stands at a height of 828 meters (2,722 feet).
How tall is the empire state building?
The Empire State Building is 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall.
When was the empire state building built?
The Empire State Building was built between 1930 and 1931.
How many floors are in the empire state building?
The Empire State Building has 102 floors.
How long did it take to build the empire state building?
The Empire State Building was built in just over one and a half years, from March 17, 1930, to May 1, 1931.
Who owns the empire state building?
The Empire State Building is owned by Empire State Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
What building has the most stories?
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has the most stories with 163 floors.
Where is the empire state building?
The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118, United States.
How to square a building?
- Measure the length and width of the building: Start by measuring the length and width of the building using a tape measure or laser measure. These measurements will be used to determine the square footage of the building.
- Calculate the square footage: To calculate the square footage of the building, multiply the length by the width. For example, if the length is 100 feet and the width is 50 feet, the square footage would be 5,000 square feet.
- Check for squareness: Using a square tool, check the corners of the building to ensure they are square. If they are not, make note of any discrepancies.
- Adjust as needed: If the building is not square, you may need to make adjustments to the foundation or framing to square it up. This could involve adding or removing foundation supports, or adjusting the framing to align with the corners.
- Verify squareness: Once any adjustments have been made, re-check the corners of the building to ensure they are now square. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed until the building is square.
- Document the square footage: Once the building is square, document the square footage and any discrepancies or adjustments made for future reference.
What is the empire state building used for?
The Empire State Building is a skyscraper in New York City that is primarily used for office space and observation deck tourism. The building has 102 floors and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. The observation deck on the 86th floor offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular tourist destination. The building also features a gift shop, a restaurant, and a visitor center. Additionally, it is also used for film and television shoots, events, and performances.
What is the tallest building in new york?
The tallest building in New York is One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower. It stands at a height of 1,776 feet (541 meters).
How to avoid building permits?
- Understand zoning laws and regulations: Before starting any construction project, it is important to understand the zoning laws and regulations in your area. This will help you determine if your project requires a building permit or not.
- Check with your local building department: Contact your local building department and ask them what types of projects require permits. They can also provide you with information on any specific requirements or restrictions that may apply to your project.
- Consider the scope of your project: If your project is relatively small and does not involve any major structural changes, it may not require a building permit. However, if you are planning on making significant changes to your home or building, a permit will likely be required.
- Use pre-approved plans: Some building departments offer pre-approved plans for certain types of projects, such as decks or sheds. These plans are designed to meet all local building codes and regulations and can be used without the need for a building permit.
- Hire a professional: If you are unsure about whether or not your project requires a building permit, consider hiring a professional contractor or architect. They will be able to advise you on the necessary steps to take to ensure that your project complies with local building codes and regulations.
- Be aware of the risks: Avoiding building permits may seem like a good idea, but it can have serious consequences. Not only can it result in fines and penalties, but it may also put the safety of your family and property at risk.