There are many iconic structures throughout the world. The majority of them have ornate exteriors and interiors. Skyscrapers and luxury hotels, as well as residential and commercial buildings, are among the most expensive buildings in the world.
Most buildings are not only for use; they can be incredibly expensive to construct on their own. In this article, we will go over the top ten most expensive buildings in the world.
10 Most Expensive Buildings In The World
#1. Masjid al-Haram, Saudi Arabia
Muslim pilgrims from all over the world congregate in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah at the Al-Haram Mosque.
Masjid al-Haram is a mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia that surrounds the Holy Kaaba. Throughout the year, millions of worshippers flock to the world’s largest mosque for prayers and Tawaf. This is one of the most expensive buildings in the world, also Islam’s most sacred location, which never sleeps.
This Grand Mosque is 356,000 square meters in size. The Ka’aba was the first structure created on Earth for humanity to worship Allah. In addition, you can view the Black Stone, Maqam Ibrahim, the Zamzam Well, and the Safa and Marwa hills in Mecca’s Great Mosque. Experts calculated that it would cost a whopping $100 billion in total.
#2. Abraj Al Bait, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Abraj Al-Bait is a seven-skyscraper hotel complex owned by the Saudi government in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. These towers are part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project, which intends to enhance the city’s pilgrim facilities.
Makkah Clock Royal Tower, the central hotel tower, contains the world’s largest clock face and is the world’s third-tallest building and fifth-tallest freestanding structure. The clock tower houses the Clock Tower Museum, which takes up the top four floors of the structure.
The building complex is just meters from the Great Mosque of Mecca, the world’s largest mosque and Islam’s holiest shrine. The Saudi Binladin Group, the Kingdom’s largest construction enterprise, is the complex’s developer and contractor.
It is one of the most expensive buildings in the world, with a total construction cost of US$15 billion. The Ajyad Fortress, an 18th-century Ottoman stronghold on top of a hill overlooking the Grand Mosque, was demolished, and the complex was created in its place.
#3. Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay, Singapore
One of the most expensive buildings in the world, Marina Bay Sands is a prominent entertainment venue for individuals who value luxury. The integrated resort is more well-known for its diverse array of attractions and facilities.
Furthermore, the objective was to create a landmark that distinguishes Singapore from other countries. The US$6.33 billion Marina Bay Sands, unlike previous structures, blends business and recreation into one location.
Marina Bay Sands comprises three 55-story luxurious hotel towers. It is capped by an astonishing boat-shaped sky park, ‘floating’ crystal pavilions, a convention center, shopping, a lotus-inspired Museum, and an event plaza.
The retail stores provide fashionable Celebrity Chef restaurants, the hottest nightclubs, and Las Vegas-style casinos, as well as unlimited entertainment at the theatres.
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#4. Apple Park, United States
Apple Park is the company’s new 175-acre headquarters in Cupertino, California, USA. Officials deemed its 2.8 million-square-foot main building to be one of the most energy-efficient structures on the planet.
Furthermore, the site and its adjoining visitor center welcomed around 12,000 new employees. Also, as one of the most expensive buildings in the world, it cost an estimated $US5.3 billion to construct.
It is also an iconic symbol of Apple’s commitment to design, technology’s future, and green energy. This gigantic ring-shaped structure is fostering an environment conducive to sustained creativity, well-being, and innovation.
After all, it was the creation of Steve Jobs. As a mark of respect, the campus theater was named after him. Everyone referred to the main circular edifice as a “Spaceship” because of its appearance.
#5.
One of the most expensive buildings in the world, Resorts World Sentosa is Asia’s finest lifestyle destination resort. It is located on the resort island of Sentosa in Singapore. R.W.S. is home to world-class attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Dolphin Island, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark. Genting Singapore built the $4.93 billion resort. In 2010, it was the world’s third most costly skyscraper ever built.
R.W.S. has six distinct luxury hotels with around 1,600 hotel rooms, the world-class Resorts World Convention Centre, a casino, and thrilling theme parks. Furthermore, on December 7, 2012, officials held the grand opening of this integrated resort.
This structure was dedicated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Genting Group Chairman Lim Kok Thay. In addition, R.W.S. offers award-winning eating experiences.
#6. SoFi Stadium, United States
SoFi Stadium is a one-of-a-kind sports venue in Inglewood, California. This entertainment venue was created by E. Stanley Kroenke, owner of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams and Chargers will collaborate on the “SoFi Stadium” project over a twenty-year period. Furthermore, this stadium’s indoor-outdoor architecture includes a translucent canopy that lowers the heat.
Viewers can practically touch the turf in the Bungalow suites. It’s one of several features that make SoFi, the National Football League’s largest stadium, surprisingly welcoming to visitors. One of the most expensive buildings in the world, this $4.9 billion stadium is Stan Kroenke’s vision.
He wished for an arena like this to commemorate Southern California and its citizens’ enjoyment of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Moreover, at $US 4.9 billion, it is one of the most expensive buildings in the world, and it was totally privately financed.
#7. Wynn Palace, Macau, US$4.2 Billion
With Wynn Palace, hotelier Steve Wynn wants to bring his tremendous style to Macau’s Cotai Strip neighborhood. The aptly called integrated resort makes you feel like kings and queens. Aside from that, you may enjoy anything from extra-wide halls, mirrored walls, and high ceilings to creative gastronomic experiences.
This 28-story hotel features 1,706 superbly equipped rooms, villas, and suites, as well as diverse conference spaces. It also has luxury shopping, Macau’s largest spa, 13 casual and fine dining restaurants, and a gaming area.
The eight-acre Performance Lake is the show’s main attraction in terms of entertainment. In addition, at night, you may see a coordinated performance of water, music, and light. This $US4.2 billion resort also has a Skycap gondola that circles the lake.
It is one of the most expensive buildings in the world with good reason.
#8. The Cosmopolitan, United States, US$4.10 Billion
The Cosmopolitan is a 3,027-room hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It is well known for its trendy, affluent styling and unmatched bars and restaurants. In 2009, the Cosmopolitan cost an eye-watering $US 4.10 billion to develop.
This art-themed hotel also includes two high-rise buildings, the Boulevard Tower and the Chelsea Tower. On December 15, 2010, one of the most expensive buildings in the world opened to the public.
The cosmopolitan features a casino, retail and restaurant space, a massive spa and fitness facility. A 3,200-seat theater, and meeting and convention space are also part of the $US 4.10 billion projects.
In 2013, Gogobot named the hotel “The Best Hotel in the World.” Furthermore, the second hotel in Las Vegas, after The Palazzo, provides an underground parking garage beneath the hotel.
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#9. One World Trade Center, United States
One World Trade Center is a major structure in New York City, popularly known as the Freedom Tower. It is America’s highest building, standing a symbolic 1,776 feet tall. This skyscraper in America was constructed in 2012 for $US 3.8 billion. It was constructed to replace and honor the old World Trade Center’s twin towers, which were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist assault.
As one of the most expensive buildings in the world, construction began on April 27, 2006, and was finished in 2013. One World Trade Center has 71 floors of office space, 270000 square feet of space. For the US General Services Administration, magazine publisher Conde Nast, a public lobby, and an observation deck.
10. Lotte World Tower, South Korea, US$3.11 Billion
The Lotte World Tower is a 1,823-foot-high skyscraper in Seoul, South Korea. On April 11, 2017, this 123-story skyscraper opened to the public. Also, it is the tallest structure in South Korea and the fifth tallest structure on the globe. It has a wide range of areas for various purposes, such as offices, retail stores, the world’s highest observation decks, and office tel.
Seoul Sky, a glass-floored skywalk, an art gallery, cafes, a seven-star luxury hotel, and the massive Lotte World Mall complex is also available. This architectural crown jewel of Korea contains everything required for modern urban living.
Furthermore, this one of the most expensive buildings contains the world’s fastest elevator, which can transport people to the top in one minute.
Most Iconic Buildings in the World
#1. London’s St. Paul Cathedral
English architect Sir Christopher Wren created St Paul’s Cathedral, London’s most iconic structure. Its iconic dome, which stands at the summit of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, is one of the world’s tallest, reaching nearly 112 meters high.
The original church on the site was built in 604AD. Christopher Wren began work on the current English Baroque church in the 17th century. It was part of a large rebuilding program following the Great Fire of London.
#2. Petronas Tower, Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas Towers are twin buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, standing 170 meters above the ground. The buildings, which were the tallest in the world from 1998 to 2004, are famous symbols in the capital city.
Under the direction of JC Guinto, architects Cesar Pelli and Achmad Murdijat, engineer Deejay Cerico, and designer Dominic Saibo developed the particular postmodern style.
#3. The White House, Washington
Irish architect James Hoban created the design of the White House. In 1972, Hoban proposed a design for the presidential home and was awarded the commission to construct the White House. Construction began in 1793 and was completed in 1801.
The Iconic Building is composed of white-painted Aquia sandstone and has housed every US president since the country’s second president, John Adams.
#4. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Europe’s most notable architectural structures. The tower became noted for its tilt during construction as the soft ground on one side could not hold the structure’s weight correctly.
The tower now leans somewhat less than 4 degrees because of rehabilitation work completed in 2001. The iconic building is expected to fall within the next 75-100 years.
The construction of the tower began in 1173 and lasted over 300 years. The exact name of the architect of the tower has been extensively debated. The design was originally credited to artist Bonnano Pisano, but investigations have also linked architect Diotisalvi.
#5. St. Basils Cathedral, Moscow
In reality, this flamboyant, candy-colored church is Moscow’s most popular tourist destination. The Iconic Building was built to mimic a bonfire’s flame leaping into the sky. It is positioned right outside the Kremlin walls and represents the city’s geometric center.
The cathedral was built between 1554 and 1560 under the reign of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible). Postnik Yakovlev, the building’s architect, is little known, but he was definitely an admirer of onion domes, sharp spikes, and polygonal towers.
#6. Empire State Building, New York
The Empire State Building was formerly the tallest in the world. Its construction began on St. Patrick’s Day 1930 and was completed 410 days later.
The world-famous Empire State Building was constructed in just one year and 45 days.
William F. Lamb of the architectural company Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon created the Iconic Building.
The American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It is recognized around the world as an icon of New York City.
#7. Colosseum, Rome
This elliptical amphitheater in Rome’s center is regarded as one of the greatest architectural accomplishments accomplished by the Ancient Romans. The stadium could hold 50,000 spectators and be mostly utilized for gladiatorial events.
The Iconic Building, constructed of concrete and stone, began building around 72AD and was completed in 80AD. The design and shape of the Colosseum have inspired many modern-day stadiums.
Currently, it is now one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Rome, receiving thousands of visitors each year.
#8. Taj Mahal, India
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected the Taj Mahal, known as “the jewel of Muslim art in India. This iconic monument is frequently misidentified as a palace. But it was actually built as a tomb for the Emperor’s wife when she died while giving birth to their 14th child.
The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture. This Iconic Building’s construction began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. It took another five years to complete the adjacent buildings and grounds.
Most Expensive Houses in the World
- Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London– $2.9 billion
- Antilla,Mumbai, India – $1 billion.
- Villa Leopolda, Alps-Maritime, France’s – $750 million
- Les Cèdres Villa, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat – $450 Million
- Les Palais Bulles, Théoule-sur-Mer, France – $390million
FAQs
According to MSN Money, the Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as the Masjid al-Haram, is by far the most expensive edifice in the world. Continuous expansion projects increased its cost over time, and it is currently believed to have cost $100 billion in today’s money.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s biannual survey, Tel Aviv, Israel, is now the most expensive city in the world to live in. For the first time, the Israeli city topped the EIU’s December 2021 global cost of living index, moving up from fifth place last year.
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living report, the top ten most affordable cities to live in the United States are as follows.
- Cedar Park, Texas.
- Midland, Texas.
- Ogden, Utah.
- Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Provo, Utah.
- Des Moines, Iowa.Austin, Texas.
- Cedar Park, Texas.
- Midland, Texas.
- Ogden, Utah.
- Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Provo, Utah.
- Des Moines, Iowa.Austin, Texas.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Masjid Al Haram.
- Marina Bay Sands.
- Apple Park.
- Resorts World Sentosa.
- SoFi Stadium.
Conclusion
The world is home to some extremely beautiful and expensive buildings. From Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram to Seoul’s Lotte World Tower, these monuments are majestic and commanding in scale.
I have outlined notable expensive buildings in the world in this article for your perusal.
References
- https://themysteriousworld.com/10-most-expensive-buildings-in-the-world/
- https://knowinsiders.com/top-10-most-expensive-buildings-in-the-world-32747.html
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