Following on from last month's most expensive construction projects in the world, here is our list of the top ten most expensive buildings. Not surprisingly, three are in Las Vegas.
10) The Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas cost $950 million in 2007. The 43-story casino resort is owned by MGM Resorts International.
9) The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong has a price tag of $1 billion. Built in 1990 to house the offices of the bank, it rises an impressive 1,205 feet from ground level to the tip of its spire.
8) The Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai, China houses retail, offices and a museum. Its 101 floors climb 1,622 feet. With a price tag of $1.2 billion, this tower is best known for housing the Park Hyatt Shanghai, the world's highest hotel.
7) The new Yankee Stadium in New York City's Bronx replaced the original 1923 ballpark. Since spending $1.5 billion to construct the stadium in 2009, the Yankees have charged as much as $2,500 for tickets. Though criticized for charging such exorbitant ticket prices in the midst of a devastating recession, games continue to sell out.
6) Also at $1.5 billion, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is by far the tallest man-made structure in the world. Roof level is an astounding 2,717 feet above grade. The Burj Khalifa houses some of the world's most expensive real estate with office space in this impressive skyscraper at $4,000 a square foot. The building's Armani Residences rank amongst the world's most expensive residential real estate at a price of $3,500 a square foot.
5) Another $1.5 billion sports stadium is Wembley Stadium, built in London in 2006. The second largest stadium in Europe, it seats 90,000 and is the official home of England's national soccer team.
4) Las Vegas's second listing is the Bellagio Hotel & Casino built in 1998 for $1.6 billion, known for the spectacular performances of its dancing water fountains that come alive on its 8-acre lake between the building and the Strip.
3) In Taiwan, the Taipei 101 aptly boasts 101 floors. The $1.8 billion building, constructed in 2004, rises almost 1,671 feet from base to tip. The tower houses a library, fitness center, restaurants and retail.
2) A private residence ranks second on the list. Antilia in Mumbai, India was built in 2007 for $2 billion by businessman Mukesh Ambani. Ambani is chairman of Reliance Industries, India's largest private-sector enterprise. The Ambani family occupies a full 400,000 square feet, making this the world's largest home. Antilai requires a full time staff of 600 to maintain and run it. The residence is named for the mythical island of Antilia, which legend says rests somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.
1) Topping our list is another Las Vegas casino, Wynn Las Vegas. Built in 2005 at a stunning $2.7 billion, it is the world's most expensive resort. It has a Ferrari-Maserati dealership on site and houses the famous Tryst nightclub with its own towering waterfall and lake.
