Which Olympics Cost Most?
As Parisians brace for Olympic action starting on July 26, knowing that costs can crush host cities, many are wondering how the French capital will fare in terms of final operational and construction costs.
Rio de Janeiro hosted the most expensive Games, costing $23.6 billion in 2016, followed by London 2012 at $16.8 billion, and Tokyo 2020’s $13.7 billion.
Paris 2024’s $4.7 billion budget will be 96% financed by the private sector and no new stadiums will be built, so it may avoid financial disaster. But its budget is bigger than expected and benefits are not guaranteed, say critics.
Paris vowed no white elephants and is now the fifth most expensive Summer Olympics with a new climbing facility, aquatic centre and related villages, over spending by some 115%—so far.
To host the Olympics, Rio 2016 developed three public transport modes—bus, metro and light rail—which helped overrun its budget by 289%. London 2012, meanwhile, spent 76% too much by building 10 railway lines, 30 bridges and upgraded “green” pedestrian and cycling routes. And covid-battered Tokyo 2020 exceeded their budget by 128% by investing in eight new venues with sustainability features such as renewable energy and barrier-free designs.
Top Ten Olympic City Costs
| Rank | Year | City | Cost | Overrun Percentage |
| 1 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | $23.6b | 289% |
| 2 | 2012 | London | $16.8b | 76% |
| 3 | 2020 | Tokyo | $13.7b | 128% |
| 4 | 1992 | Barcelona | $11.6b | 266% |
| 5 | 2024 | Paris | $8.7b | 115% |
| 6 | 2008 | Beijing | $8.2b | 2% |
| 7 | 2000 | Sydney | $5.2b | 90% |
| 8 | 1996 | Atlanta | $4.7b | 151% |
| 9 | 2004 | Athens | $3.1b | 49% |