The Cost of Hosting the Olympics, Adjusted for Inflation

What We’re Showing

This graphic lists the estimated cost of hosting the Olympics, in 2021 USD. Figures come from various sources, and were accessed via the Council on Foreign Relations.

Key Takeaway

The cost of hosting the Olympics has varied massively in recent years, from Sochi’s $59.7B to Salt Lake City’s $2.9B (2021 USD).

Costly Infrastructure

One of the biggest costs associated with hosting the Olympics is infrastructure. This not only includes sports facilities such as arenas, but also general infrastructure like housing and transportation.

This is typically higher for summer games, which can attract hundreds of thousands of tourists. In fact, the International Olympic Committee requires cities to have at least 40,000 hotel rooms for spectators, as well as an Olympic Village that can house 15,000 athletes and officials.