Tokyo Olympics 2020 organisers say mega event cost USD 1.8 billion less than expected

Official estimates over the last year said the costs would be USD 15.4 billion. However, government audits over several years suggested the real costs were much higher ? perhaps twice the official estimates.

Tokyo: The Tokyo Olympics cost USD 1.8 billion less than anticipated, local organizers said Wednesday, 4 1/2 months after the Games ended.

Organisers said the estimated official costs were USD 13.6 billion. Officials said part of the reduction was because there were no fans, forced by the pandemic, and therefore vastly reduced labor costs. They also said other outlays were lower than expected.

Official estimates over the last year said the costs would be USD 15.4 billion. However, government audits over several years suggested the real costs were much higher ? perhaps twice the official estimates.