Burj Khalifa vs Empire State Building: Height and Decks
Updated October 27, 2026
Verdict
The Burj Khalifa is about 385 m taller than the Empire State Building: 828 m against 443.2 m to the tip, or 1.9 times as tall. Its standard deck on level 124, at 452 m, is already higher than the very top of the Empire State's lightning rod, and level 148 at 555 m is 182 m above the Empire State's top floor.
For many American visitors, the Empire State Building is the tower every other tower is measured against. Set it next to the Burj Khalifa and the gap is large. The Burj Khalifa is 828 m (2,717 ft) to its architectural top; the Empire State Building is 443.2 m (1,454 ft) to the tip of its lightning rod and 381 m (1,250 ft) to its roof, according to Wikipedia. That makes the Burj Khalifa about 385 m taller, or 1.9 times the Empire State's full height. Below are the heights side by side, the two buildings' observation decks, and their records, built 79 years apart. If you are planning a visit, the deck section shows how high you stand in each. For the Burj's own numbers, see how tall is the Burj Khalifa.
| Criterion | Burj Khalifa (Dubai) | Empire State Building (New York) |
|---|---|---|
| Height to the top | 828 m (2,717 ft) architectural; 829.8 m tip | 443.2 m (1,454 ft) to the tip |
| Roof height | Highest occupied floor at 585.4 m | 381 m (1,250 ft) |
| Floors | 163 | 102 |
| Built | 2004 to 2009; opened 4 January 2010 | 1930 to 1931; opened 1 May 1931 |
| Highest visitor floor | The Lounge, levels 152 to 154, at 585 m | 102nd floor at 373.1 m |
| Standard deck | Level 124 at 452 m | 86th floor |
| Tallest in the world | Since 2010 | 1931 to 1970 |
Height side by side
Wikipedia gives the Empire State Building 443.2 m (1,454 ft) to the tip, with 381 m (1,250 ft) to the roof and an antenna and lightning rod making up the rest. The Burj Khalifa is 828 m to its architectural top and 829.8 m to the tip of the spire. Divide 828 by 443.2 and you get 1.87: you would need almost two Empire State Buildings, stacked, to reach the Burj's top. Measured roof to roof the gap is even wider, because the Burj's highest occupied floor alone sits at 585.4 m. The Empire State has 102 floors; the Burj Khalifa has 163, of which 154 are usable. See how many floors the Burj Khalifa has.
Observation decks compared
Wikipedia lists observation decks on the Empire State's 80th, 86th and 102nd floors; the 102nd floor, its top floor, is at 373.1 m. The Burj Khalifa's lowest public deck, level 124, is at 452 m, which is 79 m above that and higher than the tip of the Empire State's lightning rod. Level 148 sits at 555 m, and The Lounge on levels 152 to 154 at 585 m. So the standard Burj visit already puts you above any point of the New York tower. Tickets for levels 124 and 125 started at $51 (AED 189, at 1 USD = 3.6725 AED) on 27 October 2026, and level 148 at $109.
Age and records
The Empire State Building went up fast: construction started on 17 March 1930 and it opened on 1 May 1931. It was the tallest building in the world until 1970, when the North Tower of the World Trade Center passed it (Wikipedia). The Burj Khalifa took longer. Work began on 6 January 2004, it topped out on 17 January 2009 and it opened on 4 January 2010, at a cost of US$1.5 billion. It has held the world's tallest title since. The two were designed by firms from the same country: Shreve, Lamb and Harmon drew the Empire State; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Adrian Smith as chief architect, designed the Burj. See when the Burj Khalifa was built.
Seeing the difference for yourself
If you have stood on the Empire State's 86th floor, the Burj Khalifa's level 124 is the easy comparison: a standard ticket, a terrace, and a view from well above anything in Manhattan. Level 148 adds 103 m, skip-the-line access and a lounge with snacks and hot drinks; on GetYourGuide it is rated 4.6 on 24,553 reviews of that ticket. Sunset slots cost more than the "from" prices above, and the booking calendar shows the price for your slot. Both tickets have free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Not sure which level to pick? Read Burj Khalifa 124 vs 148.
Frequently asked questions
How much taller is the Burj Khalifa than the Empire State Building?
About 385 m (1,263 ft). The Burj Khalifa is 828 m to its architectural top; the Empire State Building is 443.2 m to the tip of its lightning rod (Wikipedia).
How many Empire State Buildings tall is the Burj Khalifa?
About 1.9 by full height (828 ÷ 443.2), or about 2.2 if you count only the Empire State's 381 m roof height.
Which has the higher observation deck?
The Burj Khalifa. Its standard deck on level 124 is at 452 m; the Empire State's top floor, the 102nd, is at 373.1 m.
Which is older?
The Empire State Building, opened on 1 May 1931. The Burj Khalifa opened on 4 January 2010.
Was the Empire State Building ever the tallest in the world?
Yes, from 1931 until 1970, when the North Tower of the original World Trade Center passed it.
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