The gold dust is settling into a glorious memory of the London Olympics 2012 and the excitement of the Paralympics due to start in the next few weeks. But apart from the very real “feel good factor”, which will inspire generations to come, what about the cost and the income generated.Now that we have all seen the fabulous venues, scrupulous organisation and cutting edge security, we can relate better. Below are some interesting, if not mind-boggling statistics.The total cost of London hosting the Olympics is estimated at approximately $18 billion (although some sources estimate much higher). $14.4 billion was financed by Public Sector Funding (including Central Government at $10 billion); with the remainder by private finance. The largest sponsor apart from Central Government was the National Lottery at $3.5 billion.The single biggest expense was the preparation of the Olympic Park at approximately $3 billion, including the local infrastructure and roads. That was followed by the venues, which cost $1.8 billion, The most expensive venue was the Olympic stadium at $700 million.The least expensive was the basketball arena at only $6.4 million.Security, army and police spending was budgeted at $1.6 billion which included surface to air missiles on tower blocks. Another $500 million has been set aside for “park transformation” to make sure the park has a future once the games are over.It is the third time that London has hosted the Olympics, the first being in 1908 at a cost of just $40,000.With so much money being invested to host the Games in a time of austerity, it is constantly asked, will Britain see a return on their investment? The answer is a resounding “yes” according to the prestigious Lloyds Banking Group (also a sponsor).In terms of income, it is expected that the Games — both Olympic and Paralympic, will generate over $27 billion for the British economy according to the Lloyds report. However the boost will not be fully realised until 2017, with construction and tourism benefiting the most.From a human standpoint over 130,000 people have been employed, with another 70,000 volunteers, in order to deliver the Olympic Games. Eventually the Olympic village will be sold to provide affordable housing for local families. Updated transport links to cope with the influx of tourists, will help Londoners move around more efficiently.“These were a happy and glorious Games” the IOC President, Jacques Rogge said at the closing ceremonies.Now the baton has been passed to Rio de Janeiro. South America has never hosted such a massive event. If that is successful then the opening for going to Africa will be even bigger. Kenya’s President, Raila Odinga, announced that Nairobi plans to bid for the 2024 games. Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul are bidding for the 2020 Games with a decision next year.For now though London can justifiably bask in its glory. As William Wordsworth reflected on Westminster Bridge in 1808:“Earth hath not anything to show more fair:Dull would he be of soul who could pass byA sight so touching in its majesty.”