# Austin vs Chicago: Class A office comparison

> Austin ($60/sqft, 27.8% vacancy) and Chicago ($52/sqft, 24.5% vacancy) compete on different axes: Austin on rent and tax and Chicago on talent depth.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/austin-vs-chicago
**Page type:** comparison
**Last updated:** 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000Z
**License:** CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info).

## TL;DR
- Class A rent: Austin $60/sqft vs Chicago $52/sqft.
- Vacancy: Austin 27.8% vs Chicago 24.5%.
- Talent index: Austin 84 vs Chicago 88.
- Corporate tax: Austin 22.5% vs Chicago 28.5%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Austin $720 vs Chicago $920.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Austin
- **cityB**: Chicago
- **rentUsdA**: $60
- **rentUsdB**: $52
- **vacancyA**: 27.8%
- **vacancyB**: 24.5%
- **talentA**: 84
- **talentB**: 88
- **taxA**: 22.5%
- **taxB**: 28.5%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Austin or Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper on a USD basis: $52/sqft vs $60/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Austin or Chicago?
Chicago indexes higher on talent depth (88 vs 84).

### Which has more sublease availability, Austin or Chicago?
Austin carries higher vacancy (27.8% vs 24.5%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Austin vs Chicago?
Austin typical term is 10 years with 18 months rent-free; Chicago typical term is 10 years with 22 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Austin: Capital Metro bus + MetroRail (single Red Line). Project Connect light rail in early planning. Heavy car dependency outside the central core; downtown trophy tenants increasingly emphasize walkable amenity. Chicago: CTA L lines and Metra commuter rail. Union Station and Ogilvie anchor commuter rail; Loop Elevated lines circle the historic CBD.

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Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/compare/austin-vs-chicago), updated 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000Z.