# Boston vs Chicago: Class A office comparison

> Boston ($78/sqft, 19.5% vacancy) and Chicago ($52/sqft, 24.5% vacancy) compete on different axes: Boston on talent depth and Chicago on rent and tax.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/boston-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: Boston $78/sqft vs Chicago $52/sqft.
- Vacancy: Boston 19.5% vs Chicago 24.5%.
- Talent index: Boston 95 vs Chicago 88.
- Corporate tax: Boston 28% vs Chicago 28.5%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Boston $1,140 vs Chicago $920.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Boston
- **cityB**: Chicago
- **rentUsdA**: $78
- **rentUsdB**: $52
- **vacancyA**: 19.5%
- **vacancyB**: 24.5%
- **talentA**: 95
- **talentB**: 88
- **taxA**: 28%
- **taxB**: 28.5%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Boston or Chicago?
Chicago is cheaper on a USD basis: $52/sqft vs $78/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Boston or Chicago?
Boston indexes higher on talent depth (95 vs 88).

### Which has more sublease availability, Boston or Chicago?
Chicago carries higher vacancy (24.5% vs 19.5%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Boston vs Chicago?
Boston 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?
Boston: MBTA subway, commuter rail, and Logan Airport access. Silver Line connects the Seaport to South Station. 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/boston-vs-chicago), updated 2026-04-15T00:00:00.000Z.