# Chicago vs Minneapolis: Class A office comparison

> Chicago ($52/sqft, 24.5% vacancy) and Minneapolis ($32/sqft, 23.7% vacancy) compete on different axes: Chicago on talent depth and Minneapolis on rent and tax.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/chicago-vs-minneapolis
**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: Chicago $52/sqft vs Minneapolis $32/sqft.
- Vacancy: Chicago 24.5% vs Minneapolis 23.7%.
- Talent index: Chicago 88 vs Minneapolis 82.
- Corporate tax: Chicago 28.5% vs Minneapolis 30.6%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Chicago $920 vs Minneapolis $580.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Chicago
- **cityB**: Minneapolis
- **rentUsdA**: $52
- **rentUsdB**: $32
- **vacancyA**: 24.5%
- **vacancyB**: 23.7%
- **talentA**: 88
- **talentB**: 82
- **taxA**: 28.5%
- **taxB**: 30.6%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Chicago or Minneapolis?
Minneapolis is cheaper on a USD basis: $32/sqft vs $52/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Chicago or Minneapolis?
Chicago indexes higher on talent depth (88 vs 82).

### Which has more sublease availability, Chicago or Minneapolis?
Chicago carries higher vacancy (24.5% vs 23.7%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Chicago vs Minneapolis?
Chicago typical term is 10 years with 22 months rent-free; Minneapolis typical term is 10 years with 16 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Chicago: CTA L lines and Metra commuter rail. Union Station and Ogilvie anchor commuter rail; Loop Elevated lines circle the historic CBD. Minneapolis: Metro Transit light rail (Blue, Green) plus regional bus and a planned third light rail line. Downtown skyway system is unique and weather-relevant.

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