# Chicago vs Seattle: Class A office comparison

> Chicago ($52/sqft, 24.5% vacancy) and Seattle ($52/sqft, 26.4% vacancy) compete on different axes: Chicago on rent and tax and Seattle on talent depth.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/chicago-vs-seattle
**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 Seattle $52/sqft.
- Vacancy: Chicago 24.5% vs Seattle 26.4%.
- Talent index: Chicago 88 vs Seattle 92.
- Corporate tax: Chicago 28.5% vs Seattle 21%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Chicago $920 vs Seattle $940.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Chicago
- **cityB**: Seattle
- **rentUsdA**: $52
- **rentUsdB**: $52
- **vacancyA**: 24.5%
- **vacancyB**: 26.4%
- **talentA**: 88
- **talentB**: 92
- **taxA**: 28.5%
- **taxB**: 21%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Chicago or Seattle?
Roughly comparable in USD per sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Chicago or Seattle?
Seattle indexes higher on talent depth (92 vs 88).

### Which has more sublease availability, Chicago or Seattle?
Seattle carries higher vacancy (26.4% vs 24.5%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Chicago vs Seattle?
Chicago typical term is 10 years with 22 months rent-free; Seattle 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. Seattle: Sound Transit Link light rail (1 Line) extended in 2024 to Lynnwood; East Link to Bellevue / Redmond opening 2025-26. Streetcar serves South Lake Union. King County Metro bus network anchors local commute.

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