# Seoul vs Shanghai: Class A office comparison

> Seoul ($34/sqft, 5.2% vacancy) and Shanghai ($40/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Seoul on talent depth and Shanghai on rent and tax.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/seoul-vs-shanghai
**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: Seoul $34/sqft vs Shanghai $40/sqft.
- Vacancy: Seoul 5.2% vs Shanghai 19.8%.
- Talent index: Seoul 82 vs Shanghai 76.
- Corporate tax: Seoul 24.2% vs Shanghai 25%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Seoul $880 vs Shanghai $740.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Seoul
- **cityB**: Shanghai
- **rentUsdA**: $34
- **rentUsdB**: $40
- **vacancyA**: 5.2%
- **vacancyB**: 19.8%
- **talentA**: 82
- **talentB**: 76
- **taxA**: 24.2%
- **taxB**: 25%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Seoul or Shanghai?
Seoul is cheaper on a USD basis: $34/sqft vs $40/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Seoul or Shanghai?
Seoul indexes higher on talent depth (82 vs 76).

### Which has more sublease availability, Seoul or Shanghai?
Shanghai carries higher vacancy (19.8% vs 5.2%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Seoul vs Shanghai?
Seoul typical term is 5 years with 6 months rent-free; Shanghai typical term is 3 years with 8 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Seoul: Seoul Metro covers every Class A address. KTX high-speed rail to Busan and other regional centres. Incheon Airport is 53 minutes by AREX express. Shanghai: Shanghai Metro covers every Class A address. Hongqiao TGV / Maglev connectivity to Beijing and the Yangtze Delta.

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