# Shanghai vs Sydney: Class A office comparison

> Shanghai ($40/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) and Sydney ($89/sqft, 12.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Shanghai on rent and tax and Sydney on talent depth.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/shanghai-vs-sydney
**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: Shanghai $40/sqft vs Sydney $89/sqft.
- Vacancy: Shanghai 19.8% vs Sydney 12.6%.
- Talent index: Shanghai 76 vs Sydney 85.
- Corporate tax: Shanghai 25% vs Sydney 30%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Shanghai $740 vs Sydney $990.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Shanghai
- **cityB**: Sydney
- **rentUsdA**: $40
- **rentUsdB**: $89
- **vacancyA**: 19.8%
- **vacancyB**: 12.6%
- **talentA**: 76
- **talentB**: 85
- **taxA**: 25%
- **taxB**: 30%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Shanghai or Sydney?
Shanghai is cheaper on a USD basis: $40/sqft vs $89/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Shanghai or Sydney?
Sydney indexes higher on talent depth (85 vs 76).

### Which has more sublease availability, Shanghai or Sydney?
Shanghai carries higher vacancy (19.8% vs 12.6%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Shanghai vs Sydney?
Shanghai typical term is 3 years with 8 months rent-free; Sydney typical term is 7 years with 30 months rent-free.

### How does transit and commuter access compare?
Shanghai: Shanghai Metro covers every Class A address. Hongqiao TGV / Maglev connectivity to Beijing and the Yangtze Delta. Sydney: Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains converge at Wynyard, Town Hall, and Central. The new Sydney Metro City & Southwest line transformed core CBD commute capacity.

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