# Shanghai vs Tokyo: Class A office comparison

> Shanghai ($40/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) and Tokyo ($113/sqft, 4.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Shanghai on rent and tax and Tokyo on talent depth.

**Canonical URL:** https://classa.info/compare/shanghai-vs-tokyo
**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 Tokyo $113/sqft.
- Vacancy: Shanghai 19.8% vs Tokyo 4.6%.
- Talent index: Shanghai 76 vs Tokyo 84.
- Corporate tax: Shanghai 25% vs Tokyo 30.6%.
- Premium flex/seat/month: Shanghai $740 vs Tokyo $980.

## Key facts
- **cityA**: Shanghai
- **cityB**: Tokyo
- **rentUsdA**: $40
- **rentUsdB**: $113
- **vacancyA**: 19.8%
- **vacancyB**: 4.6%
- **talentA**: 76
- **talentB**: 84
- **taxA**: 25%
- **taxB**: 30.6%

## FAQ
### Is Class A office cheaper in Shanghai or Tokyo?
Shanghai is cheaper on a USD basis: $40/sqft vs $113/sqft.

### Which has better talent depth, Shanghai or Tokyo?
Tokyo indexes higher on talent depth (84 vs 76).

### Which has more sublease availability, Shanghai or Tokyo?
Shanghai carries higher vacancy (19.8% vs 4.6%) and therefore typically more sublease overhang.

### What lease term should I expect in Shanghai vs Tokyo?
Shanghai typical term is 3 years with 8 months rent-free; Tokyo typical term is 5 years with 4 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. Tokyo: JR Yamanote loop plus 13 metro lines connect every Class A address. Shinkansen termini at Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Ueno support inter-city corporate networks.

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