What does a Shanghai Class A fit-out cost?

From $60–$90/sqft for Basic to $220–$330/sqft for Trophy specification. Mid-spec — the most common — is $95–$145/sqft.

Are MEP and AV included in those bands?

Yes — bands include MEP, AV/IT cabling, FF&E, and a typical contingency.

Class A fit-out in Shanghai ranges from $60–$90/sqft for basic specification to $220–$330/sqft for trophy.

Basic fit-out: $60–$90/sqft.
Mid spec: $95–$145/sqft.
High-end: $150–$220/sqft.
Trophy: $220–$330/sqft.
Always model fit-out as amortised capex inside total occupancy cost.

Shanghai office fit-out costs

Class A fit-out">fit-out in Shanghai ranges from $60–$90/sqft for basic specification to $220–$330/sqft for trophy.

TL;DR

Basic fit-out: $60–$90/sqft.
Mid spec: $95–$145/sqft.
High-end: $150–$220/sqft.
Trophy: $220–$330/sqft.
Always model fit-out as amortised capex inside total occupancy cost.

Cost bands

**Basic** ($60–$90/sqft): functional Cat-B with standard finishes and basic AV. **Mid** ($95–$145/sqft): branded reception, mix of meeting rooms, mid-grade AV, light biophilic touches. **High-end** ($150–$220/sqft): full client-facing programming, premium furniture, specialist AV. **Trophy** ($220–$330/sqft): fully bespoke design, signature staircase or feature, top-tier MEP and acoustic packages.

What drives variation

Local labour rates, MEP and AV scope, contingency, FF&E selection, and the building's Cat-A condition. Always price scenarios against landlord's TI to land on net-out-of-pocket capex.

Working with the landlord allowance

Use the Fit-out Budget Estimator with your spec level to benchmark; subtract landlord-funded TI to land on net spend. Over-allowance spend is amortised into rent — negotiate the rate up front.

Key facts

city	Shanghai
country	China
region	APAC
classARentLocal	880 CNY/sqft/yr
classARentUsd	$122/sqft/yr
vacancy	19.8%
typicalLeaseYears	3
typicalRentFreeMonths	8
submarkets	5
primeYieldPct	4.4%
basicFitoutPsf	$60–$90/sqft
midFitoutPsf	$95–$145/sqft
highEndFitoutPsf	$150–$220/sqft
trophyFitoutPsf	$220–$330/sqft

Frequently asked questions

What does a Shanghai Class A fit-out cost?: From $60–$90/sqft for Basic to $220–$330/sqft for Trophy specification. Mid-spec — the most common — is $95–$145/sqft.
Are MEP and AV included in those bands?: Yes — bands include MEP, AV/IT cabling, FF&E, and a typical contingency.

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Kenji Watanabe — APAC contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
JLL Office Insight — JLL
Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
Savills World Research — Savills
Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

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