Boston ($78/sqft, 19.5% vacancy) and Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) compete on different axes: Boston on talent depth and Singapore on rent and tax.
Boston ($78/sqft, 19.5% vacancy) and Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) compete on different axes: Boston on talent depth and Singapore on rent and tax.
| Metric | Boston | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Americas | APAC |
| Country | United States | Singapore |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $78 | $102 |
| Class A rent (local) | 78 USD | 138 SGD |
| Vacancy | 19.5% | 5.4% |
| Trend | flat | rising |
| Prime yield | 6.2% | 3.6% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $1,140 | $1,180 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 6 |
| Corporate tax | 28% | 17% |
| Metric | Boston | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 10 yrs | 4 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 18 mos | 6 mos |
| Lease norms | Modified-gross with op-ex escalations. Rent-free 18-24 months on 10-year term standard. Lab leases carry distinct economics — base rent plus operating expenses plus utilities pass-through. | Singapore leases are typically 3-5 years, gross-rent based with the landlord covering most operating expenses inside the rent. Rent-free of 4-9 months on a 5-year term is standard. Rent reviews on renewal are open-market. Bank guarantees of 3-6 months are routine. Reinstatement at lease-end is contractual and usually significant — budget for it. |
| Tax note | Combined federal + Massachusetts corporate tax 28%. | Headline corporate tax of 17%, with a partial tax exemption for the first SGD 200,000 of chargeable income. A network of double-tax treaties and the Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) regime make Singapore particularly attractive for fund managers and family offices. |
| Metric | Boston | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 95 | 92 |
| Talent note | Deepest STEM and life-sciences talent pool in the US — anchored by MIT, Harvard, BU. Average all-in compensation indexes 95. | Premium APAC talent hub. Average all-in compensation indexes 92 vs. New York's 100. |
Boston: MBTA subway, commuter rail, and Logan Airport access. Silver Line connects the Seaport to South Station.
Singapore: The MRT network reaches every CBD address. Changi Airport is 20 minutes by MRT or taxi. Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line expansions are extending the catchment.
Boston is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Boston has the deeper talent index (95/100 vs 92/100).
Singapore has the lower headline corporate tax (17% vs 28%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Boston typical term is 10 years with 18 months free; Singapore runs 4 years with 6 months free.
Boston: MBTA subway, commuter rail, and Logan Airport access. Silver Line connects the Seaport to South Station. Singapore: The MRT network reaches every CBD address. Changi Airport is 20 minutes by MRT or taxi. Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line expansions are extending the catchment.
Score Boston, Singapore and up to two more markets side-by-side on Class A rent, vacancy, talent, corporate tax, and premium flex pricing — all in USD.
Reviewed by Miriam Hollander — Lead market analyst. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.