Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) and Taipei ($140/sqft, 4.2% vacancy) compete on different axes: Singapore on talent depth and Taipei on rent and tax.
Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) and Taipei ($140/sqft, 4.2% vacancy) compete on different axes: Singapore on talent depth and Taipei on rent and tax.
| Metric | Singapore | Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| Region | APAC | APAC |
| Country | Singapore | Taiwan |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $102 | $140 |
| Class A rent (local) | 138 SGD | 4500 TWD |
| Vacancy | 5.4% | 4.2% |
| Trend | rising | rising |
| Prime yield | 3.6% | 3.4% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $1,180 | $580 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 5 |
| Corporate tax | 17% | 20% |
| Metric | Singapore | Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 4 yrs | 5 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 6 mos | 3 mos |
| Lease norms | 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. | Net leases. 3-5 year terms standard with renewal options. Free rent of 2-4 months and TI of TWD 800-1,500/ping typical on a 5-year deal. |
| Tax note | 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. | 20% Taiwan corporate income tax. Profit-seeking enterprise income tax structure with R&D credits and tax incentives for qualifying high-tech investment. |
| Metric | Singapore | Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 92 | 86 |
| Talent note | Premium APAC talent hub. Average all-in compensation indexes 92 vs. New York's 100. | Deepest semiconductor and electronics talent in Asia. Strong feed from National Taiwan University, NTHU, and the broader Taiwan university system. Mandarin and Taiwanese operating environment with strong English in tech. |
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.
Taipei: Taipei Metro (Brown, Red, Green, Orange, Blue Lines + circular). Taoyuan Airport MRT to TPE airport. Taipei is highly walkable and Metro-served.
Singapore is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Singapore has the deeper talent index (92/100 vs 86/100).
Singapore has the lower headline corporate tax (17% vs 20%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Singapore typical term is 4 years with 6 months free; Taipei runs 5 years with 3 months free.
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. Taipei: Taipei Metro (Brown, Red, Green, Orange, Blue Lines + circular). Taoyuan Airport MRT to TPE airport. Taipei is highly walkable and Metro-served.
Score Singapore, Taipei 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 Kenji Watanabe — APAC contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.