Office Space for Rent Chicago

Office space for rent in Chicago

If you’re looking to rent office space in Chicago, then you have come to the right place, as you will find an abundance of options - from traditional leased offices to shared coworking space across the city. Chicago is famous for its big buildings, rich history and cultural impact. The Home Insurance Building in 1885 was the world’s first skyscraper. Today, the city’s skyline has famous buildings and office space for rent like the Willis Tower on South Wacker Drive, which was the world’s tallest building for decades.

Chicago has an abundance of neighborhoods in which you can rent office space. The Loop area around North Michigan Ave. is the second-largest business district in North America after Midtown Manhattan and office lease rates reflect this. However, it means the area offers all the support businesses needed to run a great office. The Miracle Mile is a hugely popular shopping and office district. River North is home to many businesses and entertainment companies, while West Loop area around Fulton Market are packed with corporate office space.

Why rent an office space in Chicago?

Renting an office space in Chicago has many advantages. Firstly, it is located in the heart of the U.S., offering easy access to both coasts and international markets. Being in the Central Time Zone means businesses can collaborate with both East Coast and West Coast teams during the same workday too. The city has a thriving business ecosystem too, with 35+ Fortune 500 headquarters located in the city, so whether you require partners, funding or talent, you can find them easily accessible within Chicago.

Chicago is also a top five U.S. city for educated millennial workers, meaning businesses can access great talent without the Silicon Valley price tag. Additionally, Chicago’s office spaces are very accessible for both employees and customers, thanks to an expansive public transport network including the "L" train system, buses, and Metra commuter trains.

Market position and business climate in Chicago

In Q1 of 2025, Chicago’s Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) reached $906 billion, growing 0.9% on the previous quarter, and solidifying Chicago’s position as the third-largest metro economy within the U.S., behind only New York and Los Angeles. Despite many challenges, Chicago still maintains steady economic expansion across many sectors including manufacturing, professional services and technology.

Chicago’s labor force grew 1.4% year-on-year as of October 2024, and in December 2024 the unemployment rate dropped to 4.7%, so both statistics indicate a recovering labor market for the city.

Overall, economic performance in 2024 best shows Chicago’s adaptability and resilience. It’s diverse economy, recovering labor market, ideal location and infrastructure make it a great city to rent office space.

Cost comparison of renting an office in Chicago

Compared to other big cities, Chicago has lower office rental costs than New York or San Francisco, but it’s not the cheapest city. Doing business in Chicago is still affordable relative to other large cities, but cost of living, while reasonable, is higher than many mid-sized cities. Coworking space in Chicago offers a cheaper, more flexible alternative to leasing a traditional office space.

Large companies that have chosen Chicago office space

Several major corporations have office space for rent in Chicago, particularly in the downtown Loop and West Loop areas. United Airlines, headquartered in Willis Tower, and Boeing are some of the most notable names, along with McDonald’s, which recently moved their office space to the West Loop. The financial district near LaSalle Street also houses major companies like Hyatt and CME Group.

Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene and many recreational opportunities, making the city very popular for businesses. The availability of high-quality facilities and office space also contribute to its appeal.

Accessibility of offices in Chicago

Chicago’s public transportation includes the "L" train system, buses, and Metra commuter trains, all offering reliable options for getting to offices within the city. Bike-sharing programs and extensive bike lanes add cycling as a practical option. In fact, Chicago has the second-highest percentage of commuters riding bikes to work in the U.S., with 303 miles of bike lanes. Walking remains popular within downtown. Chicago has an underground pedestrian system called the Pedway, covering roughly 5 miles and linking more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District.

Key highways, like I-90 and I-94 from Milwaukee, and I-55 from St. Louis, connect directly into Chicago. Chicago has two main airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW), both within city limits and under 20 miles from downtown. O’Hare, one of the busiest in the world, is a global hub, while Midway mostly handles domestic flights.

Additionally, the Port of Chicago, at Lake Calumet, serves as a shipping point via the Great Lakes and inland waterways, supporting regional trade and commerce. Other smaller regional airports nearby include Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) in Indiana, about 25 miles from the city. Any of these transport hubs are great for renting an office, for import & export, or inter-state trade.

Additional highlights of Chicago

Chicago is not only and important business center, but also a city with a rich culture and history. Did you know that The Chicago River is the only backwards flowing river in the world? It also hosts a Rubber Duck race every summer to support the Special Olympics. The Chicago marathon also takes place annually attracting over 40,000 runners and is one of the six World Marathon Majors. Music lovers also flock to Chicago annually for huge festivals such as Lollapalooza and the Chicago Blues Festival.

Chicago also has some renowned museums such as the Field Museum of Natural History, famous for ‘Sue’ – the largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton ever found; The Art Institute of Chicago, which houses works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso; and the Museum of Science and Industry – one of the largest science museums in the world. Events and attractions such as these not only create a vibrant atmosphere within the city but also offer excellent networking opportunities for businesses and their clients.

Office space options in Chicago

Types of available offices:

We’ve helped thousands of customers find office space in the U.S over the last 20 years, and we understand that every company has their own specific requirements that need to be met. Being the third-largest metro economy in the US, Chicago is spoiled with a wide range of office spaces, such as fully furnished offices, traditional leased spaces, landlord pre-built spaces, shared coworking spaces and much more. As a result, Chicago caters to businesses of all sizes and makes a great city to set up your offices.

Rent office space in Chicago with OfficeSpace.com

With over 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, you’ll be able to find the perfect office space with OfficeSpace.com. We have tens of thousands of listings across the U.S., meaning you can find an office space at the right rental rate, size, layout and terms for you. Let OfficeSpace.com take the frustration out of finding office space in Chicago for you. Contact us today through our inquiry form at the top of the page.