Hong Kong and Beijing took four of the world's top five expensive office markets with Hong Kong's Central, Beijing's Finance Street, Beijing's Central Business District, and Hong Kong's West Kowloon, according to the semi-annual Global Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey from CBRE, an international provider of commercial real estate services.

In addition, Shanghai's Lujiazui Financial District moved into the top 10, rising two places to the ninth spot. London's West End topped the 'most expensive' list, with overall prime occupancy costs of $273 per sq ft per year. Prime occupancy costs reflect rent, local taxes and service charges.

No 10 New York's Midtown Manhattan

Occupancy cost: $127 per sq ft

An H&R Block tax preparation office is seen in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. [Photo / IC]