Benefits of coworking spaces are often considered when you’re thinking about leaving behind your home office or that noisy coffee shop.
If you’re wondering whether it’s truly worth the investment, let’s break it down point by point, helping you decide if a coworking space is the right choice for your work style and needs.
1. Location and Accessibility
You don’t want to waste hours commuting to your coworking space.
A big perk of coworking spaces is their strategic placement. In fact, in cities like New York, over 80% of coworking spaces are located in business districts or close to public transport, making them super convenient for urban dwellers.
But here’s the thing: if you live in a suburban or rural area, finding a coworking space that doesn’t involve a long commute might be tricky. On the flip side, if you’re in a major city, you’re likely within walking distance of at least one coworking space.
It’s also important to check parking options or proximity to public transport if that’s part of your daily routine.
You can easily search for coworking spaces near you or in a specific country in Coworker.com
2. Types of Co-Working Spaces
Not all coworking spaces are created equal! You’ve got a few different styles to choose from:
- Open Spaces: The classic “shared desk” setup, where everyone works in the same large room. It’s great for collaboration, but not so much if you need quiet.
- Private Offices: Perfect if you need more privacy or have a small team. According to research, 62% of coworking spaces now offer private offices.
- Industry-Specific Spaces: Ever heard of niche coworking spaces? For example, some spaces are geared specifically towards tech startups, digital nomads, or creatives like photographers and designers.
Think about what environment suits your needs best. If you’re someone who thrives on interaction, the open-plan might be a win. But if you need focused solo time, a private office could be more your vibe.
3. Cost and Membership Options
Ah, the cost. It’s a big consideration, and coworking spaces offer a wide range of pricing models to suit different needs.
On average, a coworking space costs around $250 to $400 per month for a hot desk in the U.S., while private offices might set you back $600 to $1,200 per month.
Most spaces offer flexible membership plans:
- Day passes: $20–$50 per day, perfect if you just need a desk once in a while.
- Part-time memberships: For around $100–$200 per month, you get access for a certain number of days per week.
- Full-time memberships: These often range from $300–$500 per month, depending on location and amenities.
Make sure you choose a plan that aligns with how often you’ll actually use the space. Also, factor in additional costs like parking, printing, or meeting room bookings.
Here’s a brief comparison of coworking space costs in major cities, based on averages for 2024. Prices can vary depending on the type of membership (hot desk, dedicated desk, private office), location within the city, and the amenities offered.
| City | Hot Desk (per month) | Dedicated Desk (per month) | Private Office (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $350 – $600 | $600 – $900 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| San Francisco | $400 – $700 | $700 – $1,000 | $1,400 – $3,000 |
| London | £200 – £500 ($250 – $620) | £400 – £750 ($500 – $930) | £1,000 – £2,500 ($1,250 – $3,100) |
| Tokyo | ¥25,000 – ¥45,000 ($170 – $300) | ¥50,000 – ¥80,000 ($340 – $540) | ¥120,000 – ¥250,000 ($800 – $1,700) |
| Berlin | €250 – €400 ($270 – $430) | €400 – €600 ($430 – $650) | €900 – €1,800 ($960 – $1,930) |
| Singapore | S$350 – S$550 ($260 – $410) | S$600 – S$900 ($440 – $660) | S$1,500 – S$3,000 ($1,100 – $2,200) |
| Sydney | A$300 – A$500 ($190 – $320) | A$600 – A$800 ($380 – $510) | A$1,200 – A$2,500 ($770 – $1,600) |
Key Observations:
- New York City and San Francisco are among the most expensive for coworking spaces, especially for private offices.
- London and Tokyo offer a wide range of coworking space options, with Tokyo’s hot desk prices being more affordable compared to western cities.
- Berlin offers relatively affordable coworking spaces compared to other European cities.
- Singapore and Sydney have mid-range prices, with both cities reflecting their status as regional business hubs.
These figures are averages, so prices might be higher or lower depending on the coworking space and the exact location within the city.
It’s always a good idea to check current listings for the most accurate pricing.
You can read more about Coworking vs. Traditional Office cost comparison by checking this article.
4. Amenities and Facilities
One of the biggest draws of coworking spaces is the extras.
You’re not just paying for a desk; you’re paying for an environment that supports productivity. The range of amenities is impressive:
- High-speed WiFi (obviously).
- Meeting rooms and private phone booths.
- Free coffee, tea, and sometimes even snacks.
- Printing, scanning, and copying services.
- Event spaces, lounges, and kitchens.
Some premium spaces even offer perks like fitness centers, showers, bike storage, and rooftop lounges.
According to the 2022 Global Coworking Survey, 35% of coworking members say access to facilities like meeting rooms and event spaces is one of the top reasons they stay.
So, if amenities are a big part of what makes you productive, coworking spaces are worth it.
5. Community and Networking Opportunities
This is where coworking spaces really shine.
It’s not just about the workspace— it’s the people. Imagine working alongside entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers from different industries every day. The networking potential is huge.
In fact, studies show that 79% of coworking members reported that coworking has expanded their social networks.
Many coworking spaces host events, workshops, and happy hours to help you connect with others. If you’re someone who thrives on social interaction and professional networking, this is a big advantage.
Plus, you could find clients, partners, or collaborators right within your workspace.
6. Work Environment and Atmosphere
The vibe matters!
If you’ve ever worked from home, you know how easy it is to get distracted by laundry, Netflix, or random household tasks. A coworking space helps create that separation between work and home life.
The work environment in most coworking spaces is designed to boost productivity—think ergonomic chairs, natural light, and well-designed layouts.
In fact, 71% of coworkers say they feel more motivated in a coworking space compared to working from home. If the right atmosphere keeps you focused and inspired, then coworking is a huge plus.
But, keep in mind: some coworking spaces can get noisy, especially in the open areas. If you’re sensitive to distractions, it’s worth scouting the space during peak hours.
7. Flexibility and Scalability
Coworking spaces are all about flexibility. You can scale up or down your membership based on your needs. Whether you need a desk for just one day or a private office for your growing startup, coworking spaces offer options to fit. This is great for freelancers and startups who don’t want to be locked into long-term leases.
In fact, over 90% of coworking spaces offer month-to-month memberships. So, if you’re in a transitional phase—like moving between jobs or cities—a coworking space offers the flexibility you need without a long-term commitment.
You can read more about cost comparison : Flexible spaces vs. Office Leases by checking this article
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