A practical guide for evaluating and choosing a coworking space, covering location, pricing, amenities, internet speed, community fit, and contract terms.
Last updated:
0 of 21 completed0%
Copied!
Location and Commute
Map coworking spaces within a 20-30 minute commute of your home
A commute over 30 minutes each way adds 5+ hours per week of travel time. List every space within your radius and check their hours of operation since some close at 6 PM while others offer 24/7 access.
Evaluate parking availability and public transit access for each option
Monthly parking near coworking spaces can add $50-200 to your costs. Spaces near transit hubs save money but may be pricier on rent. Factor in total monthly cost including transportation.
Check nearby amenities: restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, and grocery stores
Having lunch options within a 5-minute walk saves time and makes your workday more pleasant. A nearby gym can let you exercise before or after work without an extra trip home.
Pricing and Plans
Compare monthly rates for hot desk, dedicated desk, and private office options
Hot desks (shared, first-come seating) run $200-350/month. Dedicated desks (your own assigned spot) cost $300-500/month. Private offices start at $500-600/month. Prices vary 30-50% by city.
Calculate the true monthly cost including parking, printing, and meeting room fees
Some spaces charge $5-15/hour for meeting rooms, $0.10-0.25 per printed page, and extra for mail handling or storage lockers. A $250/month plan can easily become $350-400 with add-ons.
Ask about part-time plans if you only need the space 2-3 days per week
Many spaces offer 10-day or half-month plans at 50-60% of the full price. If you work from home some days, a part-time plan can save $100-200/month compared to unlimited access.
Check for discounts on annual commitments versus month-to-month pricing
Annual plans typically save 10-20% compared to monthly rates. However, commit to an annual plan only after a 1-3 month trial period to confirm the space works for you.
Amenities and Infrastructure
Test the internet speed during a trial day at peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM
You need at least 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload for reliable video calls. Run a speed test at 11 AM when the space is busiest. Ask about backup internet in case the primary connection goes down.
Check for phone booths or private call rooms for video meetings and calls
Open-plan spaces without phone booths make video calls disruptive for everyone. Count the number of call rooms relative to the member count. A ratio of 1 booth per 15-20 members is the minimum for comfort.
Evaluate the kitchen facilities: coffee quality, refrigerator space, and microwave
Free coffee saves $3-5/day compared to buying it. Check whether the kitchen is cleaned daily and whether refrigerator space is adequate. Overcrowded fridges and dirty kitchens are top complaints at coworking spaces.
Inspect the ergonomics: chair quality, desk height, and monitor options
You will sit in these chairs for 6-8 hours daily. Adjustable chairs with lumbar support make a real difference in comfort and productivity. Some spaces offer monitor rentals for $20-40/month.
Noise and Environment
Visit the space during your typical working hours to assess noise levels
A tour at 9 AM on a Tuesday gives a different impression than visiting at 2 PM on a Friday. Spend at least 2 hours during a trial day doing actual work to see if the noise level lets you focus.
Check for quiet zones or focus areas separated from social spaces
The best coworking spaces have designated quiet zones with a no-phone-calls rule. If your work requires deep concentration, a space without a quiet area will frustrate you within the first month.
Observe the temperature, lighting, and air quality throughout the space
Poor ventilation causes afternoon fatigue and headaches. Natural light boosts productivity by 15-20% compared to fluorescent-only spaces. Check whether you can control temperature in your area or if it is centrally managed.
Community and Culture Fit
Attend a community event or social hour before signing up
Most coworking spaces host weekly or monthly networking events, lunch-and-learns, or happy hours. These events show the real culture of the space and the types of professionals who work there.
Talk to 3-5 current members about their experience and any frustrations
Members will tell you things the sales team will not: internet outages, noise problems, management responsiveness, and hidden costs. Ask specifically what they would change about the space.
Check whether the member mix includes people in your industry or complementary fields
Working alongside people in related fields creates organic networking and potential client or collaboration opportunities. A space full of your competitors may feel awkward rather than productive.
Contract and Flexibility
Read the full contract for termination notice requirements and auto-renewal clauses
Most contracts require 30-60 days written notice to cancel. Some auto-renew annually if you do not cancel by a specific date. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before renewal to evaluate whether you want to continue.
Request a day pass or week trial before committing to a monthly plan
Day passes cost $25-50 and let you test the actual working conditions. Most spaces offer free trial days to prospective members. Use the trial to do a full workday including video calls and focused work.
Ask about plan upgrade and downgrade flexibility as your needs change
Your workspace needs may shift as your business grows or shrinks. Confirm whether you can move from a hot desk to a private office (or vice versa) without penalty and how much notice is required.
Verify guest policies and whether you can bring clients or collaborators
Some spaces include 1-3 guest days per month while others charge $15-25 per guest visit. If you meet with clients regularly, unlimited guest access or included meeting room hours should be part of your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a coworking space membership cost?
Hot desk memberships (no assigned seat) range from $150-$350/month in most US cities, while dedicated desks cost $300-$600/month. Private offices for 1-2 people run $500-$1,500/month depending on the city — Manhattan and San Francisco command the highest premiums at $800-$2,000+. Day passes ($20-$50) and 10-day punch cards ($150-$300) are cost-effective for people who need coworking access 2-3 days per week.
What amenities should I look for in a coworking space?
Reliable high-speed internet (minimum 100 Mbps with a wired backup) and private phone booths for calls are non-negotiable. Meeting rooms with screen-sharing capabilities, printing services, and free coffee save $100-$200/month in incidental costs. 24/7 access matters if you work non-standard hours. Mail handling and a professional business address for LLC registration are valuable perks for freelancers and small business owners.
Is coworking worth it versus working from home?
A Harvard study found that coworking members report 83% lower loneliness levels and 64% higher productivity compared to working from home full-time. The financial break-even point is roughly when the membership cost equals your lost productivity from home distractions — for most professionals, 2-3 productive hours reclaimed per week justifies a $200-$300/month membership. Try a week-long trial before committing to a monthly plan.
Can I use a coworking address for my business registration?
Most coworking spaces offer virtual mailbox services ($50-$150/month) that provide a professional business address valid for LLC registration, Google Business Profile, and mail forwarding. Verify with your state's business filing requirements — some states require a physical street address (not a P.O. box), which coworking addresses satisfy. This is often cheaper than a registered agent service ($100-$300/year) and includes additional workspace benefits.
How do I test a coworking space before committing?
Most spaces offer a free day pass or tour — visit during your typical work hours (not a quiet Saturday) to assess noise levels, internet speed, and crowd density. Bring your laptop and attempt a video call to test audio conditions. Ask current members about reliability of internet, HVAC issues, and community events. Check Google reviews for recurring complaints about noise, cleanliness, or billing practices before signing any contract.