How much does coworking cost in 2025?

Outgrown your living room, but aren’t able to afford your own office space yet?

Coworking is the ideal solution, as it offers a professional workspace with flexible terms and pricing, and without the commitment of buying or renting an office.

What’s more, there are a whole lot of companies around the UK that offer affordable workspaces for entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses alike.

Typically, most coworking spaces charge a monthly fee, but the exact cost of this varies on several factors.

In this article, we’ll explore the average cost of coworking, the facts that influence pricing and how to choose the best coworking space for you.

How many coworking spaces does the UK have?

Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular for those starting a business, primarily because they’re much more affordable than traditional office spaces.

As of April 2024, the UK has 3,090 spaces altogether, according to a report by Coworkingcafe.

Currently, London wears the crown for the greatest amount of coworking spaces, accounting for 895 locations. This is followed by Manchester at 78 spaces.

Other cities with coworking spaces are listed in the table below.

City	No. of spaces
London	895
Manchester	78
Birmingham	55
Bristol	53
Edinburgh	46
Leeds	44
Glasgow	39
Cardiff	33
Nottingham	32
Liverpool	31
Newcastle upon Tyne	31
Brighton and Hove	28
Belfast	27
Aberdeen	21
Oxford	20
Sheffield	18
Warrington	18

The average cost of coworking in the UK

The price for coworking spaces varies across regions. However, the median cost for a dedicated desk for the whole of the UK was reported to be £210 per month, and £156 for open workspaces.

Research by Office Hub reported London to be the most expensive city for coworking spaces, adding up to around £350 per month. This was followed by Bristol and the Wales region at £300, Manchester at £250 and Birmingham at £200.

Meanwhile, the cheapest cities for coworking are Nottingham and Leicester at £150 per month.

Here’s a quick rundown of the average prices per city.

City	Average cost of coworking
London	£350 per month
Bristol	£300 per month
Wales (country)	£300 per month
Glasgow	£250 per month
Manchester	£250 per month
Birmingham	£200 per month
Bradford	£200 per month
Leeds	£200 per month
Liverpool	£200 per month
Leicester	£150 per month
Nottingham	£150 per month

Factors that impact office desk cost

To get a better idea of what your monthly payments might look like, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence the cost of coworking. Here are the main aspects that can affect the price of your coworking space:

1. Desk requirements

Coworking spaces offer different packages depending on how you want to work there, and how much space your business will need. The three main options include:

• Hot desking: the cheapest coworking option, where you work at any available desk. Ideal for sole traders, freelancers or small teams, as well as for those who need flexibility and don’t require a permanent spot.
• Dedicated desks: reserved desks that you can use every day, as well as leaving personal items. Ideal for teams or individuals who need a stable, personalised workspace.
• Private office compartments: the most expensive option. Ideal for larger teams or those who need a separate area for focused work, collaboration and developing company culture.

2. How often you plan to use the space

If you plan to use the space for eight hours every day, then naturally, you’ll need to pay for a full-time membership.

However, if you don’t need it that often, then you should look for a flexible package that allows you to pay less for limited access to the space.

Luckily, lots of spaces will offer packages like this based on hours or days. For example, a certain plan might only allow you to use the space for 40 hours a month for a cheaper price. This can cost as little as £10-£50 per month.

A part-time coworking plan would also be a good option if:

• You’re only running a business part-time or as a side hustle.
• You work from home or in a free public workspace (e.g. a cafe or library) but want a separate space to meet clients or investors, or just want a change of scenery.

3. Staff and services

Coworking spaces that offer specialist services and on-premises staff will generally be more expensive than those that don’t. These services may include:

• Receptionists: staff in charge of directing guests to your business, taking calls on your behalf or taking care of mail addressed to your company.
• Cleaning staff: keep the space and your desk clean, ensuring a tidy and comfortable working environment.
• IT support: people that are on hand to quickly respond to any tech-related problems.
• On-site cafes/cafeterias: spaces where you can grab a coffee, snack or meal without leaving the workspace.

While these are nice to have, you should consider which services are likely to benefit your business, and which you’re willing to pay a premium for.

4. What’s included in your membership

Some coworking spaces offer low monthly fees but may charge extra for certain amenities, such as access to facilities. On the other hand, memberships that include unlimited use of these facilities typically cost more upfront but could save you money over time.

For example, some spaces will charge you extra for:

• Using a printer, scanner or photocopy machine
• Using a meeting or conference room
• Storing items in a locker
• Parking in the building’s car park

So, if you expect to print documents frequently or host regular meetings, it may be worth choosing a package that includes these services in your monthly fee. This can help you avoid constant extra charges and make it easier to manage your budget.

On the flip side, if you won’t need these facilities often, opting for a cheaper package without inclusive amenities could save you money. You can simply pay for extras like lockers or parking as needed, rather than paying more monthly for services you rarely use.

5. The location of the space

Unsurprisingly, coworking spaces located near major stations, bustling business hubs or trending shopping areas are typically more expensive than those in quieter parts of a city or town.

And while opting for a quieter area may seem like the obvious choice for price, you’ll need to consider transport links – a cheaper space might not be so cost-effective if it’s difficult for you or your clients to reach.

You should also think about what you want in the area surrounding your coworking space. For example, would you like to be near a range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants? If so, choosing a space in a lively area would offer convenient spots for meetings and socialising.

Moreover, if you plan to hire new team members in the near future, being based in a lively and desirable part of town can help attract potential employees. New hires will also be weighing up their travel costs, so choosing somewhere with good transportation links is crucial.

6. How long you’ll need the space for

As you’d expect, if you only use a coworking space for a few months, your total spend will be lower compared to someone staying longer. However, many coworking spaces offer discounts for longer-term commitments, meaning the more months you sign up for, the less you’ll pay each month.

It’s worth weighing up your plans – if you know you’ll be using the space for an extended period, signing up for a longer contract could save you a significant amount in the long run.

How to choose a coworking space

Choosing the right coworking space can make a big difference in your productivity and work-life balance. With so many options out there, it’s important to consider what matters most to you. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when finding a space:

1. Location

You should choose a spot that’s convenient for you, whether it’s close to home, has good transport links or near places you’d like to visit during breaks. Think about the vibe of the location too – do you prefer a bustling area with shops and cafes, or a quieter, more focused setting?

2. Budget

You’ll need to determine how much you’re willing to spend and check what’s included in the price. Some places offer all-inclusive packages, while others charge extra for amenities like printing, meeting rooms or snacks.

3. Facilities

Remember to think about what you actually need. Do you want access to meeting rooms or a kitchen? Some spaces also have extras like event spaces, gyms or networking events. Consider whether these amenities align with your work style and goals – for example if you frequently host clients, meeting rooms would be essential. 

4. Flexibility

Look at the contract terms. Do you need a place for just a few months, or are you looking for a longer commitment? Many spaces offer discounted rates for longer stays, but make sure to check the flexibility of the contract. Some coworking spaces may offer month-to-month options or the ability to upgrade or downgrade your plan as your needs change.

5. Atmosphere

Every coworking space has its own vibe. Some are quiet and focused, while others are more social and creative. Make sure to choose a space where the atmosphere matches your work style. 

If you work well in a collaborative environment, a space with a strong community and networking opportunities would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you need a quiet place to concentrate, look for a space that emphasises focus and a calm atmosphere.

6. Reviews

A cheap coworking space may be beneficial financially, but if it has poor facilities or unreliable internet connection, it might not be worth the money. Therefore, you should check online reviews to see what others say about the space. That way, you’ll get a better idea of its pros and cons before committing to anything.

Conclusion

Choosing the right coworking space is key to creating a productive and enjoyable work environment. By considering important factors like location, budget, facilities and the overall vibe of the place, you can find a space that aligns with your needs and supports your business goals.

Remember to take the time to research and compare your options, and you’ll be all set to find the perfect spot for your work style and budget.