Choosing the right office space is one of the most important decisions a business owner or operations lead can make.
Whether you’re a solo founder, part of a growing startup, or managing a remote-first team who needs a hybrid hub, shared office spaces offer flexibility, connection, and professionalism.
But how much do they actually cost — and are they worth it?
Let’s explore the real numbers, weigh up the value, and consider why some shared office spaces thrive while others don’t.
How much should I budget for office space?
There’s no one-size-fits-all figure, but knowing what to expect can help you make smart, confident choices.
In the UK, the average cost of shared office space ranges between £150 to £800+ per desk per month, depending on:
Location: Central London or Manchester will always command higher prices than regional towns.
Type of space: Hot desks are typically cheaper than dedicated desks or private offices.
Amenities: High-speed internet, meeting rooms, phone booths, printing, 24/7 access, and community perks all influence the price.
Contract terms: Longer commitments may offer better rates, while pay-as-you-go or short-term leases usually come at a premium.
Many coworking operators bundle in extras like tea, coffee, community events, and even wellbeing perks.
These added benefits often replace separate costs for utilities, internet, furniture, and cleaning — things you’d otherwise need to arrange yourself in a leased office.
When comparing options, make sure you're looking at the full value of the package, not just the monthly fee.
Are co-working spaces expensive?
They can seem expensive compared to a traditional lease if you're only looking at monthly rent.
But that's not a fair comparison.
Coworking and shared office memberships wrap in dozens of hidden costs, like:
Utilities
WiFi
Furniture
Reception staff
Building maintenance
Cleaning
Insurance
Business rates
In a traditional office, you’d be handling all those separately, plus committing to longer leases, setup costs, and capital outlay.
Shared spaces are about ease, agility, and access.
You can scale up or down fast — you're not locked into long-term contracts.
And you don't need to pour time into sorting bins, broadband, or broken chairs.
If you're a solo business owner or leading a small team, the cost per desk might be higher than leasing a basic space — but your total cost of ownership will almost always be lower.
