What WeWork offers and who it's built for

WeWork is a coworking company that rents desk space, private offices, and meeting rooms by the month. You pay a membership fee and get access to a physical location with internet, furniture, and shared amenities like kitchens and lounges. WeWork operates in cities across the United States and internationally, with locations in major metros like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston, as well as smaller cities.

The company markets itself to freelancers, small teams, startups, and established companies that want flexible office space without signing a long lease. Unlike a traditional office lease that locks you in for years, WeWork memberships typically run month to month after an initial commitment period, though terms vary by location and membership type.

WeWork is not the only coworking provider — competitors include Regus, Spaces, and local independent coworking spaces — but it is the largest by number of locations and the one most people encounter first when searching for shared office space.

Key Takeaways

  • WeWork charges a monthly membership fee that varies by city, membership type, and whether you want a dedicated desk or hot-desking access, ranging from roughly $200 to $600 per month for individual memberships in most markets.
  • Most memberships require a minimum commitment of one month, though some locations offer longer-term discounts or require three-month or annual commitments for the lowest rates.
  • Your membership includes 24/7 building access, high-speed internet, furniture, utilities, and use of common areas, but does not include private office space unless you pay extra for a dedicated desk or private room.
  • WeWork locations vary widely in amenities and atmosphere — some have event spaces and cafes, others are smaller — so visiting the specific location you would use is important before committing.
  • You can cancel most memberships with 30 days' notice, but some membership tiers or promotional rates may have longer cancellation windows or early-exit fees.

Membership types and what each includes

WeWork offers several membership tiers. A hot desk membership gives you access to any available desk in the coworking space on a first-come, first-served basis — you do not have an assigned seat. This is the lowest-cost option and works well if you are in the space only a few days a week or do not need a permanent spot.

A dedicated desk membership assigns you a specific desk that is yours for the duration of your membership. You can leave your belongings there, set up your monitor and equipment, and know your spot will be waiting. This costs more than hot desking but less than a private office.

A private office is a fully enclosed room with a door, ranging from a single-person office to a larger suite for a team. You get your own space, control over who enters, and the ability to hold confidential meetings. Private offices are the most expensive option and are priced per month based on room size and location.

WeWork also offers day passes if you want to try a location once or twice without a membership commitment. Day passes typically cost $35 to $50 and give you access for one day.

Monthly costs and what affects the price

WeWork membership prices vary significantly by city and location within a city. A hot desk membership in a secondary market might cost $200 to $300 per month, while the same membership in New York or San Francisco could run $400 to $600 or higher. Dedicated desks typically cost 50 to 100 percent more than hot desking at the same location. Private offices start at around $500 to $800 per month for a small single-person room and can exceed $2,000 per month for larger team suites, depending on the city and building.

Longer commitment periods usually lower the monthly rate. A three-month or annual membership might offer a 10 to 20 percent discount compared to month-to-month pricing, though the exact discount varies by location and current promotions. WeWork frequently runs promotional rates for new members, so the price you see online may not be the price you pay if you sign up during a promotion.

Your membership includes utilities, internet, furniture, and access to common areas. It does not include phone lines, mail services, or premium add-ons like dedicated phone numbers or mail forwarding, which WeWork offers separately for an additional monthly fee.

What's included in your membership

All WeWork memberships include 24/7 access to the building, high-speed WiFi, and use of common areas such as lounges, kitchens, and bathrooms. You also get access to WeWork's app, which lets you book meeting rooms, see who else is in the space, and manage your membership.

Most locations have meeting rooms available for booking by the hour. The cost of booking a meeting room is separate from your membership fee — typically $25 to $75 per hour depending on room size and location. If you hold frequent meetings, this can add up quickly.

WeWork locations often host events, workshops, and networking sessions, though the frequency and quality of these vary by location. Some buildings have cafes or coffee bars, though not all do. Amenities like phone booths, printing, and mail services are standard at most locations but should be confirmed with the specific building you plan to use.

Cancellation terms and what happens if you leave early

Most WeWork memberships can be cancelled with 30 days' written notice, and your membership ends at the end of that 30-day period. However, some membership tiers or promotional rates have different terms — for example, a discounted annual membership might require 60 or 90 days' notice, or charge an early-exit fee if you cancel before the commitment period ends.

The cancellation terms are stated in your membership agreement, which you receive when you sign up. It is important to read this document before committing, because the cost of breaking a contract early can be substantial. Some locations also require you to provide notice in writing through a specific process rather than straightforward emailing or calling.

If you are unsure about how long you will need the space, a month-to-month membership with a 30-day cancellation window gives you the most flexibility, even though the monthly rate is higher than a longer-term commitment.

How WeWork compares to other coworking options

WeWork is larger and more widely available than most independent coworking spaces, which means you are more likely to find a location near you. However, this also means WeWork locations tend to be busier and less intimate than smaller, locally-owned coworking spaces. If you value a tight-knit community, a smaller space might feel better.

Regus and Spaces are WeWork's main national competitors. Regus tends to be more corporate and business-focused, with locations in office parks and business districts. Spaces is owned by the same parent company as Regus and positions itself as a middle ground between corporate and creative. Both typically cost slightly less than WeWork in the same city, though the difference is usually 10 to 20 percent.

Independent coworking spaces vary widely in price and quality. Some are cheaper than WeWork because they operate with lower overhead, while others charge premium rates for specialized amenities or a specific community focus. Visiting a few options in your area before deciding will give you a clearer sense of what each offers and what feels right for your work style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any WeWork location if I have a membership?

Most WeWork memberships are location-specific — you pay for access to one building. However, WeWork offers an "All Access" membership tier at some locations that lets you use any WeWork building in your city or region. All Access costs more than a single-location membership. Check with your local WeWork to see if All Access is available in your area.

What if I need a private office but cannot afford WeWork's prices?

Some independent coworking spaces and smaller office-sharing companies offer private offices at lower rates than WeWork. You can also look into shared office suites, where you rent a private office in a building with other small businesses but without the coworking amenities. Traditional office subleasing is another option if you need longer-term space.

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Most WeWork memberships start with a one-month minimum commitment and can be renewed month to month after that. Longer commitments (three months or annual) usually come with a discount. Read your membership agreement to confirm the cancellation terms for your specific tier.

Is WeWork good for in-person client meetings?

Yes, WeWork locations are designed for client meetings and have professional meeting rooms available for hourly booking. However, the cost of booking rooms adds up if you hold frequent meetings. If client meetings are a regular part of your work, factor meeting room costs into your budget.

What happens if I need to cancel my membership suddenly?

Most memberships require 30 days' notice to cancel, meaning you will owe for 30 more days even if you stop using the space when ready. Some promotional rates have longer notice periods or early-exit fees. Contact WeWork directly to discuss your specific situation — they sometimes work with members on hardship cancellations, though this is not may provide.