What WeWork Is and Who Uses It

WeWork is a membership-based coworking company that rents desk space, private offices, and meeting rooms by the month. You pay a monthly fee and get access to a physical workspace, internet, utilities, and shared amenities like kitchens and lounges. Unlike a traditional office lease, you do not sign a long-term contract or pay for the whole space — you rent only what you use.

WeWork locations are in major cities across the United States and internationally. The company operates hundreds of buildings, each with its own address and set of amenities. Members range from freelancers and remote workers to small teams and established companies looking for flexible office space without the commitment of a traditional lease.

The main appeal is flexibility: you can add or remove desks, upgrade to a private office, or cancel your membership with shorter notice than a traditional landlord would allow. You also get access to other WeWork locations if you travel — your membership works at any WeWork building worldwide.

Key Takeaways

  • WeWork offers month-to-month memberships for dedicated desks, hot desks, or private offices, with prices varying by location and membership type.
  • Your membership includes internet, utilities, furniture, and access to shared amenities like conference rooms, kitchens, and lounges at that location.
  • You can use your membership at any WeWork location globally, which is useful if you travel or work from multiple cities.
  • Cancellation typically requires 30 days' notice, though terms vary by membership plan and location.
  • WeWork also offers month-to-month private offices and suites for small teams, with pricing based on room size and location.

Types of WeWork Memberships and What Each Costs

WeWork offers three main membership tiers, and pricing varies significantly by city and building. A dedicated desk in a major city like New York or San Francisco costs more than the same membership in a secondary market. You can see pricing for your specific location on the WeWork website by entering your city.

Hot Desk memberships give you access to any available desk in the common workspace. You do not have an assigned seat — you choose a different desk each day. This is the lowest-cost option and works well for people who do not need a permanent spot or who are in the office only a few days per week.

Dedicated Desk memberships assign you a specific desk that is yours for the duration of your membership. Your desk stays set up with your monitor, keyboard, and personal items. This option costs more than a hot desk but less than a private office, and it is the most common choice for freelancers and small teams.

Private Office memberships rent you a closed room with a door, ranging from a single-person office to a suite for a larger team. Pricing depends on room size, location, and how many desks fit inside. Private offices include all the same amenities as dedicated desks, plus the privacy and ability to hold confidential calls.

What Is Included in Your Membership

Every WeWork membership includes high-speed internet, utilities (electricity, water, heating, cooling), and furniture at your desk or in your office. You do not pay extra for these — they are part of your monthly fee. The workspace is cleaned daily, and maintenance staff handle repairs and upkeep.

You also get access to shared amenities: conference rooms (bookable by the hour), phone booths for private calls, a kitchen with coffee and tea, printing and copying, mail handling, and lounges for breaks or informal meetings. Many locations have additional perks like yoga classes, networking events, or wellness programs, though these vary by building.

Your membership works at any WeWork location worldwide. If you travel to another city or country with a WeWork, you can work from that location using your existing membership. This is particularly useful for people who work across multiple cities or attend conferences and need a workspace while traveling.

How to Start a Membership

Visit the WeWork website and enter your city to see available locations and current pricing. Each building shows photos, amenities, and available membership types. You can tour a location in person or take a virtual tour before committing.

Once you choose a location and membership type, you will need to provide your name, email, phone number, and payment information. WeWork typically requires a credit card on file for monthly billing. Some locations may ask for additional information like your company name or industry, but this is for their records, not a barrier to membership.

After you submit your information, WeWork will confirm your membership and provide you with access details — usually a key card, app access, or both. You can typically start using your space within a few days. Your first month's payment is due upfront, and then you are billed monthly on the same date.

Canceling or Changing Your Membership

Most WeWork memberships are month-to-month, which means you can cancel with 30 days' notice. To cancel, contact your location's management team or use the WeWork app to submit a cancellation request. You must provide notice before your next billing date — if you cancel on the 15th of the month but your billing date is the 20th, your cancellation takes effect after that charge.

If you need to upgrade or downgrade your membership — for example, moving from a hot desk to a dedicated desk or adding more desks — you can usually make that change mid-month. Pricing adjusts on a prorated basis, so you pay only for the days you use the new membership level. Contact your location's management to request a change.

If you need to pause your membership temporarily, some locations offer suspension options that hold your spot without charging you for a set period. This varies by location and membership type, so ask your location manager if this is an option for you.

Costs Beyond Your Monthly Membership

Your monthly membership covers the basics, but some services cost extra. Printing, copying, and mail handling are typically included in small quantities, but heavy use may incur additional charges. Conference room bookings are usually free for members, but some premium rooms or extended bookings may have fees.

If you need a mailing address for your business, WeWork offers a mail forwarding service for an additional monthly fee. Some locations offer virtual office packages that include a business address, phone answering, and mail handling without a physical desk — these are priced separately from desk memberships.

Parking is not always included and varies by location. Some buildings have parking available for an additional monthly fee, while others are in areas where street parking is the norm. Check with your specific location about parking options and costs.

Comparing WeWork to Other Coworking Options

WeWork is the largest coworking chain, but it is not the only option. Other coworking companies like Regus, Spaces, and Industrious offer similar month-to-month memberships, often at lower prices in some markets. Local independent coworking spaces may offer more affordable rates or a stronger community feel, though they typically do not have locations in multiple cities.

The main advantage of WeWork is its size and global presence — your membership works anywhere WeWork operates. If you travel frequently or work across multiple cities, this flexibility may be worth the higher cost. If you work in one location and want to minimize expenses, a local coworking space or independent operator might be a better fit.

Some people also compare coworking to renting a traditional office or working from home. A traditional office lease locks you in for years and requires you to pay for the entire space. Working from home is free but offers no separation between work and personal life, no professional address, and no access to meeting rooms or business services. Coworking splits the difference: you pay for what you use, you can cancel anytime, and you have a professional workspace and address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my WeWork membership at any location?

Yes, your membership works at any WeWork building worldwide. You can work from a different location each day if you want. Some locations may require you to book a desk in advance during peak hours, but your membership grants you access to all of them.

What happens if I need to cancel mid-month?

You can cancel anytime with 30 days' notice. Your cancellation takes effect after your next billing date. If you cancel on the 10th and your billing date is the 20th, you will be charged for the full month and your membership ends on the 20th of the following month.

Is there a contract or long-term commitment?

No. WeWork memberships are month-to-month with no long-term contract required. You can cancel with 30 days' notice. Some locations may offer discounts for annual prepayment, but this is optional.

Can I add team members to my membership?

Yes. If you have a dedicated desk or private office, you can add additional desks or team members. Contact your location's management to discuss team options and pricing. WeWork also offers team plans with multiple desks or private suites designed for small companies.

What if I need to use a conference room?

Conference rooms are bookable through the WeWork app or by contacting your location. Most member bookings are free or included in your membership. You can reserve a room for meetings, client calls, or presentations. Availability and booking windows vary by location.