Scenario calculator
Coworking membership vs home office setup
Compare a coworking membership to a one-time home office setup based on how long you plan to use the space.
Scenario introduction
Freelancers and remote teams often choose between a monthly coworking membership and building a home office. The decision depends on how long you plan to keep the setup.
This calculator shows the break-even point where the upfront home office investment overtakes monthly coworking fees.
Use the calculator below to test your own pricing and timeline for coworking membership vs home office setup. The recommendation will shift as the time horizon changes, which is why this page emphasizes break-even logic over simple price tags.
Calculator
These defaults reflect a typical coworking membership vs home office setupdecision, but you should replace them with your actual numbers. The totals update instantly as you adjust the inputs.
Scenario-specific explanation
Coworking spreads costs and includes amenities, which can be ideal for shorter or uncertain timelines.
A home office becomes cheaper once the monthly coworking fees accumulate beyond the setup cost.
If your work location changes frequently, the flexibility of coworking is often worth the monthly fee.
If you expect to build a long-term remote routine, the one-time setup cost amortizes over many months of work.
Break-even shows the month where coworking fees paid equal what it would have cost to build your own office.
Decision guidance
Coworking can be cheaper for short-term needs, while a home office pays off over longer horizons.
- Short-term or flexible arrangements usually favor coworking memberships.
- Long-term remote work often justifies a home office purchase.
- Include furniture, equipment, and internet upgrades in the one-time cost.
Signals that usually tip the decision
- You want a permanent workspace you control and can customize.
- You need networking and meeting space access that coworking provides.
- Your remote schedule is stable enough to benefit from ownership.
Scenario FAQ
Do I include utilities in the comparison?
Yes. Add estimated monthly utilities to the coworking price if you will pay them separately.
What about commuting costs?
Commuting costs can be added to the monthly membership to reflect the full coworking expense.
Does the home office have resale value?
If you plan to sell equipment later, subtract the resale value from the one-time price.
What if I only need coworking a few days per week?
Use the actual monthly membership price you plan to pay, such as a part-time plan.
Related tools
Keep exploring or return to the main calculator for a neutral comparison.