Entrepreneurs are turning Singapore into hotbed of startups as more and more new companies form to meet a rising demand for talent and ideas and creating the Next Big Thing.
But renting an entire office requires capital that young founders just don’t have. That’s why coworking spaces have mushroomed all over Singapore.
At the same time, the number of freelancers and remote workers in Singapore has also been rising. And it seems that Starbucks can no longer contain all of them and their Macbooks either.
Coworking spaces function as workspaces for both startups and freelancers who just need a place where they can plug in their laptops, connect to Wifi and mingle with a community.
But how do you pick the right coworking space for you, and how much should it cost? Here’s a guide to 14 popular coworking spaces, what they offer, and how much they cost.
14 coworking spaces in Singapore (2020)
Coworking spaces generally charge per month. For a hot desk, expect to pay around $200 to $500 a month for unlimited access. If you want a dedicated desk just for yourself, it’s usually about $600 and up a month.
Here’s a price comparison table of the 14 coworking spaces we reviewed. These monthly prices are for a reasonable amount of access for full-time work (i.e. unlimited access or at least 120 hours a month).
You can usually pay less if you just want to come in for a couple of hours a day or like 2 days a week.
| Coworking space | Nearest MRT | Price per month (hot desk) | Price per month (dedicated desk) |
| Workbuddy | Over 30 city-wide locations | $129 upwards | Contact workbuddy ([email protected]) |
| The Workshop | Ang Mo Kio | $220 | $300 |
| Cospace Park | Kent Ridge | $250 | $400 (min. 4 pax) |
| The Working Capitol | Outram Park | $255 upwards | $700 upwards |
| One Space | Ubi | $300 | $450 |
| The Work Project Capital Tower | Raffles Place | $395 | $765 upwards |
| JustCo | Tanjong Pagar / City Hall | $398 | $750 upwards |
| The Hive NBR | Clarke Quay | $398 | $450 |
| Level3 | Labrador Park | $400 | $650 |
| Found 8 | Tanjong Pagar / Orchard / Others | $490 | $690 upwards |
| WeWork | North Bridge Road / Suntec / Anson Road / Prinsep Street / Others | $490 upwards | $530 upwards |
| Our Bridge Plus | Kent Ridge | $550 | $688 |
| Trehaus | City Hall | $580 | $880 |
| The Great Room | Raffles Place / Promenade / Orchard | $750 (office) | $2,500 upwards (office) |
Cheapest coworking space: Generally the farther away you are from the CBD, the cheaper. The cheapest ones we found are The Workshop in Ang Mo Kio and Cospace Park in Kent Ridge, where you can get a hot desk for $250 and under. However, if you are fine with not being confined to one area, Workbuddy offers a great option at a more affordable price.
Cheapest in CBD area: You can expect to pay at least $400 a month for a hot desk in a central location. The Working Capitol in Outram Park and JustCo offer slightly cheaper rates, but they’re more of the hipster/social kind of workspaces which may not be suitable for everyone.
Coworking spaces for creatives: If your work requires a bit of studio space, consider The Workshop, which is a bit more skewed towards creative industries.
Best for business meetings: If your work requires you to meet more traditional clients, steer clear of the more hipster coworking spaces which have a college dorm vibe. Our Bridge Plus and The Great Room are more expensive but will score points for being a lot more business-y.
Family-friendly: Need to watch over your kid while you work? Trehaus is the most kid-friendly of the lot and even has a childcare centre on-site. It’s certainly not cheap though.
Workbuddy
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Workbuddy locations: Access over 30 of the top co-working spaces in Singapore with one affordable pass.
In this current climate, companies are looking for better ways to maintain flexible work arrangements for the sake of business continuity and to protect employee safety. Workbuddy provides a safe, flexible mid-point between home and office working.
With one monthly membership, you get flexible access to hot desks in more than 30 of Singapore’s top co-working spaces, including The Working Capitol, The Executive Centre, The Hive, Distrii and many more. Each of these workspaces follows Government guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for all, and you can simply choose the location nearest to you.
Starting from $129 for 5 visits per month or $299 a month for unlimited access, workbuddy gives you the freedom to choose any co-working space, instead of committing to just one, and workbuddy’s membership runs on a flexible, rolling monthly basis, so you can cancel anytime you need to.
Monthly rates: $129 (5 visits per month)/ $299 (unlimited visits)/ Team package (available on request)
Workbuddy is currently offering a free 1-week trial.
The Workshop
The Workshop location: 5008 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, Techplace II, #04-09/16, S569874
The Workshop is probably the cheapest coworking space in Singapore – a hot desk with unlimited access goes for just $220 a month, less than half of what many others are charging! However, the location in AMK might be a dealbreaker, especially if you need to meet clients/investors in the central area.
This space is particularly suited to freelancers and creatives. Small companies can rent the workpod, which is a workshop-type space that can house a team of up to 6, or can function as a studio. They also rent out storage units separately.
Monthly rates: $220 (hot desk) / $300 (dedicated desk) / $650 (workpod)
Cospace Park
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Cospace Park location: 43 Science Park Road, S117408
Cospace Park is also a very affordable coworking space option with hot desks at $250 a month. The tradeoff, of course, is its location in the west. However, this may not be a bad thing if you want to be near NUS, NUH and the healthcare/medical hub in One-North area.
Membership includes 24/7 access, which is nice for night owls, as well as a suite of lifestyle/business perks like masterclasses, talks, networking events, health/wellness classes and Grab coupons.
Monthly rates: $250 (hot desk) / $1,600 to $2,400 (private office for 4 to 6 pax)
The Working Capitol
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The Working Capital location: 1 Keong Saik Road, S089109
If you ever go to Keong Saik Road, you won’t miss The Working Capitol – it’s housed in a gorgeous historical building that feels totally different from a corporate office. Surprisingly, it’s one of the most affordable coworking spaces too.
It’s also one of the nicest ones in terms of lifestyle facilities. There’s an in-house cafe and a rooftop member’s bar, a magazine library, lots of startup/networking events, and even showers. In fact, you might have trouble actually getting down to work…
Monthly rates: from $255 (hot desk) / from $700 (dedicated desk) / from $760 per pax (private lockable office)
One Space
One Space location: 1 Ubi View #03-08 (4th Floor) Focus One Singapore 408555
One Space location is a 4-minute walk from to Ubi MRT. As the location is not in the CBD, the rates are quite affordable.
Their day pass is the cheapest in this list at $30 per day. It costs $300 per month to hot desk. With that price, you get a business address, high speed internet, pantry access and printing facilities.
The decor is pretty basic and the entire coworking space is quite small so if you’re seeking for more networking opportunities, look elsewhere. But hey, at this price point, you can’t really complain.
Monthly rates: from $300 (hot desk) / from $450 (dedicated desk) / from $1,500 per month (private studio)
The Work Project (Formerly Collective Works)
The Work Project locations:
- 168 Robinson Road #20-01 Capital Tower, S068912
- 6A Shenton Way, OUE Downtown Gallery, #04-01, S068815
- 600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, #10-01, S188778
- 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, #11-01, S018961
- 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #11-01, Great World City Office, East Tower, S237994
The Collective Works used to have 2 CBD locations, but they have rebranded to The Work Project and now operate at 5 new locations.
They have revised their pricing plans to make them more competitive. From $540 for a full-time hot desk, it’s now $395. But dedicated desks have become more expensive. A dedicated desk or private office at The Work Project starts at $765 per person per month.
You get access to housekeeping, business grade internet, gourmet pantry and free meeting rooms. Not willing to shell out the full sum yet? Try it out from $45 per day.
Monthly rates: $395 (hot desk) / from $765 per person (dedicated desk)
JustCo
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JustCo locations:
- 120 Robinson Road #15-01 S068913
- 20 Collyer Quay, Level 1, S049319
- 51 Bras Basah Road, Level 5 and 6, S189554
- 6 Raffles Quay, #16-01, S048580
- 8 Shenton Way AXA Tower #50-01, S068811
- 12 Marina View Asia Square Tower 2 #23-01, S018961
- 18 Cross St, #02-01, S048423
- 40A Orchard Road, #03-01, S238823
- 8 Cross St Manulife Tower #28-01, S048424
- 7 Straits View, Marina One East Tower, #05-01, S018936
- 9 Straits View, Marina One West Tower, #05-07, S018937
- 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, #03-308, S039594
- 63 Chulia Street, S049514
- 3 Church Street Samsung Hub #12-02 & #25-01, S049483
- 176 Orchard Road, Level 4-6, S238843
- 5 Shenton Way, UIC Building, #10-01, Singapore 068808
- 10 Collyer Quay, #16-01 Ocean Financial Centre, S049315
- 1 Gateway Drive Westgate Tower #07-01, S608531
Given its very central locations, JustCo is actually really affordable – in fact it’s probably the cheapest coworking space in the CBD.
Despite being in the midst of all the suits, it’s a really nice place done up like a hipster cafe (there’s even an in-house barista to make coffee for you). There are also recreation facilities like an arcade and foosball room and a pingpong table.
If the hotdesking rate is still expensive for you, you can sign up for their $98 per month Just Desk Basic package, where you get to go into the office one day per month.
It’s currently the largest co-working space chain in Singapore, with 18 outlets mostly in the CBD.
Monthly rates: $398 (hot desk) / from $750 (dedicated desk) / from $800 (private office)
The Hive
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The Hive location: 59 New Bridge Road, S059405
The Hive is another buzzy coworking space slightly away from the usual CBD area – it’s in one of the conserved shophouse units at Clarke Quay.
The Hive sounds like any other coworking space, except that they have special rates for entrepreneurs below age 23, start-ups and early stage companies. Also, if you want to try it out you can get a day pass for $30 or a 10-day hot desk pass for $210.
Monthly rates:
Clarke Quay: $398 (hot desk) / $450 (dedicated desk) / $600 per pax (private office for minimum of 2)
Level3
Level3 location: 20 Pasir Panjang Road #03-22/24 Mapletree Business City (East Wing)
For those who live in the west/south, the location of Level3 is pretty great – right in Mapletree Business City. Apart from a nice space to work in, Level3 offers pretty useful services like access to Unilever Foundry’s events and mentorship programmes, and pro-bono consulting for legal, financial and business strategy advisory.
Also, you get F&B discounts at Mapletree Business City and gym membership at Fitness First. (Considering a Fitness First membership usually costs $150 to $180, this sounds like a very good perk!)
If you don’t need an office every day, you can also sign up to be a Community Member where you get to hotdesk once a month. It’ll cost $100 per month.
Monthly rates: $400 (hot desk) / $650 (dedicated desk) / $3,000 to $4,5000 (team suite for 4 to 6 pax)
Found8 (Merger between Found and Collision 8)
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Found8 locations:
- 1 North Bridge Road #08-08 High Street Centre
- 100 Amoy Street, S069920
- 79 Anson Road, #23-01, S079906
- 29A Cuppage Road, S229456
- 128 Prinsep Street, #01-01, S188655
Perhaps Collision 8 figured out that its name isn’t for the pantang, so they merged with Found, another co-working operator. Now, they’re called Found8.
It still maintains some of Collision 8’s focus on network over its lifestyle amenities.
Members get access to global affiliates, regular networking events, skills-building workshops, tie-ups with mentors, and personalised introductions and business matchmaking. You can try it out with a $60 day pass. Or, go for the $390 per month Hotdesk Lite package to enjoy 10 days a month in the co-working space.
Monthly rates: from $490 (hot desk) / from $690 (dedicated desk) / from $731 per pax (team room)
WeWork
WeWork locations:
- 9 Battery Road Singapore 049910
- 109 North Bridge Road Singapore 179097
- 380 Jalan Besar Singapore 209000
- City House, 30 Robinson Road 068877
- 8 Cross Street Singapore 048424
- Suntec Tower 5, 5 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038985
- 60 Anson Road Singapore 079914
- 22 Cross Street 048421
- 71 Robinson Road, Singapore 068895
- 15 Beach Road, 2nd floor, Singapore 189677
- 83 Clemenceau Avenue, 2nd floor, Singapore 239917
- 30 Prinsep St Singapore 188647
Probably the biggest coworking chain in Singapore, WeWork is actually a global chain.
It recently came very close to bankruptcy, but was eventually bailed out by SoftBank. WeWork in Singapore seems to be thriving nonetheless, and they just opened 2 co-working offices in Prinsep Street and 83 Clemenceau Ave.
While they have many locations, some smaller ones only allow hotdesking and do not provide dedicated desks.
Apart from the basics like a reception, fast internet, printing/scanning facilities, meeting rooms and a lounge/pantry, they also have nice perks. Think nap pods, private phone booths, bike storage and micro-roasted coffee. For those who keep odd hours, WeWork offers 24/7 access.
Monthly rates: from $490 (hot desk) / from $530 (dedicated desk) / $1,190 to $3,300 (private office)
Our Bridge Plus (Formerly The Bridge)
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Our Bridge Plus location: 2 Science Park Dr, #01-03, Singapore 118222
Located near Kent Ridge MRT station, Our Bridge Plus is a good location for those who want to be close to the healthcare and biomedical hub in the West (e.g. if you run a healthcare startup).
The office has a rather corporate feel compared to the more hipster-leaning spaces on this list, but what’s good about it is that it has LOADS of meeting rooms/spaces. If your business involves a lot of meetings with investors/partners, and making a professional impression is a big deal, then perhaps this space is worth paying for.
You get 24/7 access and complimentary credits for booking meeting rooms. Membership is cheaper than the stated rates below if you commit to a 6- or 12-month period, but you have to pay upfront, much like a gym membership.
Monthly rates: $550 (hot desk) / $688 (dedicated desk)
Trehaus
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Trehaus location: 109 North Bridge Road, #07-21 to #07-33
Now that your kid is a little older, you might feel the itch to run a startup or nonprofit with your free time. However, most of the coworking spaces here would not appreciate you treating the space like a daycare.
Trehaus, however, is a sort of hybrid between coworking space and childcare centre. There’s a dedicated kid zone complete with childcare facilitators and a “kids atelier”, plus enrichment programmes (pay separately). You can get peace and quiet at the adult-only zone. Take note that Trehaus has moved from Orchard to North Bridge Road.
While we can understand that the price is premium thanks to kid-friendly facilities, do take note that childcare is not inclusive within the price. Neither are some basic things like mail handling and locker access. But its City Hall location is excellent.
Monthly rates: $580 (hot desk) / $880 (dedicated desk) / from $3,200 (private office)
The Great Room
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The Great Room locations:
- 3 Temasek Ave Level 17 and 18, Centennial Tower, S039190
- 1 George St Level 10, S049145
- 391B Orchard Rd, Level 22, Ngee Ann City Tower, S238874
- 328 North Bridge Road, #02-20, Raffles Hotel Arcade, S188719
Imagine if The Great Gatsby had a coworking space… That’s what The Great Room looks like. It’s super swanky, with polished parquet floors, marble tabletops and chocolate leather sofas, a far cry from the more casual tech-focused co-working spaces.
It’s not just good looks too. There are nicely decked-out meeting spaces and lounges, video conferencing and projector facilities, weekly social networking, onsite “member relations officers”, plus free flow of Papa Palheta coffee and free breakfast every Monday.
Their hot desk package gives you some credits to book a “Hot Office”, which gives you more privacy. But the catch is, this is a “hot office” which means you need to clear out your belongings at the end of the day.
Monthly rates: from $750 (hot office) / from $2,500 (dedicated office)
What is a coworking space and why would you want to rent space there?
A coworking space is a shared workspace by different companies. When using one, you work independently of each other. You may be a freelancer, working full-time for a company, or an entrepreneur launching a start-up.
Now, isn’t the whole draw of freelancing and remote work the ability to work at home in your pyjamas?, some of you might ask.
Well, as anybody who’s actually tried working from home long-term will know, every day can be an exercise in unproductivity. It can also get depressing due to the social isolation and lack of coworkers to interact with. And in the long term, working from home can also mean fewer opportunities to network.
Coworking spaces solve the above problems by doing the following.
Peer pressure: They enable you to work in the same space as others, which can boost concentration and motivation. You’re less likely to slack off when you’re surrounded by other people hard at work.
Conducive environment: They offer a conducive environment in which to get stuff done. That means comfortable desks, fast wifi, and all the tea, coffee and snacks you need to work through the night. You get to use office essentials such as printers, phones, meeting rooms, wifi and electrical plugs. Yes, and even fax machines too.
Network/community: They give you the chance to network with a community of other freelancers, remote workers and start-up founders. Some co-working spaces organise social and networking events, movie nights, workshops and drinks sessions you can fill up your calendar with.
Who should consider joining a co-working space?
Obviously, if you’re a salaried employee whose face your boss wants to see for at least 10 hours a day, you have little need for a coworking space.
But if you belong to one of the following groups of people, a coworking space might be for you:
Freelancers: If you are a self-employed person who is able to do most of your work remotely, you might benefit from having a coworking space to go to, rather than doing everything from home or in public spaces.
Remote workers: You might be a salaried employee, but if your boss lets you work remotely most of the time and you do not need to physically show up at the office, you might want to consider working in a coworking space. If your employer is based in another country, you might even be able to get them to pay or at least subsidise your co-working fees.
Start-up founders: Working to get a new project off the ground and want to keep costs low at the start? Renting a coworking space is cheaper than renting office space if you’re working solo or with just a few others.
Small companies who don’t want a permanent space: If you are a small set-up and don’t want to take on the cost or commitment of renting office space, co-working spaces can be an alternative. They can be particularly cost-effective for small teams who do not need to meet in person every day and therefore don’t need a permanent space.
Business travellers and digital nomads: If you need to work while you’re on the road, it can make sense to use a co-working space rather than try to get work done at your accommodation. Many co-working spaces offer day- or week-long passes.
What other factors should you look out for when choosing a coworking space?
So, you might be seduced by a particular coworking space’s snazzy interior and promise of craft beer Wednesdays. But there are a few factors you should definitely consider before signing up.
Opening hours: Some coworking spaces are open 24/7, while others have defined opening hours. If you do your best work at 4am, you’re better off picking a coworking space with round-the-clock access.
Subscription types: Some co-working spaces offer various subscription tiers which will enable less frequent users to save money. For instance, hotdesking subscriptions might come with the option of unlimited access, or only a stipulated number of visits per month. It might also cost more to be able to use all the locations in the co-working space’s network, as opposed to just one.
Locations: Just like gyms, some coworking spaces are chains with multiple locations, while others are boutique spaces with only one. Some subscriptions will give you access to all locations, which can be useful if you frequently commute to different areas.
There’s also a service called Work Buddy that you can try to enjoy different coworking spaces for the price of one. Starting from $129 for 5 visits per month or $299 per month for unlimited hotdesking access, you get to tap on existing popular coworking spaces at The Work Project, National Design Centre, The Hive and SPACES.
That’s pretty good considering that most coworking spaces cost more than $300 for unlimited hotdesking. You can join one location per day and for now, you can enjoy a weeklong free trial of the app.
If you’re still thinking of signing up with a coworking space, you can go down for a tour, or try a free day pass that typically costs between $40 and $70.
The vibe and crowd will play a big part in your decision—after all, one key reason people are willing to fork out the cash to join co-working spaces is the community and networking opportunities.
Have you ever worked at a co-working space? Share your experiences in the comments!
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