Startups and freelancers in Spokane face a familiar question when it comes to finding a workspace: coworking vs leasing. Each option offers a different path forward, with its own set of trade-offs around cost, commitment, and flexibility.
Coworking spaces appeal to early-stage businesses and independent professionals looking for a cost-effective solution with fewer overhead costs. These shared environments allow for growth without the burden of long-term leases, while also offering built-in amenities and opportunities to network.
Leasing a traditional office or renting private space, on the other hand, offers more control and privacy. But it usually comes with a higher price tag, more responsibilities, and less room to adapt as your needs change.
Choosing the right option depends on how you work, what you need today, and where your business is headed next.
Pros and Cons of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces have become popular for a reason. They offer more than just a desk, they provide structure, community, and flexibility, all without the long-term commitment of a traditional lease. But like any setup, they have trade-offs.
Coworking Pros
- Lower overhead costs. You’re not paying for utilities, maintenance, or office furniture.
- Built-in flexibility. You can scale up or down without breaking a lease.
- Access to shared amenities. Many coworking spaces offer conference rooms, printing, high-speed internet, and virtual reception services.
- A professional environment. It’s easier to stay productive when you’re not working from your kitchen table.
- Community and connection. For solo workers, it’s a chance to meet others, find support, and even step into a mentorship role in entrepreneurship.
Coworking Cons
- Less privacy. Shared space means more noise and less control over your surroundings.
- Limited branding. You can’t customize the environment the way you could with your own office.
- Availability can vary. During busy times, common areas and resources may feel crowded.
- It’s not always tax-simple. If you’re trying to navigate tax season as a small business, coworking expenses might require more explanation than a leased office.
For business owners who value community, flexibility, and staying lean, coworking can be a smart move. If you’re wondering why Burbity Workspaces in Spokane stands out, it’s the mix of thoughtful design, local support, and practical resources that help you focus on work while planning for what’s next, whether that’s scaling your team or planning retirement as a small business owner.
Pros and Cons of Leasing a Space in Spokane
Leasing a private office in Spokane gives you a dedicated space to operate and grow your business. For some, that structure and control is essential. But it’s also a bigger commitment, and the hidden costs can add up quickly.
Leasing Pros
- You get your own space. It’s quiet, private, and fully yours to set up how you want.
- Long-term stability. With a lease in place, you know what to expect month to month.
- Tax advantages. Leasing can open the door to small business tax benefits, depending on your accounting approach and how your expenses are structured.
- Professional credibility. A private office can give clients more confidence in your business, especially when paired with the right business insurance in Spokane.
Leasing Cons
- Upfront costs. Deposits, furniture, signage, and setup can strain your early budget.
- Fixed expenses. Unlike coworking, leases are locked in. Whether you use the space daily or not, you’re paying for it.
- Ongoing responsibilities. You’re likely responsible for internet, janitorial services, utilities, and even snow plowing during Spokane winters.
- More complex decisions. Setting up a lease often ties into bigger questions like choosing the right LLC vs S Corp business structure, understanding local zoning rules, or working through accounting tips for small businesses that can keep expenses in check.
Leasing works well for established businesses that need room to grow, expect steady foot traffic, or want full control over their work environment. But if you’re early in your business journey or looking to stay lean, the cost and complexity may outweigh the benefits.
Looking to Grow Your Small Business?
Burbity Workspaces has multiple locations with private offices, coworking spaces, event space, and meeting rooms.
How to Choose Between Coworking vs Leasing
If you’re a Spokane business owner trying to decide between coworking and leasing, the right answer depends on how you work, what you need, and where your business is headed. Here’s a step-by-step way to weigh your options.
1. Define your daily needs
Start with the basics. How often do you need a physical workspace? Do you meet with clients in person? Do you need a quiet space, or would shared energy help you stay motivated?
This step helps you understand whether coworking gives you enough focus, or if leasing makes more sense.
2. Look at your growth plans
Think about the next one to three years. Will you hire? Expand services? Work across multiple locations?
These are small business planning questions. If you’re planning to grow fast, a leased space may support that. If your future is less defined, coworking gives you room to stay flexible.
3. Add up the real costs
Go beyond rent. Include internet, janitorial, utilities, snow plowing, maintenance, and time spent setting up. Many new Spokane business owners underestimate how much these extras can add to the total cost of leasing.
4. Evaluate your team structure
If you’re solo, coworking may be all you need. If you’re building a team, leasing might offer more control. But keep in mind that creating systems in your business and having strategies to avoid employee turnover can be more impactful than the space itself.
5. Factor in local support
Think about which option connects you to others. Some business owners thrive in coworking because it offers built-in community. Others prefer the privacy of leased offices. Consider what will keep you motivated, supported, and productive in Spokane’s business environment.
Why Coworking vs Leasing Often Favors Flexibility and Growth
For many freelancers and growing businesses in Spokane, coworking offers what leasing can’t: room to adapt. It’s more flexible, more cost-effective, and doesn’t come with the burden of managing a long list of hidden expenses.
At Burbity Workspaces, our goal is to support Spokane business owners with professional, well-equipped spaces designed for real work. Whether you're just starting out, refining your operations, or expanding your services, our coworking environment gives you structure, freedom, and a built-in community.
When you're ready for a smarter way to work, without the limits of a traditional lease, we’re here to help you move forward.
