Coworking vs. traditional office: The complete cost analysis for small businesses

Coworking vs. traditional office: The complete cost analysis for small businesses

Coworking vs. traditional office in Copenhagen – which is cheaper?

As a small business owner, you may be facing the choice between a traditional office and a coworking solution. Both options have their advantages, but when it comes to the bottom line, the difference in costs can be decisive for your company’s finances. Here you will find a realistic overview of the true costs of both solutions in Copenhagen.

The traditional office: Visible and hidden costs

Monthly fixed costs

Rent

Office rents in Copenhagen have risen significantly in recent years – especially in attractive areas such as Østerbro, Nordhavn, the city centre, and Frederiksberg.

In Copenhagen, commercial rent typically ranges from:

  • DKK 1,800–3,500 per m² per year

  • Premium locations can be even higher

A smaller office of 25 m² will therefore typically cost:

  • DKK 3,750–7,300/month

And that is before operating costs, shared expenses, and other costs.

Electricity and heating

  • DKK 250–500/month

Internet and telephony

  • DKK 400–900/month

Cleaning

  • DKK 300–700/month

Insurance

  • DKK 200–400/month

Parking

In Copenhagen, parking is often a major additional expense:

  • DKK 800–2,500/month per space


One-off costs and investments

Deposit

Typically 3–6 months’ rent:

  • DKK 15,000–45,000+

Fit-out and furniture

  • DKK 20,000–75,000

IT equipment and network

  • DKK 20,000–50,000

Installations and start-up

  • DKK 5,000–20,000


Variable costs

Maintenance

  • DKK 500–2,000/month

Office supplies and coffee

  • DKK 300–800/month

Unexpected expenses

Minor repairs, internet issues, cleaning, replacement of furnishings, etc.


Total monthly cost for a traditional office in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Ø / Copenhagen in general

  • DKK 6,000–12,000+/month

Excluding:

  • Deposit

  • Fit-out

  • Commitments

  • Maintenance

  • Unexpected expenses

Start-up costs are often:

  • DKK 60,000–190,000+


The coworking solution: Flexibility and low fixed costs

Flexum Coworking – flexible Pay-As-You-Go model

Unlike many traditional coworking spaces in Copenhagen that require fixed subscriptions, Flexum Coworking offers a flexible solution where you only pay for what you use.

Location

Flexum Coworking is located at:

Lyngbyvej 83A, 2100 Copenhagen Ø

Close to:

  • Hans Knudsens Plads

  • Ryparken Station

  • The Helsingør Motorway

  • Østerbro and Nordhavn

The location provides easy access for customers, partners, and employees alike.


Workspaces and rooms

3-person office

  • DKK 70/hour

  • DKK 315/half day (6 hours)

  • DKK 420/full day (8+ hours)

Consultation room / therapy room

  • DKK 70/hour

  • DKK 315/half day

  • DKK 420/full day


Meeting rooms

4-person meeting room

  • DKK 200/hour

  • DKK 900/half day

  • DKK 1,200/full day

10-person meeting room

  • DKK 400/hour

  • DKK 1,800/half day

  • DKK 2,400/full day


What is included?

At many serviced offices in Copenhagen, you pay extra for facilities, internet, coffee, and meeting rooms. At Flexum, it is included.

Included in the price

  • Electricity and heating

  • Fast Wi-Fi

  • Cleaning

  • Coffee and tea

  • Professional facilities

  • Furnished rooms

  • Flexible booking

  • No long-term commitments


Comparison with other coworking spaces in Copenhagen

Many coworking spaces in Copenhagen typically charge:

  • DKK 2,000–5,000/month for a flexible desk

  • DKK 4,000–10,000+/month for a private office

Often with:

  • Commitment period

  • Deposit

  • Limited meeting room access

  • Additional charges for facilities

At Flexum Coworking, small businesses and freelancers can simply pay for the time they actually use.


Comparison: 20 hours of monthly use

Flexum Coworking

3-person office

  • DKK 1,400/month

  • No deposit

  • No commitment period

  • All inclusive


Traditional office in Copenhagen

  • DKK 6,000–12,000+/month

  • DKK 60,000–190,000 in start-up costs

  • Typically a 3–5-year commitment

  • Ongoing maintenance


ROI calculation: How much do you save?

Scenario 1: Startup or freelancer

Year 1 costs

Traditional office in Copenhagen

  • DKK 132,000–334,000+

Flexum Coworking

(20 hours/month)

  • DKK 16,800

Potential savings

  • DKK 115,000–317,000+ in the first year


The hidden benefits of coworking

Flexibility

  • Scale up and down as needed

  • No long-term contracts

  • No capital tied up in furnishings

Professional environment

  • Professional surroundings

  • A better first impression with customers

  • Access to meeting rooms without major investments

Less administration

  • No vendor management

  • No cleaning agreements

  • No operations management


When does a traditional office make sense?

A traditional office may be relevant if:

  • You have several full-time employees

  • You work from the office every day

  • You need a specialised fit-out

  • You need storage or permanent space for belongings

  • You require dedicated premises 24/7


Conclusion

For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Copenhagen, coworking is often the most financially sensible solution.

Especially with a flexible Pay-As-You-Go model like Flexum Coworking, businesses can significantly reduce their office costs without compromising on professionalism.

Instead of tying up capital in rent, deposits, and fixed expenses, the money can be invested in growth, marketing, and business development.


Flexum Coworking – Copenhagen Ø

Professional office facilities without heavy fixed costs.

Lyngbyvej 83A
2100 Copenhagen Ø

Book online at Flexum.dk and experience a more flexible way of working.

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