The coworking industry has long sold flexibility, but a new analysis suggests the features surrounding the desk are becoming just as important as the workspace itself.
A Coworking Cafe review of more than 8,200 U.S. coworking locations found that cities are increasingly competing on amenities such as pet-friendly policies, wellness spaces, childcare support, and EV charging. The findings suggest operators are expanding beyond traditional office essentials to create workplaces that better fit how people live outside of work.
One in Four Coworking Spaces Offer Premium Amenities
The analysis found that 25.4% of coworking spaces nationwide include at least one standout amenity beyond basics like Wi-Fi and coffee.
The Northeast narrowly leads the country for premium amenities, followed closely by the West, while the Midwest and South trail only slightly behind. Amenity preferences also vary by region. Southern coworking spaces are more likely to feature podcast studios, reflecting the growth of creator-focused businesses, while EV charging is more common across the West.
Pet-Friendly Workspaces Gain Ground
For professionals who want to bring their dogs to work, San Francisco and Denver share the top spot. In both cities, 26% of coworking spaces welcome pets.
Other high-ranking markets include Bellevue, Oakland, Seattle, Alexandria, and Miami.
Wellness Amenities Dominate in Cambridge
Cambridge led the nation for sport and relaxation amenities by a wide margin. Eighty-five percent of its coworking spaces include features such as fitness centers, lounges, wellness rooms, or dedicated break areas.
The city outperformed every other market in the study, while New Orleans, Arlington, Tucson, Washington, and Phoenix also ranked among the leaders.
Childcare Remains Rare, but Some Cities Stand Out
Family-focused amenities remain one of the least common offerings across coworking, making the leaders especially notable.
Minneapolis ranked first, with nearly 30% of coworking spaces offering features such as mother’s rooms, nursing facilities, or childcare support. Arlington, Oakland, Austin, and San Francisco rounded out the top five.
EV Charging Becomes a Workplace Amenity
As electric vehicle ownership grows, charging stations are beginning to influence coworking choices as well.
Irvine topped the rankings, with EV chargers available at 27% of coworking locations—more than double the share of the next-highest city.
Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Bellevue completed the top five.
As operators compete for members, the differentiator is increasingly what happens beyond the workstation itself.
Whether it’s bringing a dog to work, fitting in a workout between meetings, charging an electric vehicle, or finding a workspace that better supports working parents, amenities are becoming a bigger factor in how professionals choose where to work.
