Pricing Guide for Office Spaces in Australia 2026

Flexible office space continues to expand, with 144,430 sqm of total flexible floorspace available nationwide and a total desk capacity of 27,815 desks. The data shows a clear divide between premium private offices and more affordable coworking options.

The points below highlight the ongoing office space prices in Australia for 2026.

• A median monthly private office cost in Australia is $656 per person, reflecting demand for enclosed, fully serviced suites.
• The median monthly coworking space cost in Australia is $479 per person, offering a budget-friendly option for freelancers and startups.
• A median monthly virtual office cost in Australia is $60 per person, making it an ideal option for businesses that require only a premium business address and mail handling services.
• For large companies, the median enterprise office rate is $800 per person/month, providing customised fit-outs and branding.

Australia’s flexible office market is showing a widening gap between affordable and premium offerings. Private offices and enterprise offices command higher rates due to enclosed layouts, advanced amenities, and customisation, making them attractive for corporates seeking privacy and scalability.

In contrast, coworking desks and virtual offices remain cost-effective choices for freelancers, startups, and remote teams who prioritise flexibility over exclusivity. This tiered pricing structure highlights how the sector is evolving to cater to both ends of the business spectrum. Looking ahead to 2030, this divide is likely to deepen further.

Australia’s flexible office market continues to mature, with more than 158,000 sqm of fully fitted workspace available nationwide as of March 2026. Unlike traditional leases, these offices are plug-and-play, allowing businesses to move in immediately with minimal setup.

Sydney remains the priciest market, particularly for small teams of 1–4 desks, where costs range from $950 to $1,050 per person per month. By comparison, Melbourne CBD office rental rates sit in the mid-range, with private offices averaging $700–$800 per desk, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking central locations at more manageable prices.

In Brisbane, office space pricing remains highly competitive. Small to mid-sized teams can expect rates ranging from $600 to $640 per person, while larger teams benefit from some of the most affordable options in the country, with desks available for as low as $300 to $500 per month. Perth commercial office lease costs are steadily rising, averaging $715–$800 for small teams and $649–$800 for mid-sized groups, reflecting increasing demand in the west.

For cost-conscious businesses, Adelaide offers some of the most affordable office space nationwide, with desks starting at $540 per month and rarely exceeding $850, depending on team size. Similarly, Canberra office space prices are budget-friendly for small groups (starting at $489 per desk) but increase for larger teams, where premium office suites can cost up to $1,044 per person per month. Hobart continues to offer ultra-low-cost options, with desk rates ranging from $500 to $550, appealing to startups and freelancers who seek value without compromising on professionalism.

While these are city-specific medians, the actual price depends heavily on the location within the city (CBD vs. suburban), the type of space (hot desk vs. private office), and the size of the team.
 

High-cost CBD towers no longer dominate Australia’s office market. Regional towns, suburban hubs, and coastal centres are now offering some of the most affordable coworking options in the country.

In Sydney, small private offices can cost around $950–$ 1,050 per desk per month, while Melbourne averages $ 700–$ 800 for similar setups. By contrast, regional and suburban coworking hubs offer desks for as little as $200 per month. These affordable options appeal to startups, freelancers, and hybrid workers who seek cost savings without compromising professionalism.

The affordability comes from lower commercial rents and government-supported innovation programs that help subsidise space outside capital cities. Despite the lower price tag, these offices still offer modern facilities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and shared amenities. With hybrid work enabling more professionals to live beyond CBDs, regional coworking hubs are quickly becoming a wise choice for both financial and lifestyle reasons.

Suburban markets are rising as cost-effective competitors to CBD offices. Locations like North Sydney, Parramatta, and Chatswood now offer flexible memberships starting at $200–$300 per month for hot desks, which is significantly less than the average in the CBD. These hubs come with essential features, including secure WiFi, meeting room access, shared kitchens, and breakout spaces, allowing businesses to operate efficiently at a fraction of the cost of city-centre locations.

Beyond affordability, suburban hubs reduce the need for long commutes while fostering local networking opportunities. For hybrid professionals working a few days a week in the office, they provide a professional environment close to home, combining convenience with savings.

Regional and coastal areas are pushing affordability even further. In towns like the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and Ballarat, coworking spaces often start at under $200 per month, making them some of the most affordable in the country. Many of these spaces are supported by councils and government-backed programs designed to stimulate entrepreneurship and attract remote professionals.

In addition to prioritising community engagement and functionality over luxury design, these hubs deliver the essentials, reliable internet, collaborative environments, and meeting facilities. For freelancers and small businesses, the combination of ultra-low costs and the lifestyle benefits of regional living creates a compelling alternative to the high costs of CBD offices.

Australia’s flexible office market has expanded far beyond high-cost CBD towers. From suburban hubs to coastal innovation centres, businesses of all sizes can now find affordable options that deliver quality facilities and collaborative communities.

For freelancers, startups, and hybrid teams, these spaces offer an opportunity to reduce overhead without compromising professionalism, demonstrating that innovative, flexible work doesn’t have to come at a premium price.

According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, Australia’s flexible office space market is estimated to be worth USD 1.29 billion in 2025, and projections suggest it will reach USD 1.89 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.84%.

Australia’s flexible office market is diverse, offering options that range from affordable desks to high-end private offices in landmark buildings. Our key partners, including Servcorp, Compass Offices, and Regus, offer businesses the flexibility to select spaces that suit their specific needs in terms of size, budget, and operational requirements.

Below is a breakdown of their rental rates along with example locations.

Australia’s office rental market is being reshaped by shifting workstyles, new landlord-operator partnerships, and changing tenant expectations. From hybrid schedules influencing space demand to the rise of premium CBD hubs and suburban growth corridors, several key factors now play a central role in determining office space cost in Australia.

Details of key drivers shaping office rental rates in Australia are presented below.

The rise of hybrid schedules has permanently changed workplace culture across Australia. Companies now prefer flexible memberships over long-term leases, allowing them to adjust their space use depending on the number of employees who come into the office each week.

In high-profile business districts like Sydney’s CBD and Collins Street in Melbourne, landlords are teaming up with coworking operators. By offering flexible floors within traditional office towers, they attract tenants seeking agility while reducing vacancy risks.

With demand outpacing supply in central locations, operators are moving toward high-end offerings. Many CBD coworking hubs now feature hospitality-inspired services, sleek interiors, wellness programs, and event-ready venues, reflected in higher rental rates.

As CBD prices rise, more businesses are opting for suburban hubs like Parramatta, Richmond, and North Sydney, as well as regional hotspots such as the Gold Coast. These areas provide professional workspaces closer to home and often at more affordable rates.

Not all coworking operators survive in Australia’s competitive landscape, but those that build strong communities and a distinct brand identity thrive. For many members, the sense of connection and belonging is just as valuable as the workspace itself.

To gain a better understanding of how office space costs in Australia change, it is essential to know how they are calculated. For traditional office leases, rent is calculated by multiplying the price per square metre by the office size. For example, a 60 m² office in the Sydney CBD at $1,000/m² would be approximately $5,000 per month, plus GST and additional costs such as utilities, internet, and land tax. Fit-outs and furniture are also paid separately, making expenses less predictable.

With flexible office spaces, costs are calculated on a per-desk basis. If a desk is $800 per person and you need six, your monthly fee is $4,800. This usually includes meeting rooms, WiFi, kitchens, and other shared facilities. Since you only pay for the desks you need, flexible spaces often provide better value and more straightforward budgeting.

The chart below highlights the key differences between traditional office leasing and flexible office space in Australia:
 

Australia’s office rental landscape is becoming increasingly diverse, with affordable suburban and regional coworking spaces emerging as practical alternatives to high-priced CBD offices. For many businesses, evaluating office space cost in Australia is no longer just about square metres but also about flexibility, community, and value-added services. These hubs not only lower overheads but also nurture collaboration, entrepreneurship, and stronger local business networks, giving companies more freedom to scale and adapt at every price point.

For anyone navigating this diverse market, Office Hub is the ideal partner. With access to thousands of listings nationwide, live pricing data, and expert local advice, Office Hub helps businesses compare options, arrange tours, and secure the proper workspace, whether it is a Sydney skyscraper or a coastal coworking hub.