The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Private Office in Manhattan

Thinking about renting a private office space in Manhattan?

Not the traditional kind, where you lock in long-term and handle all the logistics yourself. But the flexible type that’s soaring in popularity across NYC, thanks to its all-inclusive fees and hassle-free setup.

With over 2,080 flexible private offices to choose from, Manhattan is a popular place to base your business. But where do you even start? And how do you know where to pick in Manhattan, let alone which office is right for you?

As seasoned experts in the flexible office space industry, Hubble’s here to help. In this guide, we share practical advice on renting a private office in Manhattan—backed by real data, market trends, and years of experience in matching companies with their perfect office.

• What is a private office?
• How much does a private office in Manhattan cost?
• Where can I find a private office in Manhattan?
• Why opt for a Manhattan office rental?
• How do I decide which office is best for me?
• How Hubble can help

What is a ‘private office’?

You may already have an idea of what “private offices” are.

The traditional, blank-canvas type where you’re responsible for most of the legwork—from negotiating the lengthy lease to fitting out the building from scratch.

But when we talk about private offices, they look a little different. 

Think about all-inclusive hotels. That’s what flexible private offices are, but for businesses. Often called ‘serviced’, these offices are set up and ready to go from the day you move in. This means the workspace provider handles all the utilities, bills, and daily office maintenance for you.

Cleaning, done. Furniture, set up and ready to go. Kitchens are fully stocked, and there are handy facilities and amenities at your disposal—such as gyms, podcast studios, or even restaurants!

But the essentials are all there. For example, 84% of buildings in Manhattan have breakout space, 91% have free coffee, and 39% have 24-hour access—so you can pop in and out whenever you want.

And to make things even easier, costs are simplified into one monthly fee. Contracts usually start from 3 months to a year, but some serviced office rentals offer monthly rolling contracts!

How much does it cost to rent a private office in Manhattan? 

In Manhattan, private office rentals typically average at $750 per person, per month.

But the exact price will depend on a few things, like borough and office size, so a bit of research is key to arriving at a realistic figure. Here’s how:

Step one: Determine how many desks you’ll need

To establish how many desks you’ll need, it’s helpful to think in terms of square footage.

Since pricing is based on the number of people (or desks), knowing your square footage helps you estimate how many desks will fit—and therefore, the likely cost. As a rule of thumb, serviced offices across New York City average 40 to 60 sq. ft. per employee.

From there, determine how many people will use the office, and you can use your current workspace strategy to help do this.

Fully office-based companies

If your team is fully office-based—with employees in the office five days a week—simply multiply your headcount by the average cost per employee:

25 employees × $750 per employee = $18,750 per month

Hybrid companies

If you’re a hybrid company, you might not need a desk for everyone—just enough for those in on a given day. Use your team’s calendar to estimate how many people are in on the busiest day.

For example, out of 25 employees, around 10–12 may be in at once, with some teams rotating with some teams rotating through the week:

10-12 employees × $750 per employee = $7,500–$9,000 per month

Compared to:

25 employees × $750 per employee = $18,750 per month

Step two: Decide on a location

The cost of a private office space in Manhattan varies depending on where you’re looking.

While prices vary by location, space requirements remain fairly consistent—most teams need 40–60 sq. ft. per person. That means once you know how much space you need, location becomes the key factor driving cost.

For instance, the same 10-person office (roughly 400–600 sq. ft.) might cost more in Midtown Manhattan than it does in Lower Manhattan.

To help you compare your options, we’ve broken down key areas below, highlighting how pricing and availability differ across Manhattan:

Where can I find a private office in Manhattan?

Manhattan is a vast and varied part of New York City, with coworking and flexible office spaces available in every neighborhood. And that choice is only growing.

In fact, Manhattan, alongside Downtown Brooklyn, accounted for most of the new flexible workspace inventory added in Q3—which is good news if you’re looking for adaptable, well-serviced environments.

But each neighborhood comes with its own price points, character, and appeal. What works for one business won’t necessarily work for another, which is why it’s worth taking the time to explore your options:

Office spaces in Midtown Manhattan

First, let’s start with Midtown.

For many office seekers, Midtown is a major draw—particularly Midtown East and West—where flexible office space continues to grow.

While private offices here tend to sit slightly above the city average, that premium often comes with competitive amenities and excellent commuter links, which can make a real difference to productivity and team wellbeing.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of areas like Grand Central, Midtown East, and Midtown West, here’s a quick summary to set the scene:

Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is a popular area to base your buisness, particularly for teams that value flexibility and access. There’s plenty of choice here, with over 577 offices and commercial properties to rent, covering a broad range of budgets and requirements.

While the average cost per desk in Midtown is US$671 per month, pricing around Grand Central sits slightly higher at US$719. That difference is often reflected in what’s on offer, with many buildings in the area providing a strong range of facilities and amenities.

For example, around 91% of buildings include breakout spaces, and 97% offer coffee and tea on site. A smaller share are dog-friendly, while 41% offer 24-hour access for teams that work flexible hours.

Despite this, the costs remain competitive overall, coming in around 5% below the New York City average. This makes Grand Central a practical choice if you’re looking for a central Midtown location without stretching your budget too far.

Midtown East

Midtown East is also another solid option. If you’re focusing your search here, there are around 380 offices and commercial properties available to rent, with options to suit a range of budgets and team sizes.

Most buildings are well set up for everyday working. Around 90% include breakout spaces, and 95% offer coffee and tea on site. In terms of more competitive facilities, 10% offer rooftop terraces, 19% offer bike storage, and 24% host regular events and talks.

So, what’s the pricing like? The cost of a private office in Midtown East sits comfortably within the wider city market, with the average being US$745 per desk, per month. That’s about 2% lower than the New York City average, which is great news for businesses set on a Midtown address.

Midtown West

Now let’s go to Midtown West. With 427 private offices available to rent, Midtown West offers more choice across budgets, space requirements, and facilities that are more competitive. For example, roof terraces and on-site gyms are available in 6% of buildings. Bike storage is in about 26% of buildings, and regular events and talks to learn and network are in 29%.

That being said, costs in Midtown West tend to sit at the higher end of the spectrum. The average cost per desk for a full-time private office is US$784 per month, which is around 3% higher than the New York City average.

For some businesses, that higher price point is worth considering if the area fits their working style, and they’d like access to more premium facilities and amenities.

Private offices in Lower Manhattan

Next, we’ve got Lower Manhattan.

With 477 offices available, Lower Manhattan offers a broad mix of flexible office options across a wide range of budgets.

Often seen as a more cost-effective alternative to Midtown, it’s an area that continues to attract businesses looking for value without leaving Manhattan altogether.

Prices here typically sit below the city average, which makes downtown an appealing option for teams that want flexibility and choice while keeping a closer eye on costs.

Before we take a closer look at specific areas within Lower Manhattan, here’s a quick overview to set the scene:

SoHo

SoHo is often a conscious choice for businesses that care as much about character as they do about location. With its boutique culture and cobblestoned streets, this neighborhood has long attracted creative and design-led—so you’ll feel right at home if you’re drawn to spaces with personality.

Because of this, office spaces here tend to feel more intimate than in larger commercial districts. Many teams are based in converted buildings rather than traditional office towers, which adds to SoHo’s distinct working atmosphere. Paired with its mix of shops, galleries, and places to eat, the area offers a workday experience that feels closely tied to downtown Manhattan’s creative energy!

Financial District

Now let’s look at the Financial District. With 207 offices and commercial properties available to rent, it offers a more focused selection of flexible office space, with options that still cater to a range of budgets.

Many buildings are well equipped for day-to-day working, with 88% including breakout spaces and 94% offering coffee and tea on site.

In terms of cost, the Financial District is one of the more affordable areas within Manhattan. The average cost per desk for a full-time private office is US$653 per month, which is around 14% lower than the New York City average.

For teams that value flexibility over premium extras, the area still has plenty to offer. While dog-friendly offices are less common here, 35% of buildings provide 24-hour access, which can suit businesses with non-traditional working hours!

Office rentals in Chelsea

Now, let’s talk about a Manhattan neighborhood that’s arty, inclusive and full of personality… Chelsea.

Chelsea has a vibe all its own, and that’s exactly why so many teams choose to set up shop here. With over 220 offices and commercial properties available to rent, it’s become a magnet for businesses who want a private office that’s convenient and full of character.

A number of well-known coworking providers are part of the mix, with spaces in and around Chelsea—like Industrious on 250 West 34th Street and The Yard on Herald Square—bringing art, tech, and business together in a way that mirrors the neighbourhood’s creative character.

While Chelsea is full of independent cafés, you don’t have to leave the building for a decent coffee. Around 85% of coworking buildings offer coffee and tea on site, and if you do want to step away from your desk, 69% also include breakout spaces for a change of scenery.

It’s worth noting that dog-friendly offices are less common here, and just under a quarter of buildings offer 24-hour access, which may be worth factoring in if your team works outside standard hours.

In terms of pricing, Chelsea sits slightly above the city average. The average cost per desk for a full-time private office is US$800 per month, around 5% higher than the New York City average.

For many teams, that premium reflects the area’s appeal as a place to work—thanks to its creativity and inclusivity—rather than just somewhere to base an office.

TL;DR

Office rentals in Flatiron & Union Square

Now let’s take a look at Flatiron and Union Square.

This part of Manhattan sits right between Midtown and Lower Manhattan, which makes it a natural choice for teams that want to feel central without being tied to one business district.

The Flatiron District itself is named after the Flatiron Building, and the wider area has long been associated with media, tech, and creative businesses—especially during the rise of Silicon Alley.

When it comes to coworking and flexible offices, they tend to feel practical and well-established rather than flashy. Some are set within older commercial buildings, which gives the area a more traditional office feel. But don’t worry, that doesn’t come at a cost of the modern ways of working.

Many of the private offices in Flatiron are located in buildings that are optimised for productivity, connectivity and convenience. You can expect lightning-fast WiFi, kitted-out meeting rooms, and 24-hour access for maximum flexibility—with Le Parc Coworking Offices being a prime example!

Since Union Square is right on your doorstep, there’s also no shortage of places to step out for lunch, run errands, or meet clients between meetings. In short, Flatiron and Union Square offer a comfortable middle ground between Midtown’s scale and Lower Manhattan’s creative feel.

TL;DR:

Why rent an office space in Manhattan?

Okay, we’ve discussed the benefits of renting a flexible office for your team. But what’s so great about Manhattan?

Beyond the practical benefits of flexible contracts and ready-to-go space, Manhattan itself genuinely adds value to your workday—whether you’re grabbing lunch, meeting a client for coffee, or hopping on the subway home. 

The best lunch and coffee spots in Manhattan

When you step out of your office, there’s no shortage of lunch and coffee options right at your doorstep.

Around Flatiron and Union Square, places like The Smith and Boucherie Union Square are often recommended for business lunches, with familiar menus and spaces that work for client meetings or team outings. ABC Kitchen and Upland also appear on lists of popular lunch venues where you can pause between meetings.

Being in Manhattan means you’re never far from a good coffee—after all, coffee culture is a big part of the workday here. Office workers often gravitate toward spots that work for both quick refuels and informal catch-ups, like Le Pain Quotidien, which offers reliable coffee and casual bites across many business hubs.

The best after-work spots for office workers in Manhattan

Once the workday wraps, Manhattan has no shortage of bars and lounges where teams can unwind. Near office clusters like Flatiron and Midtown, you’ll find well-reviewed spots for after-work drinks—including cocktail bars like Little Ned and Thyme Bar that are rated pretty highly.

Places like Oscar Wilde, Dear Irving Gramercy, and Bar Bonobo also come up as popular choices in the area for winding down with colleagues. So the choice is yours!

The best entertainment options for office workers in Manhattan

One of the biggest perks of having a private office rental in Manhattan is how much there is to do around you.

For team socials and after-work hangs, many people gravitate toward popular spots that suit both casual get-togethers and client entertainment, such as rooftop bars like The Press Lounge and 230 Fifth.

Beyond food and drinks, Manhattan offers plenty of ways to bring teams together outside the everyday office routine. You’ll find a wide range of team-building activities that work for groups, like scavenger hunts in Lower Manhattan or cookery classes in Chelsea.

And if you’re planning a bigger outing or client event, Manhattan’s cultural attractions—like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bryant Park, or even walking the Brooklyn Bridge—make for memorable experiences that go beyond dinner and drinks!

How do I decide which Manhattan office is best for me? 

Step one: Define what you need

Start by clearly defining what you need. For example, what office size do you need? How many desks should it have? Is an internal meeting room non-negotiable, or are you happy to use shared ones? Do you need amenities like event spaces?

Your workspace strategy will guide some of this—a fully office-based team needs a desk for everyone, while a hybrid team plans for peak occupancy, not total headcount.

But some questions need concrete answers, and the best way to get them is through an employee survey. This will give you real data on how many desks you actually need, which locations your team prefers, and what matters most to them.

Step two: Pick your area

Your survey data will give you a clear idea of which parts of Manhattan to start looking at. From there, you can dig deeper and get more granular on desk prices in different neighborhoods.

Our workspace advisors at Hubble can help fast-track this step. You can browse spaces on our online marketplace or schedule a call with the team; they’ll match you with workspaces that fit your budget and give you a shortlist of options!

Step three: Use a flexible workspace platform

Once you’ve defined what you need and picked your neighborhood, it’s time to start your search—and working with a flexible workspace platform can make the process a lot easier.

These platforms bring everything together in one place, helping you compare spaces, understand real pricing, and shortlist the best options for your needs and budget.

Plus, because the platforms partner with many operators, they often have access to exclusive deals and availability that you won’t find just by searching online.

How Hubble can help 

So, there you have it! Your guide to renting a private office in Manhattan.

If you’d like support to make your office move simpler, Hubble can help. Our flexible workspace platform features private offices across more than 150 locations in the US, including New York City, making it easier to find a space that fits your needs.

With over 25 years of combined experience, our sales advisors are on hand to take the pressure off. They’ll share tailored recommendations, organise and attend viewings, and help secure discounts of up to 15%—all at no cost to you!

Get in touch today!