If you’re an entrepreneur in Baltimore looking for office space, you have many choices at your disposal. The two most common routes are a shared office space lease (often called coworking) or a private office space for lease. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your budget, team size, and growth plans.
This guide weighs both options, draws on recent market data, and explains how The Mt. Washington Group can help you secure the right address for your team.
Baltimore’s Current Office Landscape
Leasing activity in the city is trending toward recovery; however, overall vacancy remains high. CBRE reported a stable 20.7 percent vacancy rate for Baltimore’s office market in Q3 2025, noting that while the number of deals rose by 54 percent over the previous quarter, the average transaction size decreased to approximately 6,600 square feet. Cushman & Wakefield’s 2025 analysis shows overall Baltimore City vacancy slightly higher at 22.4 percent, a rate that has remained stable year-over-year.
In the case of expanding companies, this translates to a broad range of commercial real estate available to rent in Baltimore, both in the form of boutique suites within the old downtown structures and as entire floor plans in skyscrapers. The number of coworking operators is also growing; local lists now comprise Spark Baltimore, Co-Balt Workspace, Impact Hub, and others. The healthy supply creates room to negotiate favorable terms, whether you prefer a collaborative hub or a dedicated suite.
What Counts as Shared Office Space?
A typical coworking facility offers desks, small suites, or team rooms to several tenants living under the same roof. A single monthly fee is usually paid by the members, and typically includes:
- Furniture and high-speed internet
- Conference room credits
- Front-desk support
- Community events
Shared environments range from intimate renovated rowhouses to multi-floor centers run by international brands. Term lengths are often month-to-month, making this the most flexible working office space option in town.
Advantages of a Shared Office Space Lease
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Lower upfront cost | No significant build-out or furniture purchase. |
| Short commitments | Scale up or down quickly when headcount changes. |
| Networking | Proximity to other founders, freelancers, and investors can spark partnerships. |
| Turnkey services | The operator handles cleaning, utilities, and reception. |
Disadvantages of Shared Office Space
If your enterprise needs a nimble base during its first 12–18 months, or if you value daily interaction with peers, a shared environment is often the right fit.
- Limited privacy. Thin walls or open layouts may make calls and client meetings audible.
- Branding constraints. Signage is usually modest and matches the operator’s aesthetic.
- Peak-time competition. Popular meeting rooms fill up quickly, which can frustrate teams with tight schedules.
What Defines Private Office Space?
A single tenant has exclusive control of the premises in a private suite. The unit size ranges from 800 square feet to an entire building and is ideally suited for those who need to rent large office space. Regular leases last between three and seven years, and furniture, fit-out, and utilities are paid by tenants, unless otherwise negotiated.
Advantages of Private Office Space for Lease
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Control and confidentiality | Ideal for legal, medical, or financial teams handling sensitive data. |
| Custom layout | Configure rooms, lighting, and technology to align with the workflow and brand. |
| Stable costs | Fixed rent offers long-term budgeting clarity, especially if build-out costs are amortized. |
| Recruitment edge | A branded workplace can impress potential hires and clients. |
Disadvantages of Private Office Space
If your business values full control, strong brand visibility, and expects a stable headcount, a private lease usually makes sense.
- Higher upfront investment. Fit-outs, furniture, and wiring require capital.
- Longer commitments. Exiting early can mean penalties or subletting headaches.
- Maintenance responsibility. Tenants may be responsible for handling cleaning and minor repairs, depending on the lease type.
Cost Comparison: Shared vs. Private
| Cost Factor | Shared Office | Private Office |
| Monthly base rate | Higher per square foot, but includes services. | Lower per-square-foot rate, plus operating costs. |
| Up-front cash | One month’s membership plus a small deposit. | Security deposit, fit-out, furniture, cabling. |
| Flexibility | Cancel or expand with short notice. | Sublease or pay exit fees if you outgrow space early. |
| Scalability | Add desks instantly (if available). | Need adjacent vacancies or a full move for growth. |
Key Questions to Guide Your Choice
Write honest answers on one page. The pattern that emerges will point toward either a business office space for rent (private) or a collaborative membership (shared).
How many people will you house 18 months from now?
Do you handle sensitive client data that demands closed doors?
Is face-to-face networking central to your sales pipeline?
Will custom branding in the lobby influence client trust?
Can you allocate capital for build-out, or would you rather pay a higher all-in monthly fee and keep cash on hand?
These questions build on the broader factors outlined in our guide to choosing the right office space in Baltimore.
How The Mt. Washington Group Can Help
Finding the right address is time-consuming. Whether you need a traditional private office, a dedicated desk, or a custom commercial space, our team is here to help you find the right fit in Baltimore. Through our Commercial Real Estate for Rent page, you can:
- Review by neighborhood, size, and budget.
- Check out availability for both shared desks and dedicated offices.
- Request a tour.
Final Thoughts
There is plenty of commercial space to rent in Baltimore, and the vacancy rates indicate that there is plenty of room to bargain. A shared office space lease fits companies that prefer flexibility, community, and low upfront costs. A leased office provides private offices, customization, and brand visibility at a cost of longer terms and a higher upfront cost.
Evaluate your growth plans, privacy needs, and cash position. Then lean on a local partner who understands both sides of the market. The Mt. Washington Group helps businesses explore both flexible shared offices and private suites across Baltimore, matching each team with space that fits their needs, budget, and long-term goals.