Coworking vs. Cafes: Where Should You Work as a Nomad?

The life of a digital nomad sounds amazing, right? You can work from anywhere in the world, set your own hours, and explore new places. But as any experienced nomad knows, finding the right place to actually *do* that work is a constant challenge. It’s not always easy to be productive when your “office” changes daily or weekly. Two of the most popular options for digital nomads looking for a workspace are coworking spaces and cafes. Both have their fans, and both have their downsides. So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down and help you decide.

The Digital Nomad’s Workspace Challenge

Being a digital nomad means saying goodbye to the traditional office cubicle. While working from home (or your temporary apartment/hotel) is sometimes an option, it can also be isolating or full of distractions. Plus, let’s be honest, nobody wants to work from their bed all day every day. That’s where external workspaces come in. You need a place with reliable internet, comfortable seating, and an environment that helps you focus.

For many remote workers and travelers, the choice often comes down to a coworking space or a local cafe. Both offer internet and a change of scenery, but they are very different experiences. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the best spot for your daily tasks and overall well-being as a traveling professional.

Working in a Coworking Space: The Dedicated Office Vibe

Coworking spaces are essentially shared offices designed for independent workers, freelancers, and small teams. They offer dedicated desks, shared tables, meeting rooms, and various amenities. They are built specifically for productivity and community.

Advantages of Coworking Spaces

1. Built for Productivity: This is perhaps the biggest plus for a coworking space. Everything is set up for work. You usually have ergonomic chairs, proper desks, plenty of power outlets, and reliable, high-speed internet that’s much faster and more stable than public Wi-Fi.

2. Fewer Distractions: Compared to a busy cafe, a coworking environment is typically much quieter and more focused. Many spaces have designated quiet zones where talking is discouraged. People around you are also working, which can create a shared sense of purpose and make it easier to concentrate.

3. Professional Environment: If you have client calls or virtual meetings, a coworking space is usually the best option. You can often book private phone booths or meeting rooms, ensuring privacy and a professional background, unlike trying to take a call in a noisy cafe with people walking behind you.

4. Networking and Community: Coworking spaces are hubs for like-minded individuals. It’s easy to strike up conversations, meet other digital nomads or local professionals, and even find potential collaborators or clients. Many spaces organize social events, workshops, and networking opportunities. This can combat the loneliness that sometimes comes with the nomadic lifestyle.

5. Amenities: Coworking spaces often provide valuable perks like printers, scanners, mail handling, kitchen facilities (sometimes with free coffee and tea), and even event spaces. These are things you just won’t find in a cafe.

6. Structure and Routine: Having a membership at a coworking space can help you establish a routine. Knowing you have a place to go work every day can add structure to your nomadic life, which can otherwise feel very unstructured.

Disadvantages of Coworking Spaces

1. Cost: This is usually the main barrier. Coworking memberships or day passes can be expensive, especially compared to just buying a cup of coffee. Prices vary greatly by location, but they are a significant recurring cost.

2. Less Flexibility (Sometimes): While some offer 24/7 access, others have limited hours, especially for day pass users. You also need to actively go to the specific location of the coworking space, unlike cafes which are everywhere.

3. Can Feel Formal: For some, the structured office environment of a coworking space might feel too much like a traditional job, which is what they were trying to escape. It lacks the casual, spontaneous feel of a cafe.

4. Membership Commitments: Many spaces offer better rates for monthly or longer-term commitments, which might not be ideal if you’re only staying in a location for a short time.

Example Scenario: Imagine you are a freelance web developer working on a tight deadline for a client. You need to download large files, have a video call with your client, and then focus intensely on coding for several hours. A coworking space is perfect here. You get fast, reliable internet, a quiet spot for your call (maybe even a private booth), and a desk where you can spread out and focus without interruption.

Working in a Cafe: The Casual and Accessible Option

Cafes have long been a go-to spot for writers, students, and remote workers. They offer a relaxed atmosphere, easy access to food and drinks, and are usually plentiful in any city or town.

Advantages of Cafes

1. Low Cost (Per Visit): Often, all you need to do is buy a coffee or a snack to justify using the space for a few hours. This is much cheaper than a daily or monthly coworking fee.

2. Accessibility and Availability: Cafes are everywhere! No matter where you are, you can usually find a cafe nearby. This offers great flexibility – you can work from different cafes in different neighborhoods, getting a feel for the city.

3. Lively Atmosphere: Some people thrive in a bustling environment. The background noise of chatter, music, and the espresso machine can be energizing and less sterile than a silent office. It can make you feel connected to the local life.

4. Food and Drink Readily Available: You don’t need to pack snacks or worry about finding lunch. It’s all right there. This convenience is a big plus for many.

5. No Commitment: You just show up, buy something, and work for a while. No memberships, no contracts, no long-term commitment required. This is ideal for nomads who move around frequently.

Disadvantages of Cafes

1. Distractions Galore: Cafes are inherently social places. There’s constant noise from conversations, people coming and going, baristas calling out orders, and often loud music. Focusing intensely can be very difficult.

2. Unreliable Internet and Power: Cafe Wi-Fi can be slow, spotty, and sometimes insecure. Power outlets can be scarce, and you might find yourself constantly searching for a spot near one or having to leave when your battery dies.

3. Not Ideal for Calls or Meetings: Taking a professional call in a cafe is challenging. It’s noisy, there’s no privacy, and it can sound unprofessional to the person on the other end.

4. Lack of Privacy and Security: You have to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Leaving your laptop unattended for even a moment to go to the restroom can be risky. People might also look at your screen easily.

5. Uncomfortable Seating: Cafe seating is designed for short stays, not hours of work. You might end up sitting on uncomfortable stools or low sofas, which isn’t great for your posture or productivity over time.

6. Pressure to Buy: While the cost per visit is low, there can be an unspoken pressure to keep buying drinks or food, especially if you stay for a long time, which can add up.

7. Limited Amenities: No printers, no private rooms, no proper desks for spreading out papers or multiple screens.

Example Scenario: You just need to answer some emails, read articles, or do some light planning work for a couple of hours. You’re feeling a bit stir-crazy in your apartment and want to get out and feel the city’s energy. Heading to a cozy cafe, buying a coffee, and doing some less demanding tasks while people-watching could be a great way to spend your afternoon.

Comparing Coworking Spaces and Cafes Side-by-Side

Let’s put the key differences between working in a coworking space and working in a cafe next to each other:

Cost: Coworking is generally more expensive (membership/day pass). Cafes are cheaper per visit (cost of food/drink).
Environment: Coworking is designed for focus, often quieter, professional. Cafes are lively, noisy, casual.
Productivity: Coworking generally facilitates deep work and focus better. Cafes are better for light tasks or when background noise helps you.
Internet: Coworking usually offers faster, more reliable, and secure internet. Cafe Wi-Fi can be slow, unreliable, and less secure.
Calls/Meetings: Coworking offers private spaces (booths, rooms) for professional calls. Cafes are difficult for calls due to noise and lack of privacy.
Community: Coworking offers a built-in network and planned events. Cafes offer casual interactions and people-watching.
Amenities: Coworking provides office equipment (printers), kitchen, sometimes showers, etc. Cafes offer food, drinks, and restrooms.
Flexibility (Location): Coworking is fixed location, often requires plan. Cafes are everywhere, drop-in anytime.
Comfort: Coworking has ergonomic furniture. Cafe seating is varied, often not designed for long work sessions.
Security: Coworking is generally more secure for your belongings. Cafes require constant vigilance.

Finding the Right Fit: Who Should Work Where?

So, with all this information, how do you decide where you, as a digital nomad, should work?

Choose a Coworking Space if:

Your work requires deep focus for extended periods.
You have frequent video calls, phone calls, or online meetings.
You need reliable, fast internet for uploads, downloads, or streaming.
You value a professional environment.
You want opportunities to network and meet other professionals/nomads.
You need access to office equipment like printers or scanners.
You prefer a structured work routine.
Your budget allows for the cost of a membership or day pass.
You are staying in a location for long enough to make a membership cost-effective or want a dedicated spot every day.
You want a clear separation between work and leisure spaces.

Choose a Cafe if:

Your work involves lighter tasks like answering emails, reading, writing (if you can focus with noise), or casual browsing.
You are on a tight budget and need the cheapest option.
You enjoy working in a lively, bustling atmosphere.
You need the flexibility to work from anywhere you happen to be.
You like having food and drinks readily available without leaving your seat.
You are only working for a couple of hours at a time.
You don’t have many calls or meetings, or can take them elsewhere.
You enjoy people-watching and feeling connected to the local vibe.
You don’t need access to office amenities.

The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds?

Many successful digital nomads don’t strictly choose one or the other. Instead, they use a hybrid approach, switching between coworking spaces and cafes depending on their tasks, mood, and location.

For example, you might use a coworking space for intense work sessions, important calls, or days when you need maximum productivity. Then, you might pop into a cafe for a couple of hours to catch up on emails, do some creative thinking, or simply enjoy a change of scenery and a good coffee. This strategy allows you to leverage the specific benefits of each type of workspace while mitigating their drawbacks.

Consider using a coworking day pass on days with many meetings or deadlines, and relying on cafes for more casual workdays or when you’re just exploring a new neighborhood.

Other Workspace Options

While coworking spaces and cafes are the most common, it’s worth noting other possibilities for digital nomads:

Libraries: Often free, quiet, and with good internet, but might have limited hours or rules about talking/food.
Hotels/Hostels: Some have lobby areas or dedicated workspaces for guests.
Public Parks: Great for getting fresh air, but weather dependent and security/power are major issues.
Rental Apartments: Working from your temporary home is always an option, though it requires self-discipline to avoid distractions.

However, for consistent, reliable external workspaces, the primary decision remains between a coworking space and a cafe for most digital nomads.

Conclusion: Your Workspace, Your Choice

Ultimately, the decision of whether to work from a coworking space or a cafe as a digital nomad comes down to your personal preferences, your work requirements, and your budget. There is no single “right” answer that fits everyone.

If your work demands high focus, reliable internet, privacy for calls, and networking opportunities, investing in a coworking space membership or day passes is likely the better option. It provides a professional, distraction-free environment designed for productivity.

If you prefer a lively atmosphere, need flexibility to work from anywhere, have a limited budget, and your tasks are less demanding, a cafe might be perfectly suitable. It offers accessibility and a casual vibe that many nomads enjoy.

Many nomads find success by using both options strategically. Don’t feel pressured to stick to just one. Experiment with both coworking spaces and cafes in different locations and see which one works best for specific types of tasks or different days of the week. Pay attention to when and where you feel most productive, focused, and happy. Your ideal workspace setup might even change depending on the city you’re in or the type of project you’re working on.

The beauty of being a digital nomad is the freedom to choose. By understanding the pros and cons of coworking spaces and cafes, you can make informed decisions about where to set up your office each day, ensuring you remain productive and enjoy your nomadic journey to the fullest.

Coworking vs. Cafes: Where Should You Work as a Nomad?