1. New York City, NY
Parking in New York City is famously expensive, especially in Manhattan. Monthly garage rates often top $1,000, while daily spots in busy areas can cost $60 or more. Street parking is scarce and often metered, making long trips stressful. Even a quick errand can become a wallet-busting exercise when tickets and fines are considered.
Residents have learned to budget extra just for parking. Many people rely on monthly leases in garages because finding daily spots is unreliable. The competition is so intense that some drivers circle blocks for 20 minutes just to find a space. For anyone commuting by car, parking quickly becomes one of the largest monthly expenses.
2. San Francisco, CA
San Francisco drivers face sky-high parking costs, especially near downtown and popular neighborhoods. Monthly rates for a garage can easily exceed $400, and hourly parking can run $10 to $15. The city’s hills and narrow streets make finding a spot even more challenging. Circling for a free or cheap spot often wastes precious time and adds stress.
Limited space means residents often plan errands around where they can park. Special events or tourist seasons push prices even higher. Some neighborhoods charge more because garages are in high demand and space is limited. For locals, parking is a constant puzzle requiring patience and cash.
3. Chicago, IL
In Chicago, parking is costly around the Loop and near major attractions. Hourly rates can top $6, while monthly garage spots often run $250 or more. Street parking is limited and metered, so drivers must constantly check signs to avoid tickets. Even short visits can become expensive if a meter is missed.
The city’s compact downtown and busy traffic make parking highly competitive. Many commuters lease monthly spots to avoid daily frustration. Fines are common, adding unexpected costs for drivers. Parking quickly becomes a top concern for anyone navigating the city by car.
4. Boston, MA
Boston’s historic streets and narrow layout make parking a challenge for residents and visitors alike. Hourly rates downtown often exceed $5, and monthly spots in popular areas average $300. Street parking is scarce, and meters are enforced strictly. Getting a ticket can turn a simple trip into an expensive mistake.
Residents often rely on garages or private lots for regular parking. Many people adjust schedules to avoid peak hours when spaces are scarce. The city’s compact nature means walking or public transit is often easier than driving. Parking frustration is almost a rite of passage for Boston drivers.
5. Washington, D.C.
Parking in Washington, D.C. can quickly drain your budget, especially near downtown or government buildings. Monthly garage rates often exceed $250, and daily meters can cost $4 to $7 per hour. Street spaces are limited and heavily monitored. A short visit without careful planning can result in costly fines.
Drivers often plan errands around meter availability or garage access. Special events and peak tourist seasons make finding parking even more difficult. Many locals opt for monthly leases to avoid daily hassle. Between tickets, meters, and garage fees, parking is a serious line item for D.C. residents.
6. Seattle, WA
Seattle drivers know that parking is both expensive and hard to find. Monthly rates for downtown garages often exceed $300, while hourly street parking can cost $4 to $6. Finding a spot near popular areas like Pike Place Market or Capitol Hill can feel impossible. Even short trips sometimes require circling blocks and hoping for luck.
The city’s hilly streets and narrow lanes make parking even trickier. Many residents opt for monthly leases to guarantee a spot. Special events, like Mariners games or festivals, push prices higher and make spaces scarce. For those who drive regularly, parking is a constant challenge.
7. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a city built for cars, but parking still comes at a high cost. Monthly garage rates near downtown or Santa Monica often top $250, while hourly parking can reach $10 to $15. Street parking is limited, and meters are enforced strictly. Even short visits can end up costing far more than expected.
Traffic congestion adds another layer of difficulty to the search. Many drivers circle blocks for 20 minutes or more just to find a legal space. Special events like concerts or sports games make parking near venues nearly impossible without paying premium rates. LA drivers quickly learn that a good spot comes with a hefty price.
8. Miami, FL
Parking in Miami can be surprisingly expensive, especially in South Beach or Brickell. Monthly rates in garages often exceed $200, and hourly street parking can cost $3 to $5 per hour. Limited spaces near the beach and nightlife make competition fierce. Drivers frequently end up paying more just to avoid long walks.
The city’s booming tourism increases demand for parking during peak seasons. Many residents rely on garages or monthly leases to avoid daily hassle. Special events like art fairs and festivals drive prices even higher. For locals, parking is an unavoidable monthly expense that requires planning.
9. Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia drivers often pay high rates for downtown parking, particularly near Rittenhouse Square or Center City. Monthly spots in garages can average $200 to $300, while hourly rates often exceed $4. Street parking is limited and strictly enforced, and tickets are common. Even short errands can become unexpectedly expensive.
Many residents choose monthly garage leases to avoid daily stress. During peak hours, finding a free spot is nearly impossible. Special events or sporting games push garage prices even higher. Navigating Philadelphia by car means factoring parking into every plan.
10. Denver, CO
Denver’s parking costs are notable, especially in the downtown and LoDo districts. Monthly garage rates average around $180 to $250, while hourly parking is often $3 to $5. Street parking is scarce, and meters are strictly monitored. A short trip downtown can quickly eat into your budget.
The city’s growing population has increased demand for limited parking spaces. Many residents pay for monthly leases to guarantee access. Special events, like Rockies games or festivals, make finding a spot even harder. Driving in Denver requires patience and extra cash for parking.
11. Portland, OR
Portland drivers face high costs for prime parking spots, especially downtown. Monthly garage rates can reach $200 or more, while hourly street parking averages $3 to $4. The city has narrow streets and limited lots, which increases competition for spaces. Even short errands can become expensive if a meter is missed.
Residents often adjust schedules to avoid peak demand times. Many rely on monthly leases in private garages to secure a spot. Events like concerts or market days can double the normal parking struggle. For locals, finding parking is a daily balancing act.
12. Austin, TX
Austin’s booming population and popularity as a tech hub have made parking expensive. Monthly garage spots downtown average $200, and hourly parking can cost $3 to $5. Street parking is limited near entertainment districts, and tickets are strictly enforced. Even short trips can feel like a gamble with your wallet.
Many residents rely on private garages to avoid daily hassle. Special events like SXSW or football games make public parking nearly impossible without paying premium rates. Circling blocks for free spaces is a common frustration. For locals, parking is both expensive and unpredictable.
13. Atlanta, GA
Atlanta drivers pay high rates in busy areas like Midtown and Buckhead. Monthly garage spots often exceed $200, while hourly rates in popular districts average $3 to $5. Street parking is scarce, and tickets are a constant risk. Even a quick trip downtown can end up costing far more than expected.
Special events like Braves games or festivals make parking even harder to find. Many residents lease monthly spots for convenience and security. The city’s sprawling layout means driving is often necessary, increasing dependence on expensive parking. For regular drivers, Atlanta parking becomes a significant monthly expense.
14. Dallas, TX
Dallas has parking costs that vary widely, but downtown and Uptown are consistently pricey. Monthly spots often cost $150 to $250, and hourly parking averages $3 to $5. Street parking is competitive, and meters are strictly enforced. Even quick errands can carry a hefty parking fee if you aren’t careful.
Events like sports games, conventions, or concerts can make finding parking nearly impossible. Many residents choose garages or monthly leases to guarantee a spot. Traffic and congestion add extra stress to the hunt for parking. Regular drivers quickly learn to budget for parking in Dallas.
15. Houston, TX
Houston’s parking expenses can be high, particularly in downtown and the Galleria area. Monthly garage rates range from $150 to $250, and hourly parking averages $3 to $5. Street parking is limited, especially near office towers and entertainment districts. Even a short visit can quickly become costly if you miss a meter or rely on a garage.
The city’s large size and traffic patterns make parking a regular challenge. Many residents opt for monthly leases to ensure a guaranteed space. Special events like sports games or conventions increase demand dramatically. Driving in Houston means always considering where and how much parking will cost.
16. Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix drivers face high parking rates in areas like downtown and Scottsdale. Monthly garage spots often run $150 to $200, while hourly street parking averages $2 to $4. Limited spaces and high demand make finding a spot difficult during peak hours. Even short trips can come with surprising fees.
Special events like sports games, concerts, or festivals push prices higher and increase competition. Many residents rely on garages or monthly leases for convenience and security. The city’s sprawling nature makes driving necessary for most errands, increasing dependence on parking. For locals, parking quickly becomes one of the largest recurring expenses.
This post 16 U.S. Cities Where People Spend More on Parking Than Rent was first published on American Charm.
