Parking Cost Calculator

Manhattan garage monthly rates average $600–$700 in Midtown and $700–$1,200+ in Tribeca, Financial District, and Times Square. Outer borough garages run $200–$400. Street parking permits don't exist in Manhattan; alternate-side parking and metered spots are the only free/cheap options.

Calculate your hourly cost first: hourly rate × daily hours × workdays/month. If that exceeds the monthly pass price, the pass wins. Most US downtown commuters pay $250–$700/month for a pass — the breakeven is around 60–80 hours of garage parking per month at typical hourly rates.

(1) Use SpotHero, ParkWhiz, BestParking apps — typically 30–60% below drive-up rate. (2) Park outside the central business district and walk/transit in. (3) Use commuter benefit account ($315/month tax-free in 2025). (4) Carpool — splits the cost. (5) Look for hotel garages with public hourly rates — often cheaper than dedicated public garages.

$315/month tax-free for 2025 ($300 for 2024). Employer-sponsored only — set up through open enrollment or HR commuter benefit program. The pre-tax contribution saves federal income tax (10–37%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) — typically 25–40% effective savings.

Highly variable. Daily rates: economy lots $10–$20, terminal/short-term $25–$60. Weekly rates often hit $150–$300 at major airports (LAX, JFK, ORD). Off-airport options (The Parking Spot, Park'N Fly, WallyPark) typically save 30–50% vs. on-airport — book in advance via app for best rates.

Most cities charge a small annual fee — typically $25–$200/year. SF residential permit: $172/year. Boston resident permit: $40/year. NYC has no residential permits in Manhattan (alternate-side only) but Brooklyn and Queens have local programs. Check your city's Department of Transportation site for application.

Read the signs carefully — multiple stacked signs with different rules per day are common. Use the NYC ParkNYC app for meters. Watch for street cleaning days (alternate-side parking). The fine schedule is steep: $35–$115 per violation, $115 for hydrant/fire-zone, $515+ for parking in a bus lane. Several apps (e.g., HelpURMobile, Spot Angels) alert you to street-cleaning timing.

Self-park is almost always cheaper. Valet typically adds $5–$25 plus tip ($3–$5). Use valet only when (a) self-parking is unavailable, (b) you're in a hurry, or (c) the price difference is small (under $10). Valet at upscale restaurants in major cities often runs $15–$25 plus tip — pricey for a 10-minute service.