How much does parking typically cost per hour?

Parking rates vary widely by city and type. Metered street parking ranges from $1-3.50/hour in most US cities. Parking garages average $4-12/hour, while surface lots fall between $2.50-8/hour. Major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston have the highest rates.

Is it cheaper to park at a meter, garage, or surface lot?

For short stays (under 2 hours), meters are usually cheapest. For longer durations, surface lots often offer the best value since you avoid overtime meter risks. Garages are typically the most expensive per hour but offer convenience and security. Use the calculator above to compare exact costs for your situation.

What happens if my parking meter expires?

If your meter expires, you risk a parking ticket. Fines vary by city - from $25 in smaller cities to $65+ in places like New York or $79 in San Francisco. Some cities also tow vehicles that exceed meter limits by a wide margin. It is almost always cheaper to pay for more parking time upfront.

How can I save money on parking?

Compare rates across parking types before you park. Use early-bird or flat-rate daily specials at garages, park in surface lots for longer stays, and avoid exceeding meter time limits. Many cities also offer free parking evenings and weekends at meters. Apps like My Curb Spot can help find the best available spots.

Are parking garage rates hourly or flat?

Most garages charge hourly rates with a daily maximum. Many also offer early-bird rates (arrive before 9am), evening flat rates, and weekend specials. Monthly passes can save 30-50% versus daily parking if you park regularly. Always check whether the rate is per-hour or a flat fee before parking.

Free Parking Cost Calculator

A parking cost calculator helps you estimate total parking expenses based on duration and hourly rate, then compares costs across meters, garages, and surface lots to find the cheapest option.

City (auto-fills local rates)

Parking Duration

hrs

min

Hourly Rates

Meter

/hr

Garage

/hr

Surface Lot

/hr

Hourly Parking Rates by City

City	Meter	Garage	Surface Lot	Meter Limit
New York City, NY	$3.50/hr	$12.00/hr	$8.00/hr	2hr
San Francisco, CA	$3.00/hr	$10.00/hr	$7.00/hr	2hr
Boston, MA	$2.50/hr	$9.00/hr	$6.00/hr	2hr
Chicago, IL	$2.75/hr	$8.00/hr	$5.50/hr	2hr
Los Angeles, CA	$2.00/hr	$7.00/hr	$5.00/hr	2hr
Seattle, WA	$2.50/hr	$8.50/hr	$6.00/hr	4hr
Washington DC, DC	$2.30/hr	$8.00/hr	$5.50/hr	2hr
Miami, FL	$2.00/hr	$6.00/hr	$4.00/hr	4hr
Philadelphia, PA	$2.00/hr	$7.00/hr	$4.50/hr	2hr
San Diego, CA	$1.50/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.50/hr	2hr
Denver, CO	$1.50/hr	$5.50/hr	$3.50/hr	2hr
Portland, OR	$2.00/hr	$6.00/hr	$4.00/hr	4hr
Minneapolis, MN	$1.50/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.50/hr	2hr
Atlanta, GA	$1.50/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.50/hr	4hr
Austin, TX	$1.20/hr	$4.50/hr	$3.00/hr	4hr
Nashville, TN	$1.75/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.50/hr	2hr
Dallas, TX	$1.50/hr	$4.00/hr	$3.00/hr	4hr
Houston, TX	$1.00/hr	$4.00/hr	$2.50/hr	4hr
Phoenix, AZ	$1.50/hr	$3.50/hr	$2.50/hr	4hr
Las Vegas, NV	$1.50/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.00/hr	2hr
New Orleans, LA	$2.00/hr	$6.00/hr	$4.00/hr	2hr
Baltimore, MD	$2.00/hr	$6.00/hr	$4.00/hr	2hr
Pittsburgh, PA	$1.75/hr	$5.00/hr	$3.50/hr	4hr
Salt Lake City, UT	$1.00/hr	$4.00/hr	$2.50/hr	2hr
Tampa, FL	$1.50/hr	$4.00/hr	$2.50/hr	4hr

Rates are approximate estimates based on publicly available data. Actual rates depend on exact location, time of day, and demand.

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