These cities charge sky-high rates just to leave your car for a few hours.
Finding a parking spot in any major city can be a challenge, but in some places, the struggle hits you right in the wallet. In these U.S. cities, drivers don’t just pay for convenience—they pay a premium that feels downright outrageous. From luxury shopping districts to packed business centers, parking rates have skyrocketed to the point where a day of parking can cost more than your dinner bill.
Whether it’s due to high demand, limited space, or just plain city planning chaos, these destinations are notorious for draining your bank account before you even get out of the car. If you’re planning a road trip or considering bringing your car along for a city getaway, brace yourself—these 11 cities are home to some of the most absurd parking prices in the country.
1. The price of parking in New York City might break the bank.
If driving through New York City doesn’t test your patience, finding affordable parking definitely will. In Manhattan, the average monthly parking rate exceeds $600, with prime spots in neighborhoods like Midtown or SoHo easily topping $1,000 per month, based on the findings of the NY Post.
Short-term parking feels like a luxury. Street parking is scarce, and metered spots come with strict time limits and sky-high rates. Many drivers opt for apps to find deals, but in most cases, leaving your car at home is the smartest—and cheapest—option.
2. Finding a parking spot in San Francisco comes with a hefty price tag.
San Francisco’s tech boom hasn’t just driven up housing costs—it’s also made parking a luxury few can afford. Garages near downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf regularly charge over $40 a day, while monthly rates hover around $400–$500, according to The Press Democrat.
Street parking is notoriously difficult to find, especially in neighborhoods like the Mission District or North Beach. Add in frequent towing and strict enforcement of parking violations, and it’s no wonder many locals rely on public transit instead.
3. In Boston, parking rates rival the cost of fine dining.
The narrow streets of Boston weren’t built for modern traffic, let alone affordable parking. The city’s limited space and high demand make parking one of the most expensive in the U.S., with monthly rates averaging around $400–$550, according to Spot Hero.
Metered parking costs a premium in busy areas like Back Bay or Beacon Hill. Many locals rely on resident permits, but for visitors, finding a reasonably priced spot often feels like an impossible mission.
4. Chicago drivers pay a steep price for downtown convenience.
Parking in the Windy City’s downtown area can quickly drain your wallet. Monthly rates average between $300 and $450, but spots in highly sought-after locations like the Loop or River North can push those costs even higher.
Event days bring even more chaos, with garages near stadiums and theaters raising rates to $50 or more for a single evening. Factor in frequent parking meter rate hikes, and you’ve got one of the most expensive parking scenes in the Midwest.
5. In Washington, D.C., parking feels as complex as politics.
Finding a spot in the nation’s capital is a headache, especially near government buildings and popular tourist attractions. Garages around Capitol Hill and downtown often charge $30–$50 for a day, with monthly rates hovering around $300–$450.
Residential neighborhoods come with strict restrictions and high costs for permits. With street parking tightly regulated and meters constantly monitored, many locals choose to rely on D.C.’s extensive public transit system instead.
6. Convenience doesn’t come cheap on Los Angeles streets.
In a city built around cars, it’s no surprise that parking comes with a hefty price tag. Popular areas like Downtown L.A., West Hollywood, and Santa Monica regularly charge $20–$40 per day, with monthly garage rates nearing $300–$500 depending on the neighborhood.
Finding free parking is rare, and meter rates can be unpredictable. Occasional valet-only options in trendy districts make driving in L.A. a costly adventure, even before factoring in the infamous traffic.
7. In Philadelphia, strict enforcement makes parking extra painful.
Philly’s colonial-era roads weren’t designed for today’s traffic, and its parking prices reflect that reality. Monthly rates range from $250 to $400 in central areas like Center City and Old City, with garages charging even more for prime locations near major attractions.
Scarce metered parking combined with aggressive ticketing enforcement creates a frustrating experience for locals and visitors alike. Add limited free parking options, and parking in Philadelphia quickly becomes a major headache.
8. Can Seattle’s rising parking rates keep up with its tech boom?
Seattle’s booming tech industry has caused costs to skyrocket—parking included. Monthly rates in the city’s downtown area range from $250 to $400, while short-term parking at popular spots like Pike Place Market often costs $10–$20 an hour.
Free parking is nearly impossible to find in densely populated neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or South Lake Union. Many commuters opt for park-and-ride lots outside the city to save money and avoid the hassle.
9. A day at Miami Beach comes with sky-high parking costs.
While Miami’s beaches might be free, parking near them definitely isn’t. In hotspots like South Beach, garages charge up to $40 per day, and metered spots fill up quickly—often costing $4 or more per hour.
Monthly rates near downtown Miami and Brickell hover around $200–$350, but prices spike during major events like Art Basel or Miami Music Week. For many visitors, leaving the car behind and using rideshares is the easiest way to avoid sky-high fees.
10. In Honolulu, expensive parking is the price of paradise.
Honolulu’s parking rates can feel as steep as the surrounding mountains. Hotels near Waikiki Beach often charge $30–$50 per night for parking, while daily rates in busy areas hover around $20–$35.
Street parking is limited, and metered spots have strict time limits. Many visitors skip the rental car entirely to avoid paying premium rates for parking, relying instead on scenic walks and public transportation.
11. Denver’s downtown parking rates soar as the city grows.
Rapid growth has turned Denver into one of the most expensive cities for parking in the Rockies. Monthly rates in the downtown area average between $200 and $350, while event-day rates can spike to $30–$40.
Areas near Coors Field or the Denver Art Museum are particularly pricey during peak hours. Despite improvements to public transportation, the surge in population has made parking more competitive—and more expensive.