Written by: Zarah Mae Torrazo is the Head of Content at Spacer Technologies, where she leads content creation for Parkhound, Spacer.com, Spacer.com.au, and WhereiPark. With nearly a decade of experience in digital content, Zarah specializes in crafting engaging, SEO-optimized writing that bridges both B2B and B2C audiences. Her work spans a wide range of industries from real estate and finance to mobility, health, and tech, with a focus on turning complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. At WhereiPark, Zarah writes extensively about multifamily property management, urban mobility trends, and the monetization of underused assets like parking. She’s particularly passionate about the sharing economy and its power to reshape how people and businesses access space, transport, and opportunity.
Edited by: Louise is a content producer with over a decade of experience writing about a wide variety of topics from home improvement to academic and scientific reports, and financial literacy and cryptocurrency — but her finance and crypto content are for education purposes only and should not be taken as advice because there are licensed experts for that.Louise is enthusiastic about reinforcing financial literacy and anything that can aid people in minimising expenses and maximising savings, which led to her passion for the sharing economy.She aims to educate people by translating complex information into easy-to-digest facts and practical tips for maximum understanding and minimum migraine. Have any questions about content that you’d like to ask Louise? Drop her an email at Louise@spacer.com.
Reading time: 7 mins
If you drive to get to work or your place of business every day, you may have had to deal with a common headache: paying expensive parking fees.
In places like Toronto and Chicago, a single parking spot downtown can cost between $250 and $400 a month. In Los Angeles, even surface lots can reach $200. But with a bit of planning, it’s possible to cut those costs by half without giving up convenience.
This guide breaks down five proven ways to spend less on parking. You’ll see how monthly deals, parking just outside the downtown area, and shared or verified spaces can save hundreds each year. The tips draw on real data and insights from WhereiPark, which tracks parking options across major U.S. and Canadian cities.
Downtown rates in most cities hover around $25–$45 per day. Sure, that doesn’t seem much if you’re paying out of pocket daily. But over a month, those numbers add up fast. If you park five days a week, that will set you back over $400 a month!
Monthly parking passes can cut that total nearly in half. For example, the average monthly rate in downtown Chicago is about $260. In Toronto’s Financial District, it ranges from $250 to $300, but you can often find verified residential listings for under $200. In Los Angeles, where space is tight, long-term options downtown typically sit between $180 and $250 a month.
If you drive to the same area regularly, it’s worth locking in a monthly spot. Platforms like WhereiPark make it easy to browse secure, verified options and compare prices across neighborhoods. Flexible month-to-month contracts are especially useful if your work schedule or commute changes.
Related: Monthly Parking in Los Angeles: How to Find and Reserve Your Spot Online
Did you know that parking just one neighborhood away can save 30–60% on monthly or daily rates? This is because the closer you park to a busy downtown area, the more you’ll pay. Moving even a few blocks outside the financial districts or downtown areas can lower your costs by 30 to 60 percent.
In Toronto, parking in Liberty Village instead of the Financial District drops the price from roughly $300 to $180. Chicago’s West Loop spots are typically 20 to 30 percent cheaper than The Loop. In Seattle, parking in SODO instead of downtown can save more than $100 per month. And in Los Angeles, neighborhoods like Koreatown or Pico-Union offer rates nearly half those of central LA.
Parking just outside the downtown or busiest areas doesn’t have to mean inconvenience. Many of these areas sit close to public transit, bike routes, or pedestrian corridors, so you can still reach downtown in minutes while saving hundreds over the year.
Related content: Cheap Parking in Seattle: Where to Find the Best Deals in 2025
If you only need parking part of the time, take advantage of off-peak hours. Many cities reduce or waive parking fees outside weekday business times.
In Los Angeles, meters are free after 8 p.m. and on most Sundays. Vancouver parkades often charge flat evening rates between six and ten dollars. Chicago’s city meters are free on Sundays in many neighborhoods, except for high-traffic tourist zones. In Toronto, Green P garages lower rates after 6 p.m.
These differences may seem small, but they add up for anyone who parks frequently in the evenings or on weekends. Check your city’s parking authority website for the latest rate schedules; many now include interactive maps that show meter times and current pricing.
Related content: Toronto Parking Tips
Parking prices can vary widely between garages on the same block. The easiest way to avoid overpaying is to check your options before you head out.
Apps and online platforms list rates, availability, and security details so you can make an informed choice. Some focus on short-term hourly or event parking, while others specialize in long-term options. WhereiPark focuses on monthly and residential parking, helping drivers find secure spots near their work or home.
In Seattle, for example, monthly parking in Belltown averages $150 to $220, while single-day rates at nearby garages can reach $40. Comparing in advance can prevent you from paying premium prices at the last minute. Bookmark your favorite locations in the app so you can rebook quickly when you need them.
Another simple way to save is by renting directly from people who have unused parking spaces. Across North America, many residents and small business owners lease out their driveways, condo spaces, or reserved lot stalls.
These private listings are often more affordable and flexible than commercial garages. In Vancouver, condo spaces typically rent for $120 to $160 a month compared to $250 or more in downtown lots. In Toronto’s Annex or Leslieville neighborhoods, residential parking can go for as little as $150. In Chicago, small businesses sometimes rent unused weekend spaces for less than ten dollars a day.
WhereiPark verifies listings for security and access, connecting drivers with safe, budget-friendly spots while also helping property owners earn extra income from underused space.
Some workplaces and apartment buildings negotiate discounted parking rates for their communities. Employers may offer subsidies or reserved spots as part of commuter benefit programs.
If you’re driving to work, ask whether your company has a parking partnership in place. Even a ten percent subsidy or discounted group pass can save hundreds of dollars per year. WhereiPark works with corporate clients across North America to organize dedicated parking for staff, making it easier for employers to support sustainable commuting.
Related: Corporate Parking in the RTO Era: Solutions for Property Owners and Employers
City parking doesn’t have to break your budget. By comparing monthly rates, parking slightly outside the downtown or busy areas, and using shared or app-based parking networks, you can park smarter and save every month.
WhereiPark simplifies this process with verified, flexible listings across major North American cities, helping you find secure, affordable parking wherever you work or live.
Zarah Mae Torrazo is the Head of Content at Spacer Technologies, where she leads content creation for Parkhound, Spacer.com, Spacer.com.au, and WhereiPark. With nearly a decade of experience in digital content, Zarah specializes in crafting engaging, SEO-optimized writing that bridges both B2B and B2C audiences. Her work spans a wide range of industries from real estate and finance to mobility, health, and tech, with a focus on turning complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. At WhereiPark, Zarah writes extensively about multifamily property management, urban mobility trends, and the monetization of underused assets like parking. She’s particularly passionate about the sharing economy and its power to reshape how people and businesses access space, transport, and opportunity.
Zarah Mae Torrazo is the Head of Content at Spacer Technologies, where she leads content creation for Parkhound, Spacer.com, Spacer.com.au, and WhereiPark.
With nearly a decade of experience in digital content, Zarah specializes in crafting engaging, SEO-optimized writing that bridges both B2B and B2C audiences. Her work spans a wide range of industries from real estate and finance to mobility, health, and tech, with a focus on turning complex ideas into clear, actionable insights.
At WhereiPark, Zarah writes extensively about multifamily property management, urban mobility trends, and the monetization of underused assets like parking. She’s particularly passionate about the sharing economy and its power to reshape how people and businesses access space, transport, and opportunity.
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