Parking in New York City is not just inconvenient — it can be expensive if you’re unprepared. Many drivers ask the same question: how much does parking cost in New York? The answer depends on where you park, how long you stay, and whether you understand local parking rules.

Between street meters, parking garages, and tickets, the true cost of parking in New York often adds up faster than expected. This guide breaks down the real costs so you can make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Street Parking Costs in New York

Street parking is often the cheapest option, but it comes with strict rules and limited availability. In most areas of NYC, street parking is regulated by parking meters, time limits, and Alternate Side Parking (ASP) rules.

Metered parking rates vary by location and demand. In many parts of Manhattan, metered street parking typically costs between $3 and $4.50 per hour. In outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, rates are usually lower, often around $1.25 to $2.50 per hour.

However, price is only part of the equation. Metered parking is usually enforced Monday through Saturday, often from morning until early evening. If you stay beyond the allowed time or forget to pay, the savings disappear quickly in the form of a ticket.

Another factor is street cleaning. Alternate Side Parking rules require drivers to move their cars during posted cleaning hours. Even if parking is technically free, failing to move your vehicle during ASP can result in a fine.

Street parking may look cheap upfront, but the risk of tickets and the time spent circling blocks often increases the real cost.

Parking Garage Costs in NYC

Parking garages offer convenience and predictability — at a price. Garage rates vary widely depending on neighborhood, demand, and time of day.

In Manhattan, daily parking garage rates commonly range from $30 to $50, and in busy areas like Midtown or near tourist attractions, prices can go even higher. Evening or event parking may cost less, but overnight and all-day parking is rarely cheap.

In Brooklyn and Queens, garage prices are usually lower but still significant. Daily rates often fall in the $20 to $35 range, depending on location.

Many garages also charge extra fees for SUVs, oversized vehicles, or late pickups. Some advertise low entry prices but increase the cost after a certain number of hours, so reading the fine print is important.

While garages eliminate the risk of street cleaning tickets, they can quickly become the most expensive parking option in New York.

NYC Parking Ticket Costs

Parking tickets are where many drivers lose the most money. New York City enforces parking rules aggressively, and even a small mistake can result in a fine.

Common ticket costs include:

Street cleaning violations: around $65

Meter violations: often $35 to $65

No standing or no parking zones: can exceed $95

Fire hydrant violations: among the most expensive and may include towing

If your car is towed, additional fees apply for towing and storage, turning a single mistake into a very expensive day.

For many drivers, one ticket wipes out weeks of savings from “cheap” street parking.

How ParkingSwap Helps Reduce Parking Costs

This is where ParkingSwap offers a smarter alternative.

ParkingSwap connects drivers who are leaving a parking spot with drivers who are actively looking for one. Instead of circling the block or paying premium garage prices, you can see available spots in real time and plan your parking more efficiently.

By reducing search time and helping drivers avoid unnecessary tickets, ParkingSwap helps lower the real cost of parking in New York — not just in dollars, but in time and stress.

For locals and visitors alike, smarter parking decisions start with better information and better tools.