Parking in New York is one of the biggest challenges for drivers. Finding a free spot can take 20–30 minutes, street cleaning rules change by neighborhood, and missing a sign can easily result in a costly ticket. Regulations, alternate-side parking, and strict enforcement make everyday parking stressful for locals and confusing for visitors.

For tourists, learning how parking in New York works is essential. Understanding traffic signs, curb colors, meters, and street-cleaning schedules can save both time and money. A single mistake can quickly answer the question, how much parking cost in New York? — often $65 or more for a ticket, plus garage fees that range from $40–$80 per day.

There are several parking options available. Street parking is the cheapest but hardest to find and highly regulated. Parking garages are convenient but expensive, especially in Manhattan. Apps and maps can help, but availability changes fast.

That’s where ParkingSwap comes in. ParkingSwap connects drivers who are leaving a parking spot with those actively looking for one. Instead of circling blocks, you can see nearby spots in real time, request one, and park faster. It’s a community-powered way to make parking in New York simpler, smarter, and less stressful.