Commuting into a busy city every day can make parking one of your biggest expenses, but with the right tricks, you can keep those costs under control. Here are ten simple hacks to save time, money, and frustration.
- Reserve your spot ahead of time
Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz often list rates much cheaper than what you’d pay at the gate. Reserving in advance locks in your spot and saves you money. - Use parking apps that let you extend remotely
With apps like ParkMobile, you can add time to your meter from your phone. No rushing out of meetings just to feed the meter. - Park farther away and walk a little
Lots just a few blocks from downtown are often half the price of central garages. A short walk could save you hundreds each month. - Carpool with coworkers
Sharing parking costs by rotating who drives not only saves money but can also give everyone access to HOV lanes. - Look for commuter passes
Some garages offer monthly or commuter-specific passes that bring your daily cost down significantly compared to paying one day at a time. - Pay with rewards credit cards
Parking purchases can earn points, miles, or cashback when tied to the right credit card. Combine this with parking apps for double rewards. - Earn cashback with rewards apps
Cashback platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta let you earn on everyday expenses, including parking. Pairing these with parking gift cards can stack even more savings. - Track peak and off-peak hours
Parking costs can fluctuate throughout the day. Learn when rates are lowest in your area and plan accordingly. - Take advantage of company subsidies
Some employers offer parking reimbursements or commuter benefits—ask HR if you’re eligible. - Use virtual gift cards for instant savings
Parking gift cards can sometimes be purchased at a discount or with rewards attached, giving you extra value on something you’re already paying for.
By combining these hacks, commuters can cut their parking expenses dramatically without sacrificing convenience.
