Is a monthly permit always cheaper than paying daily?

Often, if you park regularly, but not always — compare both using this tool.

Why does the daily-rate calculation use 52/12 instead of 4 weeks?

A month averages about 4.33 weeks, so using 4 would understate the real monthly cost.

Does this account for pre-tax commuter benefits?

No — some employers offer pre-tax parking or transit benefits, which would lower your real cost.

What if my parking rate varies by day or season?

Enter your typical/average rate.

Is transit always cheaper than parking?

Not necessarily — depends on your specific rates plus factors like commute time and convenience.

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Parking Cost Calculator

Monthly/annual parking cost, compared against a transit-pass alternative.

🔒 Runs entirely in your browser — nothing here is ever uploaded

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Last reviewed 2026-08-30

About the Parking Cost Calculator

Calculates the monthly and annual cost of parking — either from a daily rate and days-parked-per-week, or a flat monthly permit — and compares it against a monthly transit-pass alternative.

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How to use it

Choose your pricing structure — a daily rate or a flat monthly permit.
Enter your rate and (if daily) how many days per week.
Enter a monthly transit pass cost for comparison.
Read your monthly/annual parking cost and how it compares to transit.

Formula

Monthly cost (daily mode) = daily rate × days per week × (52 ÷ 12). Monthly cost (permit mode) = the flat monthly rate entered directly. Annual cost = monthly cost × 12.

Worked example

An $18/day rate parked 5 days/week: about $390/month, or $4,680/year — about $300/month more than a $90 monthly transit pass.

Interpreting your result

A simple cost comparison only — it doesn't account for driving costs (fuel, wear, tolls) or time/convenience differences between driving and transit.

Recommendations

• A monthly or annual parking permit is often cheaper per-day than paying daily rates.
• This doesn't include driving costs — pair it with the Gas Trip Cost or Car TCO calculators.
• Some employers or transit agencies subsidize commuter costs pre-tax.

Frequently asked questions

No — pair it with the Gas Trip Cost or Car TCO calculators for the full cost of driving.