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Calculation Machine

Parking Cost Calculator

Hourly, daily or monthly — which parking option wins.

Reviewed by James Whitfield · How we check our maths

Your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Cheapest option
Monthly permit
Pay-as-you-go monthly cost
$462.00
Monthly permit cost
$260.00
Monthly saving
$202.00
Effective cost per day
$12.38
Annual cost
$3,120.00
Break-even days per month
11.8

Quick answer

Compare parking options by cost per month at your actual usage: hourly rate × hours, capped at the daily rate, versus a flat monthly permit.

The formula

Monthly cost = min(hours × hourly, daily rate) × days

Worked example

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with.

Inputs

  • Hours parked per day9 h
  • Hourly rate3.50 $
  • Daily maximum22 $
  • Days per month21
  • Monthly permit price260 $

Result

  • Cheapest optionMonthly permit
  • Pay-as-you-go monthly cost$462.00
  • Monthly permit cost$260.00
  • Monthly saving$202.00
  • Effective cost per day$12.38
  • Annual cost$3,120.00

How to use the Parking Cost Calculator

  1. 1Enter how long you park on a typical day.
  2. 2Enter the hourly rate and any daily cap.
  3. 3Add the monthly permit price to compare.

Frequently asked questions

When is a monthly permit worth it?

Once you park more days than the break-even figure shown above — usually 12–15 days a month in city centre garages.

Should I include transit as an option?

Yes, compare the annual figure with a transit pass; parking plus fuel often costs two to three times a monthly pass.

About this calculator