Best Parking Apps for San Francisco to Save Money
SpotHero leads for San Francisco parking savings. It books garages from $10 a day. You save up to 50% versus drive-up rates. ParkWhiz and BestParking follow close behind with similar deals.
Top Apps Comparison
Use this table to pick the best app for your needs in SF, like the 94103 area.
| App | Key Savings Feature | Best For | Sample SF Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpotHero | Largest garage selection, prepay discounts | Garages near Financial District, Fisherman's Wharf | $10+ daily, $20-$35 commuter |
| ParkWhiz | Compares prices, up to 50% off | Events, quick bookings | $15 for 8 hours (beats SpotHero sometimes) |
| BestParking | Finds hidden discounts | High-demand spots like Pier 39 | $10-$13 for 8 hours |
| SpotAngels | Free street parking maps, rules alerts | Street parking, avoid tickets | Free, saves $100/week in tickets |
| Parknav | Real-time street spot availability | On-street hunts | Free app, shows green zones |
These apps work for most vehicles. Download two or three. Compare rates for your spot and time.
How They Help You Save
SpotHero shows maps with real prices. Book ahead for spots near Oracle Park or 94103 garages. Average commuter parking runs $20 to $35. Weekend spots cost $19 to $40. Events hit $20 to $40.
ParkWhiz lets you filter by price and location. Pick a garage, book online, and get a mobile pass. No extra fees. Cancel 24 hours early for full refunds.
BestParking beats others on select lots. One Fisherman's Wharf garage charged $10 for 8 hours there, versus $14 on SpotHero. Check it for better deals.
For street parking, SpotAngels maps free zones and street cleaning times. It pings your phone to move your car. Users save $100 in a week by dodging fines. Parknav colors streets green for open spots. Drivers find curbside spaces fast.
ParkMe adds real-time garage fullness. Half its spots book direct. Others show free customer parking at stores.
Quick Tips to Cut Parking Costs
- Book 1-2 days ahead for 30-50% savings.
- Compare 2 apps per trip. Prices vary by $2-$5.
- Hunt street parking after 6 PM with SpotAngels or Parknav.
- Avoid peak hours: 8 AM-6 PM weekdays cost more.
- Track monthly deals for regulars. SpotHero offers them.
Sidekick tracks your full vehicle costs, including parking. It flags savings like these apps to lower your total ownership spend. As of February 2026, SF drivers save $200+ yearly on parking with smart apps.
Pick SpotHero first. It has the most options. Add SpotAngels for streets. You park cheaper and stress less.