Is garage parking cheaper than street parking in West Chester?
No, street parking costs less than garage parking for most short trips in West Chester (ZIP 19380). Meters charge $1.50 for the first hour. A 3-hour max stay costs $4.50. Garages like Chestnut Street and Bicentennial charge $9 for 7 hours max.
Street parking works best for quick stops. Pay at kiosks or use the Flowbird app. Enforcement runs from 8am to 10pm Monday to Wednesday. It lasts until midnight Thursday to Saturday. Sunday parking stays free. Most streets limit stays to 3 hours. This rule keeps spots open for others.
Garages suit longer stays. Chestnut Street Garage offers 689 spots. Rates start at $0.75 for 30 minutes. You reach $9 after 7 hours. Bicentennial Garage has 367 spots with the same rates. Lot #04 charges $1 per hour up to $8 for 8 hours. Short-term spots in Chestnut cost $0.50 for 30 minutes.
Monthly permits cut garage costs for regular parkers. Market-rate spots cost $95 per month in both main garages. Street parking requires permits in busy zones like Area A or B. These apply from 8am to midnight on some blocks. Check the residential permit map for your street.
| Parking Type | Short Stay (1-3 hours) | Long Stay (7+ hours) | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Meters | $1.50 to $4.50 | Not allowed (3hr max) | Varies by area |
| Garage Daily (Chestnut/Bicentennial) | $1.50 to $4.50 | $9 max | $95 |
| Lot #04 | $1 to $3 | $7 to $8 | None listed |
Choose street parking for 1-2 hour trips to save money. Pick garages for all-day shopping or work. Download Flowbird to pay meters fast. Turn off WiFi for smooth app use. Garages accept only cards since January 2026.
Watch residential zones. Areas A and B need permits from 8am to midnight. Other spots limit hours like 5pm to 6am. Tickets come fast for violators. Appeal through Parking Services.
Tips to save:
- Park on Sunday for free street spots.
- Buy a monthly garage pass if you park over 20 days a month.
- Use validation stamps for business visits.
- Check west-chester.com for lot maps and updates.
Street parking wins for short trips in your 2025 Audi A6. Garages beat it for full days or months. Sidekick tracks your parking costs. Enter trips to compare street and garage options near home or work.