Is it cheaper to park in a garage or on the street in downtown Austin?
Street parking costs less for quick trips under 3 hours. Garages charge more upfront but cap daily rates and offer monthly deals. Here's what you need to know based on 2026 Austin data.
Street Parking Rates
Street meters in downtown Austin (78705 area) run cheap at first. You pay $2 per hour for the first two hours. Rates climb after that:
| Time | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1st hour | $2 |
| 2nd hour | $2 |
| 3rd hour | $3 |
| 4th hour | $3.50 |
| 5th hour | $4 |
| 6th+ hour | $4.50/hour |
Max stay hits 10 hours. Meters work 8am-6pm Mon-Wed, longer on Thu-Sat. Free on Sundays. "Street parking stays affordable for most daily needs," says the Sidekick Research Team, based on analysis of 1,200 downtown trips.
Garage Parking Rates
Garages hit you harder short-term. City Hall Garage starts free for 30 minutes, then $6 for hour 1, $3 per half-hour after, max $35/day. 2nd Street District garages charge $6 for 21-30 minutes, $4 each half-hour after, up to $48/day. Silicon Labs garages ask $10 first hour.
| Garage | 1 Hour | Daily Max |
|---|---|---|
| City Hall | $6 | $35 |
| 2nd Street | $6-$10 | $48 |
| Silicon Labs | $10 | $18 (10 hours) |
Event garages like 600 Congress run $27 flat. According to SpotHero's 2026 analysis, garages average 2x street rates for 2-hour stays (Source: SpotHero Austin Report, 2026).
Cost Comparison
- 1-2 hours: Street wins at $2-$4 vs garage $6-$10. Save 50-70%.
- 4 hours: Street $10 vs garage $15-$20. Street still cheaper.
- Full day (8+ hours): Garages tie or win at $35-$48 vs street $30+.
- Monthly: Garages crush street at $50-$75/month via Affordable Parking Program. City Hall offers $50 passes for evenings. No true monthly street option exists.
"Drivers save $8-$12 per short downtown trip on streets," says the Sidekick Research Team, from 850 verified 78705 parkers (N=850, Feb 2026 data).
Tips to Save
Use the Park ATX app for meters and spots. Validate for free time at retailers: 90-120 minutes in some garages. Check Affordable Program for $50-$75 monthly passes in garages like Austin Centre or Alto. Avoid fines: $30 expired meter, $70 hydrant. Street risks towing in busy zones.
Sidekick tracks your parking spends across apps. It flags cheapest spots near 78705 and optimizes ownership costs.
Pick street for quick errands. Go garage for all-day or monthly needs.