What are the cheapest ways to park in a city center?
Street parking tops the list for low costs. Many cities charge $0 for the first two hours. You pay $1 per extra hour after that, with a $10 daily max in places like Bakersfield's downtown. This beats garage rates every time.
Quick Comparison of Parking Options
| Option | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | $0 first 2 hours, $1/hour after | Short visits under 4 hours |
| City Garages | $1/hour after 2 free hours, $10/day max | All-day stays |
| Apps (SpotHero, Way.com) | Save 50% off regular rates, $8/hour average | Hourly or event parking |
| Monthly Spots | $98 to $137/month | Daily commuters |
| Day Passes | $5 for student/visitor lots | College or work areas |
"City garages offer free parking for the first two hours, then just $1 per extra hour up to $10 a day," says the Bakersfield City official website (Source: Bakersfield Downtown Parking Guide, 2025).
Use apps to find deals fast. SpotHero and Way.com compare spots near you. They cut costs by 50% or more on garages. Search your ZIP like 19308 for local rates. Book ahead for events or busy days. According to Way.com's 2026 analysis, hourly parking averages $8 in urban spots, but apps drop that price (Source: Way.com City Parking Report, 2026).
Walk or bike short distances to free zones. Park at the edge of the center and stroll in. This skips fees altogether. Carpool with friends to split costs. One spot serves multiple people.
Check for free periods. Some areas offer 20-minute zones for quick stops, like near buildings or colleges. Buy a $5 day pass for visitor lots if you stay longer. These work in many urban campuses.
Monthly parking shines for regulars. Neighbor lists spots at $98 a month near cities. Way.com shows $137 average. Rent from locals via apps for the best rates. Call (844) 440-0175 for options or search online.
Sidekick tracks your parking spends across trips. It shows total ownership costs, including city center fees. Input your routine to see savings from these tips.
"Apps like ours help drivers save 50% on city parking rates," says the Way.com team, based on 2026 data from thousands of bookings (Source: Way.com Parking Analysis, N=50,000 spots, 2026).
Park smart. Start with free street time. Switch to apps for deals. Go monthly if you drive in daily. You cut costs big time this way. Data stays fresh as of March 2026 from top parking sources.