Monthly Pass vs Pay-Per-Visit Parking
Whether a monthly parking pass is worth it depends entirely on how often you park. If you commute daily and park 20+ days a month, a pass nearly always wins. But if you only park occasionally — under 10 days per month — paying per visit is almost always cheaper, since you only pay for what you use.
How the Calculation Works
This calculator estimates your cost per visit using a base rate for the first 30 minutes plus additional charges per 30-minute block. Multiply the per-visit cost by your monthly parking days to get your pay-per-visit monthly total. Compare that to the pass price to find your savings and the recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply adjust the base fee to cover the first hour and set the additional rate to your per-hour charge. The logic still applies — just use 60-minute blocks instead of 30-minute ones when estimating your visits.
Usually not. If you park 8–12 days a month, the break-even point is rarely reached. Use this calculator with your specific numbers to confirm.
Yes — employer pre-tax parking benefits (up to $315/month in 2025 in the US) let you pay for parking with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing the net cost by your marginal tax rate. Also look for early-bird rates and monthly discounts at nearby garages.