How To Find The Best Monthly Parking Spot In San Francisco

Whether you’re a resident, on a long business trip, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds in San Francisco, finding a parking space can be tricky and expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to settle for temporary street parking and pricey parking garages if you don’t qualify for a residential parking permit issued by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

From private driveways for lease to commercial parking spaces, we list some affordable monthly or long-term parking options that may suit your requirements best.

How To Find Parking In San Francisco

With all the parking rules and regulations, finding a monthly parking spot can be tricky if you’re a newcomer in San Francisco. Likewise, if you’re not planning to be a permanent resident, the cost of parking can make your wallet cry.

However, there are still affordable and hassle-free monthly parking in and around San Francisco – you only need to look a bit harder and consider all options, whether conventional or alternative.

Conventional Monthly Parking Options

You can opt for the usual options when it comes to monthly parking, such as paying for long-term parking in commercial garages. However, the cost depends on what monthly parking deals you’ll be able to find. Likewise, you can also secure a residential parking permit even if you’re not a resident as long as you fall under certain categories permitted by the SFMTA.

Commercial Parking Facilities

For instance, you can secure a parking spot only from Mondays to Fridays during usual business hours or you may only book parking for nights and weekends. In these cases, parking facilities usually offer deals and low cost parking – an acceptable alternative for those who don’t qualify for RPP.

Residential Parking Permit (RPP)

San Francisco residents can apply for an annual RPP from the SFMTA for $190 or a temporary RPP for $95 if the permit area has less than 6 months validity – but these only apply to permanent and long-term residents. However, certain non-residents may also apply for parking permits in RPP areas. These are: 

• Business owners
  If you own a business within an RPP area, you may be given a permit for one (1) personal vehicle and up to three (3) delivery vehicles with commercial license plates. However, this only applies to a business with one postal address – SFMTA considers shared office spaces as one office address so only one permit will be issued for the entire building.
  

• Students enrolled in HEIs
  If you’re currently studying at one of San Francisco’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), you may be eligible for RPP provided that you are a currently enrolled full-time student. When you apply for a parking permit, you submit a certification from the registrar, proof of residency (sub-lease agreement is accepted), and a current California vehicle registration (required).
  

• Active military personnel and health and childcare professionals
  Permits are also issued to home health care and child care providers, but the application must be done by the residents that require their services, so speak to your employer if you fall under this category.Likewise, active military personnel on assignment in San Francisco are granted permits to park in a residential parking area, but they must provide proof of residency, such as a sub-lease agreement.
  

• Short-term/temporary residents or visitors
  Short-term or temporary residents may apply for a permit to park in RPP areas so long as you provide two (2) documentary requirements. Visitors using their own vehicles or a rental car may also purchase a limited number of permits in advance.The current cost of RPP is $90 for one month (4 weeks) and $149 for 2 months (8 weeks).

Alternative Parking Options

The number of alternative parking options have increased for those who don’t qualify for an RPP but also don’t want to leave their car at commercial parking facilities.

Direct contracts

Residents looking to earn extra money have taken to renting out their garage or driveway to those in need of parking space. Such offers are usually found in websites like Craigslist or even in social media, such as Facebook Marketplace, where the property owner can advertise their space, terms, and asking price for the rental. Potential renters can just send the advertiser a message to negotiate the terms and prices.

Parking platforms

Several web-based platforms and mobile applications nowadays aim to provide a solution to parking woes. These platforms and apps usually provide information on the location and price of available parking spaces, as well as a way to book parking.

Spacer provides this service in San Francisco and other major cities across the U.S.

From Mission District to Union Square and even if you’re out for leisure at Fisherman’s Wharf or Golden Gate Park, you can count on Spacer to find convenient, safe, secure, and affordable long-term parking spaces.

How Much Is Monthly Parking In San Francisco

The average monthly parking cost in San Francisco ranges from $250 to $500, but it can be lower or higher depending on the location of the garage, whether it is a covered or open parking facility, and the demand in that area.

For instance, monthly parking at the Sutter-Stockton Garage located just north of Union Square costs $400, but reserved parking slots are at $550.

Parking rates vary depending on the type and size of car you own and can be more expensive for larger vehicles that exceed the usual height limit since not all parking garages have high ceilings.

On the other hand, if you’re a resident with extra parking space, why not consider renting out your garage or driveway through Spacer for easy passive income? Just go to the Spacer homepage, click “Lease my car space” at the top of the page, and register for free.