Parking Cost Calculator
Enter your parking rate and see your true daily, monthly, and annual spend.
About the Parking Cost Calculator
Parking is often one of the hidden costs of commuting by car. This calculator converts any rate — hourly, daily, or monthly — into a true annual cost so you can see the full picture and compare it against alternatives like public transport or cycling.
Rate types
- Hourly — enter your hourly rate and hours parked per day. Best for pay-and-display or NCP-style car parks.
- Daily — for a fixed daily rate, enter how many days per week you park.
- Monthly — for a monthly permit or reserved space, the calculator works out the daily and annual equivalent.
Estimating annual parking costs
Parking costs are a significant and often overlooked part of vehicle ownership expenses. In city centres, monthly parking can rival car loan payments. When evaluating whether to own a car, commute by car, or use public transport, accurate parking cost estimation is essential. Season tickets, employer parking benefits, and cashback schemes can significantly reduce the nominal cost.
- City centre permit — monthly permits in major UK cities range from £80 to £350+
- Workplace parking — many employers provide free or subsidised parking; check your benefits
- Parking Levy (WPL) — some UK councils charge employers a Workplace Parking Levy passed on to employees
- Park and ride — typically £3-5/day versus £15-30/day in city centre car parks