What Is a Monthly Parking? A Complete Guide to Costs, Benefits, and Differences vs. Regular Parking

Monthly parking is a long-term parking service, usually contracted on a monthly basis, where you are guaranteed a fixed space to securely store your car. Unlike public parking lots that charge by the hour or day, monthly parking requires a flat monthly fee in exchange for permanent storage. This service includes the reception, custody, protection, and return of the vehicle in an authorized facility, which may also offer hourly or daily rates depending on the operator.

Monthly parking facilities typically provide higher security and convenience, making them the ideal solution for people without a private garage or those who need to park daily in high-demand areas.

In Mexico’s large cities, parking demand is enormous. In Mexico City alone, there are over 6 million vehicles on the road, making safe public parking hard to find. According to the 2019 Economic Census, there were more than 16,000 parking lots and monthly parking facilities operating in the country. Below, we explain the main differences between monthly parking vs. daily parking, the benefits, typical costs, and how to choose the best option for your vehicle.

Highlights

• •Monthly parking guarantees a fixed, secure space for your car, unlike daily parking lots that charge by the hour or day.
• •Main benefits: 24/7 security, weather protection, guaranteed availability, and cost savings compared to paying daily or risking fines.
• •Average monthly cost ranges from MXN $800–$2,000 in Mexico City, MXN $1,000–$2,500 in Monterrey, and MXN $800–$1,500 in Guadalajara, depending on location, security, and whether the space is covered.
• •Different types exist: covered vs. uncovered, residential, commercial, or corporate, and individual vs. shared.
• •Modern alternatives like SpotMe allow flexible rentals by week or month, with transparent pricing and insurance included.

Monthly Parking vs Daily Parking: Key Differences

Daily parking (hourly or daily rates)

A traditional parking lot charges based on time of use: per hour, per fraction, or per day. It’s meant for short stays (shopping trips, visiting an office, or leisure activities). Availability is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, and peak hours can make spaces hard to find.

In Mexico City, rates often range between MXN $20–$80 per hour, with 12-hour “flat rate” options at MXN $70–$150. Using daily parking every day quickly adds up—for example, paying a meter 8 hours a day can reach about MXN $1,280 per month. Another downside is that many daily lots restrict overnight parking or charge extra if you exceed hours. Security also varies widely.

Monthly parking (long-term, secure)

Monthly parking means a flat monthly fee with access often 24/7, plus reinforced security measures like CCTV, gates, and staff on site. By law, operators must issue tickets and provide civil liability insurance covering theft or damage. Most monthly parking lots comply with this, and many are covered to protect against sun, rain, or hail.

From a cost perspective, monthly parking is cheaper if you park daily. For example, past surveys reported rates between MXN $800 and $2,000 per month in Mexico City. Compared to MXN $1,280 in monthly meter fees, monthly parking is usually a better deal.

When does each option make sense?

• •Occasional use → daily parking is fine, pay only when needed.
• •Daily or nightly use → monthly parking saves money and stress.
• •Long-term storage (traveling, students leaving a car during the week) → monthly parking is safer.
• •Street parking risks (fines, theft, damage) → monthly parking eliminates these headaches.

Benefits of Monthly Parking

• •24/7 security. Facilities often provide access control, guards, CCTV, and insurance coverage. Unlike relying on informal “street attendants,” you have peace of mind knowing your car is protected.
• •Weather protection. Covered monthly parking shields vehicles from intense sun, rain, hail, or debris. Even open-air lots usually offer enclosed perimeters, reducing risks compared to street parking.
• •Guaranteed space. No more wasting time circling for a spot. Having a reserved space is especially valuable in busy neighborhoods like Condesa or Polanco, where informal attendants may charge MXN $60/day without real security.
• •Cost savings. Daily parking can cost MXN $1,500–$2,400/month. Many monthly facilities charge less, around MXN $1,200–$1,800, with budget options starting at MXN $800. You also avoid fines, which can exceed MXN $800 for illegal street parking.
• •Flexibility. Most contracts allow unlimited access within the term, 24/7. This means you can come and go without worrying about operating hours, unlike some daily lots that close at night.

How Much Does Monthly Parking Cost in Mexico?

Costs vary by city, neighborhood, and amenities.

• •Mexico City (CDMX): Between MXN $1,200–$2,000 in central neighborhoods (Polanco, Condesa, Roma). Premium areas may reach MXN $2,500–$3,000. Residential lots can be found at MXN $800–$1,000.
• •Monterrey (including San Pedro Garza García): MXN $1,000–$2,500, depending on location and whether covered.
• •Guadalajara: Typically MXN $800–$1,500, with premium covered spaces at MXN $1,800+.

Cost factors:

• •Location: central/business districts are more expensive.
• •Covered vs open-air: covered spaces cost more but protect the car.
• •Security: guards, CCTV, and insurance raise prices.
• •Access schedule: 24/7 access costs more than night-only or daytime-only plans.
• •Vehicle size: SUVs or trucks may pay surcharges.

Always confirm whether the fee is all-inclusive (VAT, access card, deposits).

Types of Monthly Parking

• •Covered vs open-air: Covered provides better protection, open-air is more affordable.
• •Individual vs shared: Some people rent out private garages (individual), while most commercial lots are shared.
• •Residential, commercial, or corporate:

Residential → neighbors renting driveways or garages.

Commercial → professional operators with receipts, invoices, and insurance.

Corporate → fleets or business agreements for multiple vehicles.

How to Choose the Best Monthly Parking

• •Location & access: prioritize proximity to home or office; check operating hours (ideally 24/7).
• •Security: cameras, lighting, fencing, gate control, and insurance. Visit the facility before signing.
• •Price & payment terms: compare monthly fees, confirm extras (VAT, deposit), and payment methods.
• •Reviews: search online ratings or ask current customers.
• •Space & comfort: make sure your vehicle fits easily and that maneuvering isn’t difficult.

For more details, see our guide: How to Choose the Ideal Space with SpotMe.

Modern Alternatives to Monthly Parking

• •Parking apps. Some operators let you reserve and pay monthly via app, with QR entry and networks of facilities.
• •Marketplaces (e.g., SpotMe ). Connects hosts (owners of garages or lots) with renters who need parking. Flexible contracts: rent by week or month, cancel anytime, with transparent pricing and insurance included. See our comparison: SpotMe vs Traditional Parking.
• •Collaborative parking. Sharing a driveway with neighbors, or corporate lots offering night-only parking. Some cities also experiment with digital residential permits.

Find the Ideal Monthly Parking for Your Car

Monthly parking provides security, convenience, and cost savings if you need daily or long-term storage. Define your area, budget, and schedule needs, then compare options online or with local operators.

On platforms like SpotMe, you can filter by location, see photos, check updated prices, and even read reviews. Choose flexible month-to-month rentals without rigid contracts.

Your car is a valuable asset. Protect it with a safe, reliable monthly parking solution. Whether through a traditional facility or a modern platform, what matters most is your peace of mind.

Explore secure and flexible monthly parking options near you at SpotMe