Searching for an available parking spot is any city dweller’s worst nightmare, especially when we’re talking about a city as large as Chicago. With over 2.7 million people and thousands upon thousands of cars, Chicago’s monthly parking is nothing to be taken lightly.
Naturally, some areas are busier than others, and while you can easily schedule your O’Hare monthly parking, for example, you’ll have a tougher time finding a spot in the Chicago Loop.
So, let’s break down some of the busiest neighborhoods and see how you can get a parking spot without giving yourself a headache.
Chicago Loop
As the central business district, Chicago Loop has its fair share of drivers looking for a parking spot. So, you shouldn’t just go to the Loop and hope for the best. It’s in your best interest to look up available spots in an online parking directory and book your space beforehand.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around the Chicago Loop:
- Wabash-Randolph Parking Garage
- 1101 S. State St. Garage – ParkChirp
- 600 S Clark St Garage
- 7th Street Garage
- South Loop Parking Garage
- East West University Parking Lot #99
- The Poetry Parking Garage
- 328 S Wabash Ave Lot
- 70 W Madison St Garage
- 33 W. Monroe Garage
- 430 S Clark St Garage
- Wabash Lot
- Wolf Point Plaza Parking Garage
- Wells Plaza
- Citadel Center Parking
Chicago Theatre District
The Theatre District is just as busy as the Loop, but if you’re able to find a spot, it will usually turn out to be significantly cheaper. Again, booking Chicago monthly parking in the Theatre District in advance is your best option.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around the Chicago Theatre District:
- 166 N Wabash Ave. – Wabash-Randolph Garage
- 20 E Randolph St. – Wabash-Randolph Garage
- 181 N Dearborn St. – Theater District Garage
- 19 W Lake St. – Theater District Garage
- Rolls Royce Garage
- Government Center Garage
- 111 N Wabash Ave. – Valet
- Government Center Garage
- Michigan Plaza – Garage
- Millennium Park Plaza – Valet Garage
- 300 N State St. – Valet
- 121 W Haddock Pl. – Valet Garage
- Trump Tower Garage
- Grant Park North Garage
- 401 N State St. – Garage
Chinatown
South from the Loop, you’ll find Chinatown. It’s mostly home to teahouses, restaurants, and shops, so parking spots are somewhat more sparse. Parking is more affordable in Chinatown, and because of its proximity to the Loop, you might want to consider parking here and walking to the Loop.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Chinatown:
- Vision Garage
- 1316 S Michigan Ave. (Alley Entrance) – Self-Park/Valet Assist
- Southgate Market Garage
- 1220 S Jefferson St. (611 W Roosevelt Rd.) – Lot
- 644 S LaSalle St. (600 S LaSalle) – Covered Lot
Downtown Loop
Monthly parking in Downtown Chicago can be a breeze if you know where to look. The cost can go from around $100 to well over $400, and if you want to find more affordable spots, you should do some research before you park here.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around the Downtown Loop:
- 111 N Wabash Ave. – Valet
- 20 E Randolph St. – Wabash-Randolph Garage
- 166 N Wabash Ave. – Wabash-Randolph Garage
- Grant Park North Garage
- Rolls Royce Garage
- 181 N Dearborn St. – Theater District Garage
- 19 W Lake St. – Theater District Garage
- Millennium Park Plaza – Valet Garage (LOWER Beaubien Ct.)
- 55 E Monroe St. – Garage
- Aon Center Parking Garage
- Government Center Garage
- Millennium Park Garage
- 50 E Adams St. – Garage
- Government Center Garage
- Park Millennium Garage
Evanston
Just about 12 miles from downtown Chicago, Evanston provides you with a few convenient parking locations. You can find the most affordable spots in the area surrounding Northwestern University.
Following are a few monthly parking garages available in or around Evanston:
- 1603 Orrington Ave. – Garage
- 2 Apartments Garage
Fulton River
The Fulton River neighborhood has plenty of green, open spaces, but it’s also filled with numerous parking areas. Be prepared to pay a bit more if you want to park here.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Fulton River:
- Fulton/Desplaines – Garage
- Grand Kingsbury Garage
- Hubbard Place Garage
- Mart Parc Orleans Garage
- 163 N Canal St. – Valet
- 313 W Lake St. – Garage
- Oakwood Chicago River North
- Lake-Franklin Garage
- Mart Parc Wells Garage
- 162 W Hubbard St.
- 160 W Kinzie St.
Gold Coast
Gold Coast is a mostly residential area, and as its name would suggest, it’s pretty costly. Chicago monthly parking here often comes up to about $400 or $500.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Gold Coast:
- State Parkway Condominiums – Valet Garage
- Four Seasons Valet
- Piper’s Alley Garage
- One Superior Place Garage
- 475 E Huron St. (680 N Lake Shore Dr.) – Garage
- 606 N Rush St. – ROW Garage
- 50 E Ohio St. – ROW Garage
- 535 N St. Clair St. – Garage
- 520 N. Dearborn St. – Valet
- 530 W Chicago Ave (811 Larrabee Annex) – Garage
- 308 W Dickens Ave (2100 N Lincoln Park West) – Valet Garage
- 811 N Larrabee St. (600 Park) – Garage
- 950 N Kingsbury St. – Garage
- Lincoln Park Center Garage
Lakeview
Just a couple of miles north from the Gold Coast, you’ll find the community area of Lakeview. It’s a great neighborhood for finding monthly parking spots at a lower cost.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Lakeview:
- 3725 N Sheffield Ave. – Garage Spot – Left
- Self Park
- 3130 N Sheffield Ave. – Garage
- Harbor House Valet-Assist Garage
- Century Shopping – Garage
- 2960 N Lake Shore Dr. – Valet Garage
- 4650 N Clarendon Ave. – Garage
- DePaul University Clifton Garage
Lincoln Park
The neighborhood of Lincoln Park is known for its lively nightlife. Filled with numerous bars, clubs, concert venues, and more, the neighborhood also offers a few convenient parking spaces with ranging prices.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Lincoln Park:
- Lincoln Commons Garage
- DePaul University Clifton Garage
- 2380 N Commonwealth Ave (345 W Fullerton Building). – Valet Garage
- Century Shopping – Garage
- 308 W Dickens Ave (2100 N Lincoln Park West) – Valet Garage
- 2121 N Clybourn Ave.
- 2960 N Lake Shore Dr. – Valet Garage
- 3130 N Sheffield Ave. – Garage
- Lincoln Park Center Garage
- Harbor House Valet-Assist Garage
- Piper’s Alley Garage
- Blackhawk & Halsted Garage
- 2614 N Clybourn Ave. – Spot #40
Loyola
You won’t find many parking lots in the area surrounding Loyola University. The cost of parking is average, but many spaces are reserved in advance. Check out an online parking directory to find a space beforehand.
Following are a few monthly parking garages available in or around Loyola:
- Gateway Plaza Garage
- Edgewater Plaza Valet
Chicago Midway Airport
Unfortunately, the Midway Airport monthly parking is unavailable, and if you want to leave your car here for a longer period of time, you can expect to pay up to $40 a day.
Following are a few monthly parking garages available in or around Chicago Midway Airport:
- Midway Speed Park – Uncovered Valet
Near North Side
Near North Side is a large community area with numerous garages and parking lots. It’s a busy area with many drivers looking for a place to park, so your Chicago monthly parking bill can be somewhat higher here.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Near North Side:
- Four Seasons Valet
- One Superior Place Garage
- 530 W Chicago Ave (811 Larrabee Annex) – Garage
- 811 N Larrabee St. (600 Park) – Garage
- 950 N Kingsbury St. – Garage
- ROW Garage
- 520 N. Dearborn St. – Valet
- Oakwood Chicago River North
- ROW Garage
- State Parkway Condominiums – Valet Garage
- 162 W Hubbard St.
- Mart Parc Orleans Garage
- Grand Kingsbury Garage
- Hubbard Place Garage
- Piper’s Alley Garage
Near South Side
Although it’s known as a cultural hub, Near South Side is a bit more forgiving with its monthly parking prices. While not cheap, parking here is considered to be relatively affordable and convenient.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Near South Side:
- 1316 S Michigan Ave. (Alley Entrance) – Self-Park/Valet Assist
- Vision Garage
- Southgate Market Garage
- Wells Public Parking – Valet Garage
- Old Post Office Garage
- At Gateway Plaza – Garage
- 216 W Van Buren St. – Traders Garage
Old Town
Old Town in Chicago has beautiful architecture and great places for parking. The price tag normally goes between $100 and $200.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Old Town:
- Piper’s Alley Garage
- State Parkway Condominiums – Valet Garage
- Lincoln Park Center Garage
- Blackhawk & Halsted Garage
- 308 W Dickens Ave (2100 N Lincoln Park West) – Valet Garage
- 950 N Kingsbury St. – Garage
- 530 W Chicago Ave (811 Larrabee Annex) – Garage
- 811 N Larrabee St. (600 Park) – Garage
- Four Seasons Valet
- 2380 N Commonwealth Ave (345 W Fullerton Building). – Valet Garage
- Lincoln Commons Garage
- One Superior Place Garage
- Grand Kingsbury Garage
River North
A neighborhood located in the Near North Side, River North, is dynamic and active. Parking here can put a dent in your budget, but booking your spot in advance can help you save a few dollars.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around River North:
- 50 E Ohio St. – ROW Garage
- 606 N Rush St. – ROW Garage
- 520 N. Dearborn St. – Valet
- 535 N St. Clair St. – Garage
- Trump Tower Garage
- One Superior Place Garage
- 300 N State St. – Valet
- 162 W Hubbard St.
- 160 W Kinzie St.
- Millennium Park Plaza – Valet Garage (LOWER Beaubien Ct.)
- Rolls Royce Garage
- Mart Parc Wells Garage
- Park Millennium Garage
- Oakwood Chicago River North
- Theater District Garage
South Loop
South Loop mostly attracts younger generations who enjoy visiting bars, jazz clubs, as well as museums, and other culturally relevant locations. Finding an affordable parking spot here shouldn’t be a problem, and if you don’t mind taking a short walk, you can also invest in monthly parking in downtown Chicago and walk to the South Loop.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around South Loop:
- South Loop Garage
- Wells Public Parking – Valet Garage
- Vision Garage
- Traders Garage
- 1316 S Michigan Ave. (Alley Entrance) – Self-Park/Valet Assist
- Grant Park South Garage
- 329 S Franklin St. – Traders Garage
- 50 E Adams St. – Garage
- Old Post Office Garage
South Side
As the largest of the three “Sides” of Chicago, South Side offers countless garages and parking lots. Price tags and availability can vary, so you should reserve your spot ahead of time.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around South Side:
- 600 S Clark St Garage
- 2101 S Michigan Avenue Parking Garage
- Park Michigan Garage
Streeterville
Streeterville underwent a period of rapid development in the past two decades, and now it’s home to countless residential high-rises, office buildings, hotels, cultural venues, and of course — parking garages. You can easily find fairly affordable parking spots in Streeterville.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Streeterville:
- 535 N St. Clair St. – Garage
- 475 E Huron St. (680 N Lake Shore Dr.) – Garage
- ROW Garage
- The Aqua Garage
- Park Millennium Garage
- Trump Tower Garage
- Millennium Park Plaza – Valet Garage (LOWER Beaubien Ct.)
- Aon Center Parking Garage
- Rolls Royce Garage
- 300 N State St. – Valet
- Field Harbor Garage
- 520 N. Dearborn St. – Valet
- One Superior Place Garage
- Wabash-Randolph Garage
West Loop
West Loop grew from an industrial area to a lively and active neighborhood with great nightlife. Monthly parking can go from around $75 to $300, so do your research on the prices before you park here.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around West Loop:
- Fulton/Desplaines – Garage
- 500 W Monroe St. – Garage
- 163 N Canal St. – Valet
- Arkadia Towers Garage
- 545 W Quincy St (550 W Jackson Blvd) – Valet Garage
- 313 W Lake St. – Garage
- Lake-Franklin Garage
Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville is very popular among tourists and travelers, especially when there’s a big baseball game happening. Some parking spots boast a higher price because of the said tourists, but if you look around, you should be able to find more affordable locations.
Following is a list of monthly parking garages available in or around Wrigleyville:
- 3725 N Sheffield Ave. – Garage Spot – Left
- 3745 N Clark St. – Self Park
- 3130 N Sheffield Ave. – Garage
- Harbor House Valet-Assist Garage
- Century Shopping – Garage
- 2960 N Lake Shore Dr. – Valet Garage
- 4650 N Clarendon Ave. – Garage
Average Prices for Monthly Parking in Chicago
While Chicago certainly doesn’t boast the highest average price for monthly parking in the whole of the U.S., it still tends to be on the more expensive side. Chicago monthly parking comes to an average of $265, with the most expensive monthly parking in downtown Chicago.
South Loop and Lincoln Park neighborhoods normally have more affordable monthly parking, both averaging at around $140.
Best Practices for Getting Parking Spots
Finding a good parking spot in Chicago can be rather difficult, especially around big holidays. There are only two great practices that can help you find a spot quickly.
The first one is beating the morning rush hour. The heaviest traffic in Chicago is between 7:30 and 9:30, and as the saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm” — you’ll find better parking spots if you start your day pretty early.
The second practice is looking up an online parking directory and reserving your parking spot. While Chicago’s monthly parking can be expensive, paying for a spot daily will put an even bigger dent in your budget.
Conclusion
Knowing about the parking situation in different neighborhoods will make finding a parking spot in Chicago much easier. Save yourself the headache, make use of online parking directories, and book your parking spot in advance.