For many city drivers, parking isn’t just an occasional nuisance — it’s a daily expense that quietly adds up over the course of the month. Between meter payments, garage fees, and event surcharges, parking costs can easily outpace your fuel spending if you’re not paying attention. But the good news is, with a little planning and the smart use of savings tools, you can budget for parking with confidence and even recapture some of those costs.

The first step is understanding your current parking habits. Start by tracking your typical expenses over two to four weeks. Whether you’re paying daily garage rates, feeding meters, or using monthly passes, get a clear picture of your average spend. Apps like ParkMobile can help by keeping a digital log of your parking sessions, while a simple spreadsheet also works well for spotting patterns.

Next, consider whether a monthly parking subscription could save you money. Many city garages and lots offer flat-rate monthly passes that provide unlimited in-and-out privileges. If you’re commuting daily to the same area, this option often works out to be significantly cheaper than paying daily rates. Platforms like BestParking can help you compare monthly pricing across different locations.

Once you’ve identified your typical spend, it’s time to look at ways to reduce it. This is where cashback apps come into play. Before you renew a monthly parking pass or prepay for daily spots, check Rakuten and Ibotta. Both apps regularly feature offers for parking services, allowing you to earn a percentage of your spending back. Over the course of a month, these small savings accumulate, trimming your overall transportation costs.

For an extra layer of savings, pull up the Fluz app before you pay for parking. Fluz allows you to buy digital gift cards for participating parking services, and you’ll earn instant cashback at checkout. Think of Fluz as your secret budgeting weapon: by purchasing your parking credits in advance, you can control your monthly spend while earning money back at the same time.

You can also make your parking budget stretch further by combining these savings with smarter scheduling. Whenever possible, avoid peak parking times. Early-bird specials at garages, evening discounts, and weekend flat rates can lower your costs if your schedule allows for flexibility. Apps like SpotHero show you available promotions in real time, helping you choose the best rate for your timing.

Another strategy is to park a little farther from your destination. Parking just a few blocks away from high-demand zones can significantly reduce your daily costs, and if you use cashback apps alongside these lower base rates, your savings multiply even further.

Lastly, remember to account for occasional parking “surprises” in your budget — like event surcharges or unexpected street closures that force you into premium-priced garages. Build a small cushion into your monthly parking allowance to absorb these unpredictable costs without going over budget.

With a clear understanding of your habits, the right apps, and proactive planning, parking doesn’t have to be a financial drain. By combining the everyday value of tools like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, you can transform parking from a cost you dread into one you control — and even make your commute a little more rewarding in the process.