Been feeling the strain on your wallet when parking in Chicago? It’s not just you.
Chicago ranks #2 in the world for parking fees
A recent study from DiscoverCars.com ranked Chicago as the second most expensive city for parking in the world, outranked only by Amsterdam at the number one spot.
The study scored cities based on hourly parking rates and parking fine costs, giving Chicago a whopping 156 out of 160.
The average hourly rate? $6.48. Average parking fine? A staggering $262.50.
A history of sky-high fines
Chicago is widely recognized as having some of the highest parking violation fines in the U.S.
According to a 2024 report from Investopedia, the city issues $150 fines for blocking a fire lane, and $250 fines for parking in a bike lane or disabled parking zone.
Parking fines generate big bucks for Chicago
So why are Chicago’s fines so high? They’re a major revenue source for the city.
According to Illinois Policy, the city issued over 1 million parking tickets in the first half of 2022, generating $36 million.
And that reliance on fines isn’t slowing down—Chicago’s 2024 budget counted on $46 million from fines, according to Axios.
Meanwhile, the 2025 budget expects $170 million from increased taxes, fines, and fees, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Sick of shelling out cash for parking? The CTA just launched the Frequent Network, a new initiative boosting train and bus service across the city. Learn more here.