If you’re considering owning a car in NYC, you might be wondering what it’s like to navigate the busy streets and highways of the city. Driving in New York can be a challenging experience. Factors to consider include the city’s unique traffic patterns and parking regulations, and some neighborhoods are more car-friendly than others. But with the proper preparation and knowledge, it can also be a convenient option for some New Yorkers. Here is everything you need to know about owning a car in NYC.

Costs to Consider When Driving in New York

If you’re planning on owning a car and driving in New York, there are several costs you should keep in mind.

Parking Costs

Driving in New York City can be a daunting experience, and finding affordable and convenient parking is at the top of the list of concerns for many car owners. Unfortunately, as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, parking spots are often scarce and come at a premium price.

One option for New Yorkers who own cars is monthly parking garages or lots. These can provide a more reliable solution, as they offer guaranteed parking and are often located in convenient areas. However, the cost of monthly parking can also be steep, with prices ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month, depending on the location and level of service.

Insurance Costs

Several insurance costs must be considered when owning a car in New York City. First and foremost, New York requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which covers damages and injuries to other people or their property in the event of an accident. Additionally, drivers may choose to add collision coverage to their policy to protect against damages to their vehicle, as well as comprehensive coverage for non-collision incidents such as theft or natural disasters. However, insurance rates in New York City tend to be higher than in other areas due to population density and higher rates of accidents. Drivers in NYC should also be aware of potential discounts, such as safe driver discounts or discounts for installing anti-theft devices, that could help lower their insurance costs.

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Mariners Harbor

143 Simonson Avenue

$625,000

3 |

2

Saint George

143 Scribner Avenue

$698,000

4 |

2

Oakwood Beach

798 Tysens Lane

$749,800

3 |

1.5

Clifton

274 Gordon Street

$688,888

4 |

2.5

New Dorp Beach

118 Winham Avenue

$635,000

5 |

2

Midland Beach

623 Laconia Avenue

$398,000

2 |

1.5

Port Richmond

127 Bennett Street

$599,900

7 |

3

Rosebank

165 Chestnut Avenue

$625,000

5 |

2

South Beach

21 Cambria Street

$599,000

3 |

1.5

West Brighton

698 Henderson Avenue

$679,000

6 |

2

Mariners Harbor

77 Arlington Place

$548,800

3 |

1.5

Dongan Hills

73 Stobe Avenue

$388,000

1 |

1

Tolls

Tolls are another potentially major cost of driving in New York that you should take into account. The city has an extensive network of bridges and tunnels connecting the various boroughs, many requiring drivers to pay a toll. For example, crossing the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge between Staten Island and Brooklyn can cost as much as $19 for a standard passenger vehicle. If you commute to work or frequently travel between boroughs, these tolls can add up quickly and become a significant expense. Additionally, some of the city’s tolls are cashless, meaning you’ll need an E-ZPass or you’ll be sent a bill in the mail. 

In addition, proposals for congestion pricing could mean drivers would be charged additional fees when they enter certain parts of Manhattan. While owning a car in New York can be convenient, it’s important to factor in these costs when deciding whether or not it’s worth it. 

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Brighton Beach

1014 Banner Avenue

$569,000

1 |

1.5

East New York

1755 Linden Boulevard

$850,000

5 |

3

Brownsville

289 Remsen Avenue

$659,000

3 |

2.5

Gravesend

1802 Ocean Parkway

$375,000

2 |

1

Greenwood

179 20th Street

$995,000

1 |

1

Gerritsen Beach

26 Aster Court

$499,000

4 |

2

Bath Beach

1657 Bath Avenue

$845,000

3 |

1.5

Midwood

1972 Ocean Avenue

$650,000

2 |

2

Flatbush

177 East 31st Street

$979,000

7 |

3

Brighton Beach

1311 Brightwater Avenue

$575,000

1 |

1

Bergen Beach

1946 Bergen Avenue

$845,000

3 |

2

Brighton Beach

313 Brightwater Court

$429,000

2 |

1

Challenges of Owning a Car in NYC

While owning a car in New York City can give you easier access to certain places, there are also several challenges to consider.

Parking Availability

Parking is one of the biggest challenges faced by those who live in New York City and own a car. Finding a spot on the street can be particularly difficult in some areas. Many neighborhoods have strict parking regulations and alternate-side parking schedules, making finding a spot challenging. Even those who can find a spot may have to deal with street cleaning or snow removal, which can require moving the car at inconvenient times. Monthly parking garages are an option, but they can be expensive, as mentioned above. Additionally, waitlists for garages in popular areas can be long, meaning you may have to rely on street parking while waiting for a spot to open up.

Street Cleaning and Alternate Side Parking Rules

If you’re driving in New York City, own a car, and want to avoid paying for monthly parking, it’s essential to be familiar with the street cleaning and alternate side parking rules. These regulations play a vital role in keeping the streets clean and orderly, and failure to comply with them can result in costly fines and the hassle of having your car towed.

In NYC, alternate-side parking rules require drivers to move their parked cars to the opposite side of the street on designated days to allow street sweepers to clean the curb and prevent the buildup of trash and debris. The schedule for alternate side parking varies depending on the neighborhood, so it’s crucial to check the signage on your street when driving in New York to determine when you need to move your vehicle. Some areas may require you to move your car once a week, while others may have more frequent regulations.

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Springfield Gardens

179-21 143rd Avenue

$649,888

3 |

2.5

Hamilton Beach

99-65 165th Avenue

$750,000

2 |

1

Rego Park

64-00 Saunders Street

$510,000

2 |

1

Maspeth

57-54 75th Street

$938,000

5 |

2.5

Kew Gardens

83-71 116th Street

$450,000

1 |

1

Sunnyside

41-31 51st Street

$365,000

1 |

1

Woodside

39-60 54th Street

$619,000

2 |

1

Ditmars-Steinway

21-77 33rd Street

$429,000

3 |

1

Woodhaven

88-23 75th Street

$639,000

3 |

1

Jackson Heights

34-58 90th Street

$395,000

1 |

1

Woodside

41-35 67th Street

$408,000

1 |

1

St. Albans

205-18 111st Avenue

$625,000

3 |

1

Traffic

Traffic is a major challenge for those who live in New York City and own a car. The city’s streets are notoriously congested, particularly during rush hour or when events or construction close off lanes or entire streets. This can lead to significant delays and frustration, mainly if you need to be somewhere at a specific time. In addition to delays, traffic can also be stressful and tiring, particularly if you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic for an extended period of time. While traffic is an issue that affects all drivers in the city, it can be particularly challenging for those who own a car and rely on it as their primary mode of transportation. Therefore, it’s essential to factor in traffic when deciding whether owning a car is right for you in New York City.

Manhattan Homes Under $1M on StreetEasy Article continues below

Gramercy Park

210 East 17th Street

$960,000

2 |

1

Flatiron

16 West 16th Street

$512,500

Studio |

1

Turtle Bay

335 East 51st Street

$500,000

Studio |

1

Lenox Hill

301 East 69th Street

$925,000

1 |

1

Beekman

12 Beekman Place

$720,000

1 |

1

Hell’s Kitchen

352 West 56th Street

$575,000

Studio |

1

Hell’s Kitchen

314 West 56th Street

$438,000

Studio |

1

Turtle Bay

235 East 49th Street

$520,000

1 |

1

Chelsea

200 West 20th Street

$565,000

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

233 West 99th Street

$675,000

1 |

1

Sutton Place

212 East 57th Street

$995,000

2 |

1

Upper West Side

250 West 90th Street

$799,000

1 |

1

Editor’s note: More than half of NYC households were car-free as of 2017 (54.5%) and the vast majority of Manhattan households didn’t own cars (76.6%). These numbers suggest owning a car in New York City is less common than relying on public transportation, walking, biking, and rideshare apps to get around. It’s worth keeping in mind the accessibility of the city for those who do not have cars, particularly in the areas in which you live and work. We would also be remiss not to mention the environmental and public health impacts of vehicle emissions. Long story short: you don’t need a car in most parts of NYC (with the exception of certain parts of the outer boroughs), so you’ll have to weigh the convenience against the challenges of driving in New York when making your decision.