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.

Staten Island Homes Under $750K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Mariners Harbor

128 Lake Avenue

$499,000

4 |

3

Annadale

192 Bathgate Street

$545,000

Studio |

1

Rosebank

39 Reynolds Street

$739,000

3 |

2

Shore Acres

9 Maryland Lane

$640,000

2 |

2.5

Great Kills

7 Waterside Parkway

$649,000

3 |

2

South Beach

14 Guilford Street

$649,000

3 |

2

Huguenot

211 Dover Green

$699,999

3 |

2

Great Kills

475 Armstrong Avenue

$300,000

1 |

1

Park Hill

111 Long Pond Lane

$578,000

3 |

3

Port Richmond

154 Decker Avenue

$728,000

4 |

1.5

Dongan Hills

76 Seaver Avenue

$728,000

3 |

2.5

Tottenville

364 Sleight Avenue

$688,888

2 |

1.5

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. 

Brooklyn Homes Under $1M on StreetEasy Article continues below

Brighton Beach

40 Brighton 1st Road

$525,000

1 |

1

Sunset Park

255 50th Street

$799,900

4 |

3

Marine Park

4209 Quentin Road

$679,000

2 |

1

Borough Park

1238 63rd Street

$599,000

1 |

1

Borough Park

1238 63rd Street

$530,000

1 |

1

Brighton Beach

3022 Brighton 1st Street

$925,000

4 |

3.5

Sheepshead Bay

3144 Emmons Avenue

$999,000

2 |

2

Fort Greene

1 Hanson Place

$850,000

1 |

1

East New York

572 Jerome Street

$675,000

4 |

3

Bay Ridge

6735 Ridge Boulevard

$485,000

2 |

1

Flatlands

1375 East 54th Street

$999,000

8 |

3

East New York

178 Crystal Street

$749,000

5 |

2

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.

Queens Homes under $1M on StreetEasy Article continues below

Rego Park

97-37 63 Road

$425,000

2 |

1

Glen Oaks

269 Grand Central Parkway

$579,000

1 |

1.5

Glen Oaks

270-10 Grand Central Parkway

$595,000

1 |

1.5

Glen Oaks

269 Grand Central Parkway

$849,000

2 |

2.5

Glen Oaks

27010 Grand Central Parkway

$439,000

1 |

1.5

Astoria

31-19 29th Street

$660,000

1 |

1

Astoria

31-19 29th Street

$570,000

Studio |

1

Forest Hills

68-20 Burns Street

$595,000

3 |

1

North Corona

108-20 34th Avenue

$999,000

4 |

2

Springfield Gardens

189-16 Williamson Avenue

$875,000

4 |

2.5

Astoria

25-40 Shore Boulevard

$725,000

1 |

1

Kew Gardens Hills

144-14 Melbourne Avenue

$830,000

4 |

2.5

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

South Harlem

208 West 119th Street

$625,000

2 |

1

Hell’s Kitchen

340 West 57th Street

$560,000

Studio |

1

Murray Hill

630 First Avenue

$900,000

1 |

1

Gramercy Park

201 East 21st Street

$700,000

1 |

1

Hamilton Heights

345 West 145th Street

$410,000

1 |

1

Yorkville

400 East 85th Street

$699,000

1 |

1

Upper East Side

150 East 83rd Street

$425,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

834 Riverside Drive

$435,000

1 |

1

Lenox Hill

1420 York Avenue

$445,000

Studio |

1

Manhattanville

575 Riverside Drive

$460,000

1 |

1

Upper West Side

269 West 72nd Street

$430,000

Studio |

1

Sutton Place

212 East 57th Street

$995,000

2 |

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.