How should parking affect an Aggie grad’s apartment budget?

Quick answer

Treat required parking as part of the monthly housing cost, not a side expense. Add resident parking, reserved-space fees, second-car charges or valet costs to effective rent. Also compare guest parking, validation, towing rules, garage access and how long it takes to get from the car to the apartment. A slightly cheaper apartment can feel much worse if parking is expensive or frustrating every day.

This answer is part of Howdy Apartments’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.