Car storage in San Diego, CA

Here, we’ve included the average car storage costs in 11 major U.S. cities:

• Atlanta: $157 per month
• Boise: $105 per month
• Boston: $262 per month
• Chicago: $200 per month
• Dallas: $143 per month
• Kansas City: $126 each month
• Las Vegas: $130 per month
• New York: $750 per month for 10′ by 15′ unit
• Orlando: $119 per month
• Seattle: $156 per month
• St. Louis: $138 per month

For more information, check out this Neighbor article.

Types of San Diego Car Storage Spaces

Traditional car storage facilities offer renters a choice of canopied parking stalls or traditional storage units (in sizes 10’x20’ and larger). Note that a standard-sized vehicle won’t fit comfortably in units 10’x15’ or smaller.

On peer-to-peer storage marketplaces, you’ll find a mix of traditional car storage options as well as residential options (for double the inventory in your city)--including:

• RV pads (Cement or unpaved)
• Driveways
• Private residential garages
• Paved parking lots
• Carports
• Pull-through unpaved lots

Stuck choosing between outdoor-uncovered, outdoor-covered, non-climatized-indoor, and climatized-indoor? Compare the pros and cons.

Parking Garages (Open-air or Enclosed)

Right for You If:

• Advanced security features are at the top of your wishlist: Compared to a standard parking lot, parking garages are considered a more secure car storage option, complete with security cameras and on-site security personnel.
• You’re worried about prolonged UV exposure: As a covered car storage option, a parking garage structure will protect your car from not only UV damage but also moisture damage (rust, mold, mildew, etc.).
• You’re storing a classic or seasonal car (like a convertible): Both car types are more prone to moisture damage. If you’re storing your car during San Diego’s rainy season (December-March), opt for a parking garage or other covered vehicle storage option.
• You have a generous car storage budget: Parking garage spaces tend to be on the pricier side, but the added protections are often worth the price.

Not Right Fit If:

• You have a limited car storage budget: While a parking garage's overhead coverage could save you on repair costs, it may not be in the budget to pay the extra.
• You live in a suburban neighborhood outside of downtown San Diego: If you live in the La Jolla or Carlsbad area, you may need to commute anywhere from 19 to 34 minutes to downtown San Diego just to park/retrieve your car.

Paved Parking Lots

Right for You If:

• You have a limited car storage budget: Traditionally, storing your car in a paved parking lot is cheaper than storing it in an enclosed parking garage.
• You’d prefer not to store your car in an unpaved lot: While unpaved lots are an even cheaper car storage option, a San Diego thunderstorm can lead to mud accumulation, increasing the risk of rust on your car’s underbody.
• You want a car storage space close to public transit: Retrieving a stored car is easier when the storage space is conveniently located next to public transit. You’re likely to find commercial parking lots in downtown areas, in the same areas where public transportation services are available–like The San Diego Trolley.

Not Right the Right Fit If:

• You won’t be able to perform routine check-ins: Unfortunately, commercial parking lots are often hotbeds for crime. In San Diego alone, 4 per 1,000 people have experienced a car theft. If you’re planning a long-term vacation, you won’t be able to perform routine safety checks on your stored vehicle.
• You aren’t willing to take the extra steps to protect your car from UV damage: Because San Diego is sunny 267 days out of the year, your car will be susceptible to UV damage in an uncovered parking lot if you don’t take these steps.

Unpaved Parking Lots

Right for You If:

• You’re trying to save on car storage: Unpaved lots are considered one of (if not the) cheapest car storage options.
• You can find an unpaved lot in a residential area: While unpaved lots in remote areas have higher security risks, an unpaved parking lot in a residential area is considered a safer alternative to a paved parking lot.

Not Right the Right Fit If:

• You’re worried about rust accumulation: Gravel can sink or wash away in rainy conditions, while dirt lots can turn to mud. Plus, both dirt and gravel surfaces expose cars to increased humidity–causing rust to form.
• You’re parking a small vehicle: Gravel surfaces are susceptible to potholes, which may be difficult for smaller vehicles to clear (especially if a car has lower ground clearance).

Driveways

Right for You If:

• You want someone to keep an eye on your car while you’re gone: If you’re out on a long-term vacation or living abroad, you won’t be able to check in on your stored car. Luckily, when renting a driveway, the host [typically] lives on-site, so you’ll have someone to perform period checks for you.
• You own a car cover: Because a driveway is an uncovered car storage option, you’ll need a car cover to protect your vehicle from rain and the California sunshine.
• You want a storage space close to home: Because driveways are located in residential areas, it’s possible to find storage spaces like these in your own neighborhood.

Not Right the Right Fit If:

• You don’t own a car cover: Without a cover (or canopy), your vehicle will be susceptible to UV damage.
• If you want a private storage space, you’ll most likely end up sharing a driveway space with other renters or the hosts themselves.
• Your car has a history of overheating: In San Diego, temperatures can reach the high 90s. Because cars are typically 45-50 degrees (Fahrenheit) hotter than the outside temperature, your engine may be at risk of overheating in outdoor storage spaces like these.

Private Garages

Right for You If:

• You want privacy: If you rent a one-car garage, you’ll have the entire space to yourself. The host may even give you your own garage code or a key to the private entrance.
• You want to protect against UV damage: While a car cover can mitigate some UV damage, a fully enclosed, shaded garage is your safest bet. (Bonus points if the garage is climate-controlled).
• You’re willing to spend extra on car storage every month: A private residential garage is considered one of the most expensive car storage options on Neighbor (and the hardest listings to find).

Not the Right Fit If:

• You’re dealing with a budget: Because these private garage listings are rare, they’re also in high demand, meaning you’ll need to pay top dollar.
• You need car storage fast: Because these listings are more difficult to find, San Diego residents in a rush should opt for more widely available spaces like parking lots, parking garages, etc.

Paved/Unpaved RV pads

Right for You If:

• You don’t mind sharing the space with other vehicle owners: The average RV pad measures 40’ long, so most can comfortably fit up to two vehicles (potentially three). Hosts will most likely maximize that space by renting to as many vehicle owners as possible.
• You own a car cover: While some RV pads feature a carport, others don’t. If you don’t want to risk UV damage or overheating in the San Diego sun, a car cover is a must.
• Safety comes first: RV pads located in residential areas are up to 14 times safer than parking lots in commercial areas.

Not Right for You If:

• You own a classic or vintage car: Not only are many of these spaces uncovered, but they’re not climate-controlled. We’d recommend a fully enclosed, indoor car storage for classic car owners.
• You plan to use your car semi-frequently: If you store your vehicle on an RV pad, you may end up sharing the space with other vehicles. If your car happens to be parked behind another vehicle, it may be difficult to access.

Luxury Car Storage Facilities

Right for You If:

• You’re willing to pay extra for the amenities: Luxury storage facilities promise precise climate-control settings, superior security systems, and even networking events. Extra amenities equals extra costs.
• You’re worried about your car battery dying during long-term storage: Most facilities offer battery tender checks. That way, your vehicle is ready to hit the road as soon as you pick it up.

Not Right for You:

• You’re looking for budget-friendly storage: If you can’t afford yearly membership fees, look for cheaper storage options on Neighbor.
• You don’t own a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle: If your car doesn’t fit into any of the following categories, the additional costs will outnumber the benefits.

Before Storing a Car in San Diego

• The distinguisher between “car storage” and “parking” is how often you’ll need to access your vehicle.
  • If you need to access your car on a frequent basis, look for monthly parking options.
  • If you plan to leave your vehicle unused for extended periods of time, look for car storage options.
• When a car is set to be stored for 3 months (or longer), this is categorized as long-term car storage.
• During long-term car storage, it’s best to store a car with a full tank of gas to prevent the culmination of rust (read more here).
• You’ll want to start your car periodically during long-term auto storage to keep your battery from dying (read more here).