Car storage in Los Angeles, CA

If you're storing a business fleet vehicle, we'd recommend a traditional parking lot or unpaved lot

Here’s why:

Small business owners will jump at any opportunity to cut costs. One easy way to do that is to reduce car storage costs, especially if you’re parking a large fleet (rather than just 1 or 2 fleet vehicles). Because the weather in Los Angeles is pretty mild, an outdoor storage option like this will suffice. Just be sure to invest in a quality sunshade and/or car cover.

If you're storing a seasonal vehicle (like a convertible), we'd recommend a private residential garage or enclosed parking garage

Here’s why:

Soft-top convertibles are more susceptible to moisture-related damage and are at a higher risk of security breaches (theft, vandalism, etc.). Both enclosed parking garages and private residential garages provide insulation against Los Angeles's occasional thunderstorms. Additionally, they're considered the most secure option, especially when searching for car storage/monthly parking in higher-crime cities like Los Angeles.

Cost of Car Storage in Los Angeles: Peer-to-Peer vs. Traditional

While some traditional car storage facilities keep pricing vague, peer-to-peer storage marketplaces like Neighbor are very transparent about their prices. Instead of shrugging off renters’ questions with statements like "Cost will vary according to location, unit size, and amenities," storage marketplaces list the exact fixed price alongside the listing photos.

The best part? That price is set in stone upon booking. Not to mention, Los Angeles residents pay 30% less on car storage when they book through a peer-to-peer marketplace like Neighbor.

Do you want to compare car storage costs in LA to those in other major U.S. cities? You’re in luck. We’ve calculated the price averages of the following 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 Los Angeles Car Storage Spaces

The more options, the merrier. Unfortunately, traditional car storage facilities in Los Angeles, CA only offer two vehicle storage options: a traditional storage unit or a canopied parking lot.

Sure, you may have different self-storage unit sizes to choose from, but the amenities are the same–whether you choose a 10’x20’ unit or a 10’x40’ unit. Remember: double the length doesn’t necessarily mean double the perks.

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

Right for You If:

• You own a classic or luxury vehicle: While classic cars are likely to be targets of weather-related damage, luxury vehicles are more likely to be targets of break-ins. In either case, you’ll want amenities like advanced security features and on-site security personnel.
• You’re worried about prolonged UV exposure: You want to protect your car from UV damage, rust, mold, and mildew.
• You have a generous car storage budget: You’ll pay more for the extra amenities, but peace of mind is priceless.

Not Right Fit If:

• You have a limited car storage budget. Covered car storage might reduce repair costs in the long term, but in the short term, it will cost you extra for extra security.
• You live in a suburban neighborhood outside of downtown Los Angeles: If you live in a neighborhood like Melrose Hill, it will take you around 30 minutes to commute to a parking garage in downtown LA.

Paved Parking Lots

Right for You If:

• You have a limited car storage budget. Because you won’t have overhead coverage, your monthly rate will reflect that missing amenity.
• You want a car storage space close to public transit: There are countless paved parking lots in the downtown LA area–which has received a stellar public transit score of 98 year after year.

Not 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 1000 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 don’t want to go to the hassle of protecting your car from UV damage: Because Los Angeles is sunny most of the year, your car will be exposed to harmful UV rays virtually every day (if you don’t take these steps).

Unpaved Parking Lots

Right for You If:

• You’re trying to save on car storage: Living costs in Los Angeles, CA are astronomical. The last thing you want to do is overspend on car storage (or self-storage for that matter).
• You want to store your car in a residential area: Residential spaces are shown to be up to 14 times safer than commercial storage in Los Angeles.

Not the Right Fit If:

• You’re parking a small vehicle: Gravel surfaces are susceptible to potholes; it may be difficult for smaller vehicles (with lower ground clearance) to drive over these gravel surfaces.
• You want a car storage option close to work: Unpaved lots are usually in remote areas rather than bustling city centers.

Private Garages

Right for You If:

• You’re renting an apartment: If you’re renting an apartment in LA, likely you won’t have an on-site parking garage to store your vehicle in. In that case, store your car in a private garage nearby.
• You want to protect against UV damage. Sure, waxes, sealants, and sunshades can minimize UV damage, but there’s no better way to eliminate it altogether than with an enclosed shaded garage.
• You’re willing to spend extra on car storage every month: Because of the enhanced security and privacy, you’ll end up paying extra.

Not the Right Fit If:

• You’re working with a tight budget: If you don’t have wiggle room in your budget, you’re better off storing your car in a traditional self-storage facility (in a unit that’s 10’x20’ or larger).

Luxury Car Storage Facilities

Right for You If:

• You’re willing to pay extra for the amenities: As a luxury car owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is taken care of. To lighten your load, a luxury storage facility can perform battery tender checks and detail your car as needed.
• You want to join the luxury car community in LA: These facilities often host networking events for paying members.

Not Right for You If:

• You’re looking for budget-friendly storage: Yearly membership fees can get expensive. Though you can save up to 30% on luxury car storage through Neighbor, these higher rates may still be out of budget.