Charleston SC, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Charleston County plans to increase parking rates at two downtown garages starting October 1, 2025. The King and Queen garage will see its hourly rate rise to $1 per 20 minutes, while the daily maximum rate will increase from $20 to $24. Monthly parking subscriptions will also increase, with the King and Queen’s rate going up to $215 and Cumberland’s to $175. The changes, aimed at generating additional revenue, come after a market analysis revealed current rates were significantly lower than those of comparable garages.
Charleston County to Raise Parking Rates at Downtown Garages Starting October 1, 2025
Charleston County is set to increase parking rates at two downtown garages beginning on October 1, 2025. The adjustments will affect the King and Queen garage located at 85 Queen Street and the Cumberland garage at 90 Cumberland Street.
The decision comes after a market analysis determined that the current parking rates at these facilities are significantly below those of comparable garages in the area. Effective from October, the new pricing structure will raise the rate to $1 per 20 minutes, a notable increase from the existing rate of $1 per 30 minutes. This translates to an hourly cost of approximately $2 to $3.
The daily maximum parking rate at these garages will rise from $20 to $24, while fees for lost tickets will also increase significantly, going from $30 to $50. Additionally, monthly parking subscriptions will see a rise as well, with the King and Queen garage’s rate increasing from $195 to $215 per month, and the Cumberland garage’s rate rising from $160 to $175.
In a move to simplify pricing, the county will discontinue the current daytime parking rates. Individuals who currently hold daytime rate positions will be automatically transitioned to the new 24/7 rates.
This strategic adjustment in rates aims to generate approximately $600,000 in additional revenue for the county. The King and Queen and Cumberland garages are forecast to earn around $4.5 million combined in this fiscal year, displaying a robust growth of about 15% compared to the previous year.
The planned rate adjustments align with earlier increases implemented by the city at the start of this year. County spokeswoman Kaitlin Jordan noted that these changes will allow current monthly parkers adequate time to adjust their plans and accommodate the new rates.
For those utilizing automatic payments with credit or debit cards, the processing of payments at the new rates will commence on November 1, 2025, covering the month of October. Current monthly parking contract holders wishing to cancel must do so before September 30, 2025.
Summary of Parking Rate Changes
| Feature | Current Rate | New Rate (Effective October 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Rate per 20 minutes | $1 per 30 minutes | $1 per 20 minutes |
| Daily Maximum | $20 | $24 |
| Lost Ticket Fee | $30 | $50 |
| Monthly Rate (King and Queen Garage) | $195 | $215 |
| Monthly Rate (Cumberland Garage) | $160 | $175 |
FAQs
When will the new parking rates take effect?
The new parking rates will take effect on October 1, 2025.
What is the new hourly parking rate?
The new parking rate will be $1 per 20 minutes.
How will the monthly parking rates change?
The King and Queen garage’s monthly rate will increase from $195 to $215, while the Cumberland garage’s rate will rise from $160 to $175.
What should current monthly parkers do if they want to cancel their contracts?
Current monthly parkers wishing to cancel their contracts must do so before September 30, 2025.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston County Parking Garage Fees
- Charleston Business: Parking Garage Rate Increase
- Live 5 News: Parking Garage Rate Hikes
- Count On 2: Charleston County to Adjust Rates
- Live 5 News: Downtown Hourly Parking Price Increase
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Google Search: Charleston County Parking Rates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google News: Charleston Parking Garage Rates
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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