In our latest webinar, 2026 Parking Structure Cost Outlook, WGI’s Rob McConnell, PE, SE, LEED GA, and Raymond Smith, PE, Vice Presidents of Parking Solutions, explored how shifting material costs, labor markets, and code requirements are reshaping parking structure construction budgets.
Owners and design teams face growing pressure to price these projects accurately before ground is even broken. A budget built on last year’s numbers can fall short fast, especially as tariffs, labor shortages, and new safety mandates continue to move costs in real time.
WGI has published this cost outlook every year since 2003, drawing on our own project database alongside broader industry data to keep the numbers grounded in what’s actually being built.
Key Takeaways Include
- How this year’s $33,300 median cost per space compares city by city, from Houston at the low end to San Francisco at the high end
- How steel and aluminum tariffs, labor shortages, and material volatility are adding to 2026 construction budgets
- How the 2021 IBC fire sprinkler rule and 2023 NFPA 88A standard are reshaping parking structure costs
- What new EV charging mandates mean for space count and project budgets
- Why university, hospital, and airport demand is holding steady even as the broader construction market slows
- And more…
Whether you’re an owner, contractor, or design professional, understanding what’s driving these numbers is key to setting a parking structure budget that holds up through construction.
Watch the Full Recap
If you missed our live session or simply want to revisit the discussion, click below to watch the full webinar recording and explore our companion whitepaper for a deeper look at this year’s numbers.
Explore the Full Report
Download our whitepaper, “Parking Structure Cost Outlook for 2026,” for the complete city-by-city breakdown and the construction economy forecast behind this year’s median.
Connect With Our Experts
If you’re budgeting a parking structure and want numbers specific to your project or city, connect with our team today. Rob and Raymond are ready to talk through how WGI can help you plan and budget your next parking structure with confidence.
