The City of Chicago offers an excellent network of public parking garages with 24-hour rates at $20 USD/day or less.
My space at the Grant Park North garage (just off Monroe near Columbus) cost $13 USD/day.
My bill for three days was $39 USD, a few dollars more than one day of parking at the Tremont Hotel.
Although you park at your own risk, these garages tend to be well-lit, frequently patrolled, and safe.
Keep your ticket with you, not in the car. You pay by machine before returning to your car with cash or credit card. No long lines!
The Grant Park garage was several miles from my hotel, which was an inconvenience on the first and fourth day of my visit. Other garages within a mile of the hotel were charging slightly more: $18-20 USD/day.
My vehicle remained parked from Friday evening until Monday morning. No parking tickets, towing fees or double parking to disrupt my enjoyment.
The savings over valet parking at the Tremont: $19 X 3 nights=$57.
Budget Problem #3: Costly Cabs
Taxis are abundant in Chicago. As in most cities, you'll pay dearly for the privilege of using them.
One run of just 1.3 miles cost us $6 USD with tip.
