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> The cheapest parking I could get on Cap Hill was $150/mo, and it was in one of these subterranean garages.

I always guffaw when I see American prices, which are so much lower than the rest of the world. The cheapest spot I could get near my apartment in Beijing is around $400/month, and its not available. Switzerland was even worse. But when I was at UW, it was only $50/month (back in the late 90s). Why is the USA so cheap?

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Easy answer? Low population density, lots of space, relative to Europe (totally unfamiliar with Beijing). UW (U district) is a bit cheaper than capital hill (when I lived in U district, 1 parking spot came w/ rent, an additional spot was $50/mo).

When I was living there, I never heard of free parking in the U district. You always paid for your slot in the garage even if you only had one car. Many apartment buildings lacked any parking at all.

It is true that the US has lots of space, but the cost of driving (and parking) is still ridiculously low compared to other countries with similar characteristics (Canada/Australia)...and people still complain about it being too expensive (god, $4/gallon gas, outrage!).

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