Hanoi’s new parking policy has sharply increased the cost of keeping a car in the city centre. The change matters because many households rely on a vehicle for work, school and daily errands.

Hourly parking fees now range from VND45,000 to VND70,000, and all‑day monthly passes can cost up to VND5 million. Some spots have even doubled from VND2 million to VND4 million per month.

Ha says his family earns VND50 million a month, but parking could cost up to VND8 million a year, cutting into their VND15 million emergency fund and approaching VND100 million annually. He added that the expense forces him to reconsider using his car for work and school trips.

Minh Phuc explains that after paying VND20 million for living costs and VND10 million for car‑loan installments, he is left with only VND5 million for fuel, parking and maintenance. The new VND5 million monthly parking fee wipes out that remainder, so he and his wife have stopped using their car and rely on motorbikes for long trips.

Nguyen Hai says he will sell his eight‑year‑old car because he cannot afford the VND48 million yearly cost of a fixed parking spot, after the monthly rate doubled from VND2 million to VND4 million. He believes the high price makes keeping the car financially impossible.

A VnExpress survey of parking spots in central Hanoi wards found them filled to capacity, confirming that demand far exceeds supply. The shortage, combined with soaring fees, is pushing many families to give up their cars or sell them.