As financial pressure continues to rise, many Americans are taking a closer look at the space they already have. Garages, long used for parking and storage, are increasingly being viewed as flexible assets that can support extra income or everyday needs.
To better understand how homeowners feel about garage rentals and shared-space use, Alan’s Factory Outlet conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 Americans who have access to a garage. The study explored attitudes toward renting out garages, using garage-sharing platforms, and how economic conditions are changing the way people think about their homes.
Key Takeaways
- 78% of Americans say financial pressure has pushed them to consider new income streams, and 37% say they have thought about monetizing part of their home in the past year.
- 38% would consider renting out their garage for extra income, and 34% would rent someone else’s garage for personal use.
- 1 in 2 Americans are interested in using a garage rental platform, either to rent out their garage, rent one from someone else, or both.
- On average, Americans would pay a maximum of $177 per month to rent a garage in their area, with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) willing to pay more than $300 per month.
The Rise of Garage Sharing
For many homeowners, garages are no longer just a place to park cars or store things. Changing work habits, tighter budgets, and the growth of the sharing economy are encouraging people to rethink how this space can be used.
More than one-third of Americans (38%) said they would consider renting out their garage to earn extra income. Rather than leaving the space unused, many now see it as something that could provide ongoing value.
Interest in organized platforms is also strong. Half of Americans said they would use a platform that connects people who have extra space with those who need it, either to rent out their garage, rent one from someone else, or both.
Some Americans already have firsthand experience with garage sharing. Sixteen percent reported using someone else’s garage in the past, whether through borrowing, bartering, or paying to rent the space.
How Economic Pressure Is Changing the Way Americans View Their Homes
Economic uncertainty is affecting how many homeowners think about their property. As everyday costs rise, more people are looking for ways their homes can help offset financial strain.
More than three-quarters of Americans (78%) said financial pressure has pushed them to consider new income streams. Over one-third (37%) had thought about monetizing part of their home within the past year.
Inflation appears to be expanding the types of spaces people are willing to monetize. Just over half of Americans (52%) said that recent economic conditions have made them more open to earning money from areas such as garages, driveways, or spare rooms. This shift suggests that flexible spaces are becoming more valuable during uncertain times.
Demand for Garage Rentals Goes Beyond Extra Income
Interest in garage rentals isn’t limited to homeowners looking to earn money. Many Americans also see garages as practical spaces they would rent themselves.
About one-third of Americans (34%) said they would rent someone else’s garage for personal use. Storage was the most common reason across all generations, cited by 77% of respondents. Interest was especially high among Gen Z, where 83% said they would rent a garage for storage.
Parking vehicles was the second most common reason, at 53%, followed by using a garage as a workspace (36%). Some respondents also mentioned recreational uses, such as band practice (14%), with Gen Z (19%) again showing the highest interest.
When it comes to cost, Americans said they would pay up to $177 per month on average to rent a garage in their area. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said they would be willing to pay more than $300 per month. Willingness to pay varied by generation, with Gen Z reporting the highest average amount ($216) and baby boomers the lowest ($142).
Garage rentals were also compared to coworking spaces. One-third of Americans (34%) said coworking spaces in their area were expensive, while only 15% considered them affordable. On average, respondents said they would pay about $190 per month for a coworking space. In comparison, 40% said they would be more likely to rent a converted garage than a coworking space if it cost less.
How Americans Are Rethinking Unused Space
The survey results show a clear shift in how Americans think about garages. Financial pressure, remote work, and greater comfort with shared platforms are all contributing to renewed interest in flexible, multipurpose spaces.
For many homeowners, garages are no longer an afterthought. Instead, they’re being viewed as spaces that can support storage, work, or even additional income, depending on how they’re built and used. As Americans continue to rethink unused space, garages may play a larger role in how people adapt their homes to changing needs.
Methodology
Alan’s Factory Outlet surveyed 1,000 Americans to explore attitudes toward renting out garages for extra income and using garage-sharing platforms. All respondents reported having access to a garage at their primary residence, either attached or detached. Data was collected in December 2025.
About Alan’s Factory Outlet
Alan’s Factory Outlet helps homeowners across the country find high-quality metal buildings, garages, and carports that fit their needs and budgets. We make it easier to create durable spaces that support storage, work, and flexible use.
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