California

Cheap Car Rentals in California from $9

Los Angeles, CA
Tue 3/26
Noon
Tue 4/2
Noon
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California car rentals in 2024

Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car rental in California. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on March 19, 2024.

Most popular company

Pacific Rent A Car

Most common car type

Standard

Average price per day

$52

Cheapest price per day

$9

What are the car rental prices for popular cities in California?

Discover the price range for renting a car in popular cities across California, helping you budget and make informed decisions for your upcoming travel. There are 388 pickup locations in California to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on March 19, 2024.

Price

$6 - $33

Out of all the popular cities in California, Santa Ana is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just $6/day. Renting a car in Santa Ana is 82% cheaper than renting one in Modesto where the per day rate is around $33. Other fairly inexpensive cities in California to get a rental car in are: San Jose ($6/day), Long Beach ($11/day), and Burbank ($12/day). While these cities typically have cheaper prices than the rest of the country, travelers looking to rent a car in Los Angeles should expect to spend around $16/day on their transportation. The most popular city to rent a car in California is Los Angeles.

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in California?

Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in California and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on March 19, 2024.

January

$32

February

$39

March

$45

April

$46

May

$43

June

$45

July

$50

August

$50

September

$44

October

$45

November

$41

December

$42

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in California is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is July. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in California

Compare and contrast the various car types offered for rental in California to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on March 19, 2024.

Small cars

$28 - $52

All Car Types

$37 - $69

To rent a small car in California, you would pay an average price of $40/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a small car in California (~$28/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$52/day). In fact, January is about 32% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a small car saves you 25% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a medium car in California, you would pay an average price of $47/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a medium car in California (~$33/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$63/day). In fact, January is about 30% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a medium car saves you 13% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a large car in California, you would pay an average price of $59/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a large car in California (~$38/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$73/day). In fact, January is about 36% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a large car is 9% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a SUV in California, you would pay an average price of $53/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a SUV in California (~$40/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$62/day). In fact, January is about 26% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a SUV saves you 0% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a van in California, you would pay an average price of $84/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a van in California (~$54/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is December (~$108/day). In fact, January is about 36% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a van is 36% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a pickup truck in California, you would pay an average price of $74/day. September is the cheapest month to rent a pickup truck in California (~$53/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is August (~$138/day). In fact, September is about 29% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pickup truck rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a pickup truck is 28% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California pickup truck rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a luxury car in California, you would pay an average price of $83/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a luxury car in California (~$57/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is August (~$103/day). In fact, January is about 33% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a luxury car is 36% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

To rent a convertible in California, you would pay an average price of $105/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a convertible in California (~$74/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is August (~$136/day). In fact, January is about 31% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a convertible rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a convertible is 50% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best California convertible rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:

Chevrolet Spark$12/day
2
M
A/C
Chevrolet Spark
Nissan Sylphy$13/day
4
M
A/C
Nissan Sylphy
Toyota Corolla$15/day
4
M
A/C
Toyota Corolla

Top rental agencies in California

Explore the leading car rental agencies in California known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car rental companies in California. Reviews were last updated on March 19, 2024.
Browse through some of the top rental car agencies in California, including pickup locations serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and Ontario. Browse through some of the top rental car agencies in California, including locations around Los Angeles, San Francisco and Ontario.

Alamo

8.6
Very good
1232 reviews14 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.8

Overall

8.6

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

8.3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.8
Good
1610 reviews105 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.1

Overall

7.8

Pick-up/drop-off

7.7

Value

7.7

Budget

6.4
Okay
2077 reviews57 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.2

Overall

6.4

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.5

Avis

6.3
Okay
1232 reviews58 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

7.1

Overall

6.3

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.5

Hertz

6.2
Okay
3399 reviews94 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

6.8

Overall

6.1

Pick-up/drop-off

6.1

Value

6.3

Dollar

6.2
Okay
1801 reviews22 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.0

Overall

6.1

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

6.4

Thrifty

6.1
Okay
1679 reviews23 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

6.8

Overall

6.0

Pick-up/drop-off

5.9

Value

6.2

Sixt

7.5
Good
669 reviews15 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

7.5

Pick-up/drop-off

7.4

Value

7.3

Best California car rental deals found

Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car rental deals in California. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 rental car agencies in California with an average daily rate of $20. Data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
Browse some of the deals we've come across on car rentals in the California region, including options close to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Ontario. If these deals don't appeal to you, check back very soon as they are being updated frequently.
Nissan Sentra$11/day
5
M
A/C
Nissan Sentra
Ford Fusion$11/day
5
M
A/C
Ford Fusion
Buick LaCrosse$11/day
5
4
M
A/C
Buick LaCrosse

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in California, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on March 19, 2024.
  • What are the requirements to rent a car in California?

    If you want to use car rentals in California, you will need to be at least 21 years old. If you’re between ages 21 and 24 and looking for a cheap car rental in California, keep in mind that until age 25, you’ll be charged a daily fee on top of the cost of your rental vehicle. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license or photo ID which will not expire for the duration of your trip. Current temporary driver’s licenses may be accepted if presented with another government ID. Active U.S. military personnel may present a current military ID with an expired driver’s license as long as the names on both IDs match and they meet the requirements of their state’s military extension policy. If you’re visiting from outside the U.S., besides your country’s driver’s license, you may also be required to bring a passport and International Driver’s Permit. Specific ID requirements vary across different California car rentals, so you’ll want to review these before your trip. Credit or debit card payments will be accepted under most circumstances. If you’re under age 25, some car rentals will require a credit card rather than a debit card.

  • What are the rules for driving in California?

    Familiarity with local driving rules can make your car rentals in California an enjoyable experience. Drivers in the Golden State use the right side of the road. California uses posted speed limits, but it also relies on a Basic Speed Law which requires drivers to travel only as fast as road and weather conditions allow. Near schools or in business and housing areas, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h). Intersections without stop signs and limited visibility in either direction have a speed limit of 15 mph (24 km/h). When near a public transit vehicle such as a trolley or bus, the limit is 10 mph (16 km/h). The speed on undivided two-lane highways is limited to 55 mph (89 km/h), but on interstate highways, the speed limit is as high as 70 mph (112 km/h). Seatbelts are required for all occupants. The state limits alcohol consumption for drivers to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% for those age 21 and older. Please check the Department of Motor Vehicles for changes to these or other driving laws before selecting rental cars in California.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in California?

    When selecting car rentals in California, you’ll want to be prepared for plenty of driving, as the state is very long. If you plan to spend a great deal of time on the road, select a fuel-efficient car or SUV for your California car rentals. Finding a cheap car rental in California is easy, as there are plenty of options. Choose an electric car rental for city driving with heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Select an economy car rental to reach your destination on a tighter budget. The Golden State’s milder climate and miles of Pacific coastline make travel by convertible an appealing option as well. You’ll find there are enough rental cars in California to suit any preference.

  • What is the cheapest rental car found in California?

    In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $46/day when booking a rental car in California. The best deal a user found was for $15/day from Zeeba Rent-A-Van, booked on Jul. 28.

  • What car rental company is typically the cheapest in California?

    According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in California from the following companies over the past two weeks: NextCar ($10/day), NU Car ($14/day), and Getaround ($14/day).

  • Which car rental company is considered to be the best in California?

    Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Super Cheap (10.0 rating), Signature Rent A Car (10.0 rating) and Priceless (9.2 rating) seem to be the best rental car companies in California.

  • What are gas prices like in California?

    The average gas price in California is $3.63/gallon over the past month, costing you anywhere between $43 and $62 to fill up a car’s gas tank.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in California for a week from Fox?

    Fox is a popular option for travelers looking for car rental in California. You can expect the average cost of rental car to be about $312 per week.

  • How far in advance should I rent a car in California for the best price?

    Booking early almost always ensures you have more options of car models to choose from, as well as prices reduced by up to 28% to make it a great deal in California. Try to book at least 7 days prior to when you need the car rental to close on a rate below the average.

  • Can I rent a car for a month in California?

    Yes, cars are available to be rented out for an entire month in California.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in California for a month?

    Prices can be as low as $1,339 if you consider booking with Zeeba Rent-A-Van. That price represents savings of 89% compared to the California average. The monthly cost of a car rental in California is on average $1,339 ($45/day).

See more FAQs

Small car rentals in California

Find small car rental deals in California from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. small car rentals in California cost an average of $19 per day. Price data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
Hyundai i10$9/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i10$14/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i10$15/day
2
M
A/C
Hyundai i10

Luxury car rentals in California

Find luxury car rental deals in California from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. luxury car rentals in California cost an average of $13 per day. Price data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
To help you decide on a luxury car rental in California, we've assembled the following deals, including options close to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Ontario. While researching the different options available, make sure to confirm the details of each offer to ensure they match your needs.
Chrysler 300$11/day
5
M
A/C
Chrysler 300
Audi A4$11/day
5
2
M
A/C
Audi A4
Chrysler 300$11/day
5
M
A/C
Chrysler 300

Van rentals in California

Find van rental deals in California from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. van rentals in California cost an average of $20 per day. Price data was last updated on March 19, 2024.
To make it easier to find a van rental in California, we've compiled these deals for you, including pickup options near Los Angeles, San Francisco and Ontario. To find more great van rental deals, make sure to check back soon.
Dodge Grand Caravan$18/day
5
M
A/C
Dodge Grand Caravan
Kia Sedona$19/day
5
4
4
M
A/C
Kia Sedona
Toyota Sienna$19/day
5
5
M
A/C
Toyota Sienna

Car rentals by fuel type in California

Browse car rentals by fuel type in California. Currently, Electric cars are the cheapest to rent in California. Deals were last updated on March 19, 2024.

Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in California. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Electric being the cheapest ($20+).

Electric

Electric

Gas/Diesel

Gas/Diesel

Hybrid

Hybrid

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