Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in California, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in California?
You should book your rental car in California around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in California?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget (28.07 ﷼/day), Alamo (29.12 ﷼/day) and Ace (30.43 ﷼/day).
What is the most popular rental car in California?
Rentals in the SUV category (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are the most popular option in California, costing 262 ﷼/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 176 ﷼/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in California?
The cheapest month to rent a car in California is January at an average cost of 155 ﷼/day. March is the most expensive month to rent a car in California when prices are 217 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 315% above the yearly average rental price for California.
Which car hire company in California has the most locations?
Avis operates 55 locations in California, more than any other rental company.
California car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in California by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
77 ﷼ - 147 ﷼
All Car Types
205 ﷼ - 288 ﷼
How much does it cost to rent a small car in California?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in California?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in California?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in California?
How much does it cost to rent a van in California?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in California?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in California?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in California?
Small car rentals in California typically cost around 121 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 77 ﷼ per day which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 52% cheaper than the average rental in California, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in California typically cost around 225 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average 171 ﷼ per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 10% cheaper than the average rental in California, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in California typically cost around 205 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 172 ﷼ per day which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 18% cheaper than the average rental in California, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in California typically cost around 221 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 189 ﷼ per day which is about 15% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 12% cheaper than the average rental in California, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in California typically cost around 473 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 312 ﷼ per day which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 48% more expensive than the average rental in California, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in California typically cost around 217 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 184 ﷼ per day which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 13% cheaper than the average rental in California, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in California typically cost around 306 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 271 ﷼ per day which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average rental in California, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in California typically cost around 297 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 240 ﷼ per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 17% more expensive than the average rental in California, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Budget
Medium
189 ﷼/day
163 ﷼/day
Top tips for renting a car in California
All car hirers in California are required to produce a valid driver's licence with an expiration date that does not fall within the present hire period. You can also hire a car even if you don't have a licence issued by the US government. All you need to do is present a passport and either an international licence or your licence from Australia.
When two cars meet on a steep road and neither can pass, the car facing downhill is required to back up to let the other pass, since when backing up a slope, the car that is facing downhill has more control. When it comes to stop signs in California, they are more frequent than traffic lights. All motorists must come to a full stop at any stop sign.
If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle in California. Also, you are only allowed to operate a cellphone while driving if you’re using a hands-free device or when you need to call for assistance in an emergency.
25% of our users found rental cars in California for 163 ﷼ or less
Small rental cars in California are around 35% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in California
How much does it cost to rent a car in California?
On average a rental car in California costs 189 ﷼ per day.
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in California are Los Angeles (80% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in California), San Francisco (11%) and San Diego (3%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in California?
On average a rental car in California costs 1,320 ﷼ per week (189 ﷼ per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in California?
On average a rental car in California costs 5,657 ﷼ per month (189 ﷼ per day).
Should I hire a car in California?
Given that California is quite large with numerous sprawling cities, hiring a car is a practical and economical way to get around the area. Even though the majority of large cities have their own public transportation networks, driving is still often faster and easier. Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego are a few cities in California that are best navigated with a vehicle. Having access to your own car can also come in handy, especially if you plan on visiting a more rural city or taking a road trip.
What is driving like in California?
California is typically warm and sunny. However, it’s at times rainy, which is a critical time to drive yourself around. When it's raining, go at a slower speed and make sure to utilise your windscreen wipers and headlights. Also, ensure that you have the appropriate tyre chains for your hire car's tyres if you plan to drive in the snow during winter. Try to stay in the right lane whenever you are on a road or freeway with numerous lanes, unless when overtaking. Remember that a left turn from one one-way street to another one-way street can only be made when the signal is red. Unless it’s clearly banned, you can usually turn right at a red light after stopping completely and checking for approaching traffic. You have to pre-pay for your petrol in California. If you are using a credit card, you’ll need to swipe your card at the pump to activate the pump. You’ll also be required to provide your postal code to prevent credit card fraud.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
Most car hire companies require that you be at least 21 years old in order to hire a vehicle in California. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 and need to hire a car, you’ll likely pay a young hirer fee and may only be allowed to hire certain classes of vehicles.
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in California
169 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in California
133 Locations
Avis car rental locations in California
88 Locations
Budget car rental locations in California
84 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in California
81 Locations
Thrifty car rental locations in California
78 Locations
Sixt car rental locations in California
27 Locations
Midway car rental locations in California
24 Locations
National car rental locations in California
22 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in California
22 Locations
Airport Van car rental locations in California
21 Locations
Eagle Rent A Car car rental locations in California
21 Locations
Car rental locations in California
Everything you need to know for your car rental in California
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