Get relevant, data-driven information to help you rent a car in the United States, including pricing trends, ideal booking times, and more.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in the United States?
You should book your rental car in the United States around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in the United States?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Budget (29.95 ﷼/day), Ace (30.43 ﷼/day) and Dollar (31.63 ﷼/day).
What is the most popular rental car in the United States?
Rentals in the SUV category (BMW X3 or similar) are the most popular option in the United States, costing 222 ﷼/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as 63 ﷼/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in the United States?
The cheapest month to rent a car in the United States is January at an average cost of 165 ﷼/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in the United States when prices are 253 ﷼/day on average, which tends to be 351% above the yearly average rental price for the United States.
Which car hire company in the United States has the most locations?
Cargini operates 3 locations in the United States, more than any other rental company.
United States car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in the United States by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
155 ﷼ - 333 ﷼
All Car Types
272 ﷼ - 429 ﷼
How much does it cost to rent a small car in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a van in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in the United States?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in the United States?
Small car rentals in the United States typically cost around 241 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average 155 ﷼ per day which is about 36% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 32% cheaper than the average rental in the United States, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in the United States typically cost around 281 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 227 ﷼ per day which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 20% cheaper than the average rental in the United States, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in the United States typically cost around 291 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 214 ﷼ per day which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 17% cheaper than the average rental in the United States, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in the United States typically cost around 330 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 262 ﷼ per day which is about 21% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 6% cheaper than the average rental in the United States, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van rentals in the United States typically cost around 476 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 318 ﷼ per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 27% more expensive than the average rental in the United States, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in the United States typically cost around 276 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 204 ﷼ per day which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 22% cheaper than the average rental in the United States, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in the United States typically cost around 469 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average 323 ﷼ per day which is about 32% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 26% more expensive than the average rental in the United States, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in the United States typically cost around 496 ﷼ per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average 379 ﷼ per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 30% more expensive than the average rental in the United States, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Sixt
Medium
180 ﷼/day
150 ﷼/day
Top tips for renting a car in the United States
Many travelers choose to rent a car in the United States, as it is the best mode of transport for covering short or long distances, allowing plenty of freedom and more flexibility to explore unique landscapes. There are plenty of iconic routes that serve as road trip destinations and allow drivers to visit several states, including the classic Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Oregon Trail, and the Eastern Seaboard.
When driving in the United States, it is important to note the rules around schools and school buses. Yellow warning lights often operate in school zones, requiring traffic to slow down. The law also states that when a school bus stops to pick up children and uses its red flashing lights, traffic traveling in both directions must stop until the bus has continued moving again.
The rules on child car seat use in the United States also vary from state to state, but when in doubt, it is best to seat all kids under the age of 12 in an appropriate restraint system in the back of the car. Rental agencies can usually provide a range of different baby and child seats, with daily prices at around $14 with an agency such as Thrifty.
Most rental agencies allow their cars to be taken into any state in the continental United States, although it is always worth checking this in advance. Avis, for example, only allows cars rented in Texas to be driven within the state borders. Drivers wishing to visit the neighboring country of Mexico or Canada should also be sure to check the rental agency’s regulations before they rent a car in the United States. Some, such as Dollar, allow cross-border travel from certain locations only and impose an additional insurance charge of around $28 per day.
25% of our users found rental cars in United States for 150 ﷼ or less
Medium rental cars in United States are around 36% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in the United States
How much does it cost to rent a car in the United States?
On average a rental car in the United States costs 180 ﷼ per day.
How can I find car rentals near me in the United States?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in the United States are New York (24% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in the United States), Los Angeles (19%) and Washington, D.C. (9%).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in the United States?
On average a rental car in the United States costs 1,257 ﷼ per week (180 ﷼ per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in the United States?
On average a rental car in the United States costs 5,388 ﷼ per month (180 ﷼ per day).
What is driving like in United States?
Driving in the United States is a straightforward experience, with many wide, well-maintained roads and good signage. Although drivers will occasionally come across a toll road (also known as a turnpike), most highways are free to use. Driving in the United States is on the right side, and most rental cars will have automatic transmissions.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in United States?
To rent a car in the United States, the minimum age is 21 years, although many agencies require the driver to be 25 years of age and to have possessed their license for at least one year. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is not required for drivers from most countries. Some agencies, such as Hertz, may charge a young driver fee of around $45 per day for drivers age 21 to 24.
How much does petrol cost in United States?
Petrol stations are plentiful in the United States, although when setting off on long drives across rural or desert regions, it is advised to make sure you have a full tank of gas. Most fuel stations are self-service, with pumps that pre-authorize your credit card and charge it with the amount you reach when you’re done refueling. Attendants are usually also available, if you would prefer to pay by cash or need assistance. Most cars run on petrol, which costs around $0.85 per liter or $3.20 per gallon (prices are commonly given by the gallon).
What are the speed limits in United States?
Speed limits vary from state to state in the United States, so it is important to always be aware of local signage. In general, the fastest roads are the interstates, which have a limit of about 60 to 75 mph. State roads can have speed limits ranging from 25 to 65 mph, while county roads also vary tremendously, anywhere from 15 to 55 mph. In built-up areas, speed limits tend to be around 25 to 35 mph, and sometimes slower in school zones.
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in the United States
4909 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in the United States
2469 Locations
Avis car rental locations in the United States
1548 Locations
Budget car rental locations in the United States
1512 Locations
Thrifty car rental locations in the United States
1079 Locations
Dollar car rental locations in the United States
1058 Locations
Easirent car rental locations in the United States
437 Locations
National car rental locations in the United States
377 Locations
Sunnycars car rental locations in the United States
367 Locations
Alamo car rental locations in the United States
278 Locations
VIPCars Recommendation car rental locations in the United States
260 Locations
Arow Enterprises Corp. car rental locations in the United States
194 Locations
Car rental locations in the United States
Everything you need to know for your car rental in the United States
The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.
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