Cheap Car Rentals in California from C$ 19
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in California with a pick-up date of 14/9 and drop-off date of 16/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
California car rentals in 2025
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 11 julio 2025.
Most popular company | MEXRENTACAR |
|---|---|
Most common car type | Intermediate |
Average price per day | C$ 70 |
Cheapest price per day | C$ 19 |
Popular car types in California
Explore the most popular car models available for rent in California and choose the one that suits your needs. The price data is sourced from various car rental companies and was last updated on 11 julio 2025.
There are currently 17,581 rental locations operating in California spread across 356 car rental agencies. In the past week, the cheapest car type to rent in California is small car at C$ 19 a day. Below are all the 8 car types available for renting in the area, along with estimated starting prices:
Economy
C$ 19+
Compact
C$ 21+
Intermediate
C$ 23+
Standard
C$ 28+
Full-size
C$ 34+
SUV
C$ 102+
Minivan
C$ 58+
Full-size SUV
C$ 55+
Premium
C$ 39+
Luxury
C$ 48+
Convertible
C$ 94+
Pick-up truck
C$ 50+
Premium SUV
C$ 56+
Supplier choice
C$ 24+
Compact SUV
C$ 30+
Intermediate SUV
C$ 34+
Standard SUV
C$ 38+
Open-air all-terrain
C$ 66+
Luxury SUV
C$ 71+
Compare car rental deals in California by type
Here are the best California small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Here are the best California convertible rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Best car rental deals found in California
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 C$ 39. Data was last updated on 11 julio 2025.
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 Palm Springs. If these deals don't appeal to you, check back very soon as they are being updated frequently.
Cheapflights insights for California car rentals
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 I rent a car in California?
To get the best deal on a rental car in California, book about 7 days before your trip. At that point, average daily prices are around C$ 59, which is about 12% cheaper than the typical rate.
What is the cheapest rental car company in California?
In California, the most affordable rental car company right now is MEXRENTACAR , offering prices from just C$ 13.68/day over the past two weeks. Another budget-friendly choice is Priceless, with rates starting at C$ 15.91/day.
What is the best car rental company in California?
Based on Cheapflights user feedback, the highest-rated car rental company in California is Budget (rated 6.3/10 with 1,133 reviews). Hertz (rated 6.1/10 with 1,255 reviews) is also highly rated by our users.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in California?
Planning a car rental in California? February is the cheapest month, costing about C$ 59 per day. In contrast, July is the most expensive, with an average daily rate of C$ 85. Monthly average rental prices are listed below. Remember, prices can change based on when you book, the type of car, and availability.
January
C$ 60
February
C$ 59
March
C$ 63
April
C$ 69
May
C$ 72
June
C$ 73
July
C$ 85
August
C$ 78
September
C$ 71
October
C$ 71
November
C$ 71
December
C$ 76
What car do most people rent in California?
The most popular types of cars to rent in California are the following: SUV rentals (Chevrolet Equinox or similar), Standard rentals (Chevrolet Equinox or similar), and Premium rentals (Chevrolet Equinox or similar).
Which car rental company has the most locations in California?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has 106 locations throughout the area, more than any other company. Hertz has the second-highest number of locations in California at 87.
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 400 pickup locations in California to choose from. Price data has been averaged over the last 12 months and was last updated on 11 julio 2025.
If you're looking for the best car rental deals in California, start with Los Angeles, where rates average C$ 16/day. You can also find good prices in Santa Ana (C$ 32/day), San Diego (C$ 35/day), and San Jose (C$ 41/day).
Tips for renting a car in California
Browse helpful tips for renting a car in California including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on 11 julio 2025.
- If you are going to California and getting a rental car with kids in tow, make sure you know the child seat laws for this state. Kids under the age of 8 years old and those shorter than 4’9” must be in an appropriate child seat or booster seat in the back of the car. If you need a seat for your child, you should request one in advance to make sure it is available on the day that you pick up your car, as most car rental companies have a limited number of child seats for rent.
- The state of California has several toll roads, including the Antioch Bridge, State Route 241, State Route 133, and several others. If you know you will be using toll roads, you should ask your rental car provider if they offer a prepaid program for the rental car, since you are not the owner of the vehicle and the tolls can therefore not be traced back to you. Most of the toll roads accept both cash and card, but there are a few that only accept one or the other.
- California borders Mexico, and some people getting car rentals in California may want to drive down to Mexico. If this is your case, you need to ask your rental car company before crossing the border in California car rentals. Some may allow you to do so, while others will not. Certain vehicle categories, such as luxury vehicles, may always be restricted from crossing the border. Crossing the border will also usually incur extra charges, paperwork, and insurance, so it is important to get all of this done before hitting the road.
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 11 julio 2025.
Rent a car with one of the top providers serving the California region, including those located within the Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs area. Browse through some of the top rental car agencies in California, including locations around Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs.
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Hertz
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Alamo
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Avis
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Car rental FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in California, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 11 julio 2025.
Should I rent a car in the state of California?
Car rentals in California are a fantastic way to see everything this diverse state has to offer. You can explore Yosemite National Park and the many natural attractions in and around that area. Lake Tahoe is another popular destination. Then you can head south to Los Angeles or San Diego and hit the beach and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. California car rentals allow you to take these road trips on your own schedule and at your own pace, adding flexibility to your itinerary.
What is driving like in California?
Driving in California is pretty easy and safe. The roads are paved and in good condition across the state, and you will have plenty of scenic drives to take advantage of. The local drivers are quite friendly, especially in northern California and in the more rural areas. Los Angeles, though, is notorious for having horrible traffic, which can sometimes add hours to your commute time depending on the area and destination. With a bit of patience, though, driving across the state in California rental cars will be an easy and relaxed experience.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in the state of California?
You must be at least 21 years of age in order to get car rentals in California. Some car rental companies may restrict those under 25 from renting certain vehicle categories, like luxury vehicles. You also may be charged a daily young driver’s fee if you are under the age of 25. Aside from your driver's license, you will need a major credit card to put down the deposit and pay for the rental vehicle. Renters from outside the US will also need a valid passport and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if their license is not written in the Roman alphabet. Some rental agencies may also need proof of insurance, so be sure to check your chosen agency’s specific requirements before heading there to pick up your car rental.
What is the cheapest rental car found in California?
In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under C$ 54/day when booking a rental car in California. The best deal a user found was for C$ 23/day from Turo, booked on Jul. 6.
How much does it cost to rent a car in California for a week from Turo?
Turo offers rental cars in California for about C$ 420 per week on average.
Can I rent a car for a month in California?
The length of time you can book a rental for is subject to the inventory of the supplier. When renting a vehicle from California it should be possible to rent a car for a whole month if needed.
How much does it cost to rent a car in California for a month?
You can potentially save up to 89% on a month-long rental by booking with Turo. Turo is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in California can cost you on average C$ 1,798 a month or C$ 60 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.
Car rentals by fuel type in California
Browse car rentals by fuel type in California. Currently, Hybrid cars are the cheapest to rent in California. Deals were last updated on 11 julio 2025.
Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in California. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Hybrid being the cheapest (C$ 19+).
Electric
C$ 21+
Gas/Diesel
C$ 23+
Hybrid
C$ 19+