California

Cheap Car Rentals in California from C$ 20

Los Angeles, CA, United States
26 Mar — 2 Apr
Driver's age: 26-65
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Tue 26/3
Noon
Tue 2/4
Noon

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 19 March 2024.

Most popular company

Dollar

Most common car type

Economy

Average price per day

C$ 67

Cheapest price per day

C$ 20

What are the car hire rental 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 19 March 2024.

Price

C$ 9 - C$ 52

Out of all the popular cities in California, Palm Springs is the cheapest city to rent a car in at just C$ 9/day. Renting a car in Palm Springs is 83% cheaper than renting one in Fresno where the per day rate is around C$ 52. Other fairly inexpensive cities in California to get a rental car in are: Oakland (C$ 31/day), Long Beach (C$ 32/day), and Los Angeles (C$ 33/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 C$ 33/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 19 March 2024.

January

C$ 43

February

C$ 52

March

C$ 60

April

C$ 62

May

C$ 58

June

C$ 60

July

C$ 67

August

C$ 67

September

C$ 59

October

C$ 60

November

C$ 55

December

C$ 56

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.

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 19 March 2024.

There are currently 15,369 rental locations operating in California spread across 305 car rental agencies. In the past week, the cheapest car type to rent in California is medium car at C$ 20 a day. Below are all the 8 car types available for renting in the area, along with estimated starting prices:

Economy

Economy

C$ 40+

Compact

Compact

C$ 40+

Intermediate

Intermediate

C$ 39+

Standard

Standard

C$ 47+

Full-size

Full-size

C$ 44+

Minivan

Minivan

C$ 74+

Full-size SUV

Full-size SUV

C$ 53+

Premium

Premium

C$ 46+

Luxury

Luxury

C$ 51+

Convertible

Convertible

C$ 195+

Supplier choice

Supplier choice

C$ 39+

Compact SUV

Compact SUV

C$ 45+

Intermediate SUV

Intermediate SUV

C$ 46+

Standard SUV

Standard SUV

C$ 48+

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 19 March 2024.

Small cars

C$ 42 - C$ 80

All Car Types

C$ 53 - C$ 94

To rent a small car in California, you would pay an average price of C$ 60/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a small car in California (~C$ 42/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 80/day). In fact, January is about 30% 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 18% 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 C$ 63/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a medium car in California (~C$ 45/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 84/day). In fact, January is about 29% 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 14% 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 C$ 78/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a large car in California (~C$ 59/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 96/day). In fact, January is about 26% 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 8% 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 C$ 68/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a SUV in California (~C$ 50/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 81/day). In fact, January is about 27% 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 7% 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 C$ 97/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a van in California (~C$ 67/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 129/day). In fact, January is about 31% 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 25% 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 pick-up truck in California, you would pay an average price of C$ 41/day. July is the cheapest month to rent a pick-up truck in California (~C$ 45/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is December (~C$ 93/day). In fact, July is about 9% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a pick-up truck rental for California. When comparing with other car types available for rental in California, renting a pick-up truck saves you 44% 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 pick-up 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 C$ 93/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a luxury car in California (~C$ 71/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 121/day). In fact, January is about 24% 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 22% 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 C$ 128/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a convertible in California (~C$ 96/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~C$ 150/day). In fact, January is about 25% 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 43% 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:

Nissan SylphyC$ 22/day
4
M
A/C
Nissan Sylphy
Honda FitC$ 22/day
2
5
M
A/C
Honda Fit
Honda FitC$ 23/day
2
5
M
A/C
Honda Fit

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 19 March 2024.
  • 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 19 March 2024.
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.

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 C$ 39. Data was last updated on 19 March 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 Palm Springs. If these deals don't appeal to you, check back very soon as they are being updated frequently.
Chrysler 200C$ 20/day
5
4
M
A/C
Chrysler 200
Hyundai ElantraC$ 20/day
5
M
A/C
Hyundai Elantra
Ford FusionC$ 20/day
5
M
A/C
Ford Fusion

Car rental FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in California, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on 19 March 2024.
  • 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$ 62/day when booking a rental car in California. The best deal a user found was for C$ 26/day from Zezgo, booked on Mar. 10.

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

    According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a car hire in California from the following companies over the past two weeks: Priceless (C$ 20/day), NextCar (C$ 20/day), and Airport Van (C$ 21/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 C$ 1.30/litre over the past month, costing you anywhere between C$ 58 and C$ 84 to fill up a car’s gas tank.

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

    Dollar offers rental cars in California for about C$ 429 per week on average.

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

    Renting your favourite car model can become more difficult the closer you are to your desired travel date. It’s ideal to book early to have that peace of mind. An early booking can save you up to 28% in California - we recommend booking at least 7days in advance.

  • 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 83% on a month-long rental by booking with Zezgo. Zezgo is the cheapest rental company available within the next few months. Renting a car in California can cost you on average C$ 1,840 a month or C$ 61 a day. For extended stays in a location, this option will usually save you the most.

See more FAQs

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 C$ 38 per day. Price data was last updated on 19 March 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 Palm Springs. While researching the different options available, make sure to confirm the details of each offer to ensure they match your needs.
Chrysler 300C$ 29/day
5
M
A/C
Chrysler 300
Audi A4C$ 30/day
5
2
M
A/C
Audi A4
Chrysler 300C$ 35/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 C$ 39 per day. Price data was last updated on 19 March 2024.
Check out some of the deals we've found for van rentals in the California region, including pickup options close to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs. We're constantly updating these deals so check back soon if you don't find what you're looking for.
Dodge Grand CaravanC$ 26/day
5
M
A/C
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand CaravanC$ 28/day
5
M
A/C
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Grand CaravanC$ 28/day
5
M
A/C
Dodge Grand Caravan

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 19 March 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 (C$ 27+).

Electric

Electric

C$ 27+

Gas/Diesel

Gas/Diesel

C$ 37+

Hybrid

Hybrid

C$ 39+

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