Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in California
Prices
Companies
Other Information
What are the cheapest cities to rent a car in California?
Arcadia and Van Nuys are the cheapest cities to rent a car in California. We found that Turo is the cheapest rental car company in Arcadia costs starting at $6/day. MEXRENTACAR is the most affordable rental company in Van Nuys, with prices starting at $12/day.
What is the cheapest rental car company in California?
The cheapest rental car companies in California are Turo, Turo, and Turo. In the past 72 hours, momondo users have found rental prices starting as low as $4/day from Turo, $4/day from Turo, and $4/day from Turo.
What is the best rental car company in California?
Budget is considered the best car rental company in California based on our data - 1,842 reviews have given them an average customer satisfaction score of 6.3 out of 10. They also have 57 locations across California, including popular destinations like San Diego.
What is the most popular type of car to rent in California?
36% of momondo users prefer to rent Intermediate vehicles when visiting California. You can expect daily rental prices for this type of car to be $59 on average. Rates might be different depending on what agency you rent your car from and what city you intend to visit. Keep in mind that there are also other types of rental cars available in California if this one doesn’t suit your needs.
California car rental deals found on momondo
Find the rental car in California that's right for you
Small cars
$37 - $50
All Car Types
$46 - $63
The average price of a small car rental in California is $44. The cheapest time to rent a small car in California is in June. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $37 per day. A small car rental is typically 19% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car rental in California is $43. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in California is in January. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $35 per day. A medium car rental is typically 22% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car rental in California is $69. The cheapest time to rent a large car in California is in November. The price is 15% lower than the rest of the year at just $59 per day. A large car rental is typically 21% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV rental in California is $51. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in California is in November. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $43 per day. A SUV rental is typically 6% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van rental in California is $92. The cheapest time to rent a van in California is in January. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $76 per day. A van rental is typically 41% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California van rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a pickup truck rental in California is $71. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in California is in February. The price is 70% lower than the rest of the year at just $22 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 24% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California pickup truck rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a luxury car rental in California is $73. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in California is in November. The price is 14% lower than the rest of the year at just $64 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 26% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a convertible rental in California is $90. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in California is in January. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $72 per day. A convertible rental is typically 39% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle rental in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for California convertible rentals found on momondo in the past week.
They took forever!!!! I have never booked with them because of the line I see everytime I get into LA but I just happened to land at 1am and thought it wouldn't be busy but we had to wait 2 hours for a car... ridiculous.
4.0
Mediocre|Nov 2023
I recently picked up my car and had a terrible customer service experience. The receptionist didn't acknowledge me, didn’t give me any information and the attendants at the exit gate were rude and dismissive. They refused to document existing scratches on the car and told me to take pictures instead. Overall, the lack of politeness and poor service left a lot to be desired. This was in LA location, the drop off in San Diego was fine and fast.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2023
When I went pick up the car the Avis doesn’t have the car and I cancelled
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
Really appreciated how easy and fast the car reservation process was, both online and in-person when we arrived. Friendly and helpful agents, everything was smooth at check-in and check-out. We were grateful that they were open at 3 am when we arrived at the airport! Hours of operation, plus friendly and professional customer service made for an overall positive experience.
4.0
Mediocre|Sep 2023
Lady at check in desk was shady and ended up charging me an additional $240 for something I did t sign up for, had to spend 45 mins on the phone talking to multiple people for the refund.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
The front desk manager was savvy and helpful. Good experience. Thanks!
Very long line due to shortage of staff it took me 2 hours to get the car
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
I had to do a last minute reservation here after having a nightmare experience with another company - Hertz really won me over as a customer and most of it has to do with their all-star employee, Ahmed! He made sure to list all the rental options and add-ons (typical rental agent stuff) but was not pushy at all and was very transparent with answering all the questions I had regarding some add-ons. Ahmed mentioned possible upgrades to my reservation which I declined, the CDW insurance - which I declined and he did not get pushy or upset about it, just made sure my credit card had the rental coverage and then made sure I had personal injury insurance which is required in CA which I did have since I have my own car insurance. The car was a 2023 Hyundai which was very nice (unfortunately the light interior (rear seat) was already stained by a previous renter but apart from that I was VERY HAPPY!
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Terrible customer service and an effort to price gouge.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Dollar was good. Hertz terrible although I know Hertz owns Dollar. Hertz confirmed my San Diego International Airport two days before my flight with the pick up in Tia Juana. I called to straighten it out and they blamed it on Kayak. They said they could get me a car at the airport for $1,100 or about $700 more then original quote. Only when I kept complaining did they do a "courtesy" and book me on Dollar. A Hertz hussle.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Booked for pickup at LAX but the reservation somehow showed another location and for only one of the two days I prepaid for. The counter agent offered a smaller car for triple the prepaid price. I had to cancel the bait and switch
Alamo's insurance is very pricy and strangely structured. For example, if you get their comprehensive insurance, it doesn't also include liability - you have to purchase that extra. If their insurance was simpler and more affordable, I would have purchased it.
2.0
Poor|Apr 2025
Told me I’d get a VW Jetta, got a Kia soul instead. Also found previous renters trash in center console.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
It was expensive.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
It was great
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Comfort car. Very easy to pickup and return. To improve- the car was good but not new. It already done 150k km before I took it
Pick up and drop off was quick and easy. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
Jake was extremely helpful with my rental pickup, and quick and efficient as I had to make an appointment shortly after pickup. Thanks Jake and enterprise!
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
Wonderful experience. And the enterprise employee named Terrill Jones went above and beyond for excellent customer service.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
Very Good, nice and helpful people. Teri was really helpful even though it was super early in the Morning! Thank You! Highly Recommended!
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
We got in a little late and the gentlemen at the counter was very kind and patient to wait for us to get things organized. He was supposed to close the counter and stayed open a little later for us. I don't remember his name but do remember he was from Massachusetts. Getting the car was super quick as well.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
It was great.
1 out of 157
View Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in California
I had a quote for $320 and ended up getting charged $720. I will never rent from them again and I was ripped off
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2023
The guy at the counter was great
6.0
Okay|Sep 2023
The pickup experience was terrible. We waited in line for more than 2 hours and they seemed very understaffed. However, we got a very nice car despite paying for the cheapest one and were very happy with the car as well as the drop off experience.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Very quick and efficient. Would highly recommend them
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
After an unpleasant experience at a competing rental company m, our experience through Sixt was a breeze. We were helped by Steven who went above and beyond. If even half the company has the same work ethic as him, I’d recommend them In a heartbeat.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Amazing and easy I’m glad I booked here. Dave was really helpful.
No physical documents. Only email. Not convenient.
4.0
Mediocre|Jun 2025
Car wasnt clean. Made an extra charge even though reservation was payed in advance
2.0
Poor|Apr 2025
Waiting in line for a rental pick up in this day and age is ridiculous. Doing so in an uncomfortable parking garage with no seating even more so. Add that to the not-very-pleasant people working there (barking at waitining customers, no eye contact mumbling at counter) and you get the picture. Plus, the car itself had terrible highway noise. Going with the recognized "brand" turned out not to be much better than the super-economical rental agency I decided against.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2024
My $58.10 rental turned out to be $108.83!! WDF?! Base Rate: Taxable Products/Services*: Non-Taxable Products/Services: Rental Sales Tax: Net Charges: $45.90 $30.42 $26.60 $5.91 $ 108.83
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Horrible communication and continually charged me unfairly.
Long wait for pickup, and the worse part was they require to see proof of insurance online instead of my proof of insurance on paper. There security is $1000, which is unusually high. I got an email the day of arrival saying they recommend I walk to their office or shuttle will take at least 30 min. Overall, it’s clear they do not take service into consideration.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2024
Except for a fairly long line at pickup, the rest of the experience was seamless. Such a well-organized process! Wonderful car. Thx!
2.0
Poor|Sep 2024
The wait to get a car was 2.5 hours. As I’m in line, I can hear the representatives & how kindly they treat the other clients. When I got to the counter with my reservation that had unlimited miles, they discriminated against me and told me the car was for 150 miles only and I would have to pay 50 cents per miles after that. The funny thing is, they never asked for my ID, they never asked to see my reservation, they never asked where I was headed, they never asked for my flight information like they did everyone else. They decided that I wasn’t fit to drive their rental car. To give more context, I had on a t-shirt & shorts because it was hot outside. I also wear a mask when traveling due to the overexposure to people and germs. I am in my 30s but most people think I’m in my 20s. I am a doctor and I have my own business. I was traveling for the holiday weekend because my aunt passed away and I missed my last hospital visit because I couldn’t get to my destination because of the older gentleman at the counter decided to treat me less than human. I’m currently grieving but I have reached out to my lawyer to see what can be done about this situation because I lost a lot this day that I can never get back. I hope the people who work the front counter at the LAX location find peace because I did not ask for any special accommodation, I was never rude nor did I argue with anyone like other customers who still received a car unlike me. I just would like to be treated like everyone else.
6.0
Okay|Jul 2024
1.Lower rates. I paid $152 for a one day rental. Seems a bit high. 2. Better airport shuttle. Took 45 mins for a shuttle to arrive to take us to the airport.
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2024
The gentleman who assisted us at pick up was par-excellent. His name is L.C. at Midway LAX The vehicle we reserved was not ready at pickup but L.C. resolved the matter to our satisfaction. The workers in the car return area are quick, polite and very efficient. Thank you MIDWAY! We will definitely rent from MIDWAY again. Sincerely, Juan Willis and Annie Willis 06/08/24
Would have been nice if they had car quoted on lot. They did not and gave me an acceptable alternative.
8.0
Very good|Jul 2024
Like every rental property in the Country, the gentleman doing the job - by himself did a great job. He could have used a minimum of one more person. The line became long, but he handled it well
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2024
Heather was amazing in Palm Springs
2.0
Poor|Mar 2024
Dollar failed to honor my reservation. I was yelled at by the two men at the Dollar desk for showing them my reservation. They told me they didn't have a car reserved for me and ordered me to leave. I have been traveling for business for the past 14 years and I have never been treated so poorly and with such contempt as I was by the two men working for Dollar. I will never use Kayak or Dollar again.
10.0
Wonderful|Dec 2023
Dejligt at dollar ikke prøvet at sælge os en masse ex forskring og større bil han var nem og hjælp som
8.0
Very good|Sep 2023
It was easy pick up and drop off
1 out of 180
View Dollar Locations in California
Car rental in California
Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in California so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
How much does it cost to rent a car in California?
In the past week, our users have found California car rental prices for as low as about $5/day and as high as $122/day, which is a 96% price difference. Keep in mind that the average price to rent a car in California is $57/day, which can change depending on what type of car you rent and what agency you rent it from.
When is the best time to rent a car in California?
The most ideal time of year to rent a car is in February, which is when prices are often the cheapest. Our users have found rental car prices averaging $17 per day when booking in February. In contrast, May is the least ideal time to rent a car. Prices in California during this month tend to be $224 per day on average. Don’t forget to book your California car rental at least 2 days in advance for the best deals.
How long do people rent a car when staying in California?
The most popular number of days to rent a car in California is 7 days, at an average daily price of $45. Only need a rental car for a weekend? Average weekend prices are $109 total. For your week-long California road-trip you can find prices averaging $318 altogether or for a whole month, costs can be in the region of $1,856.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in California?
Prices for cars in California are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in California?
There are 810 operators available for cars in California as of July 2025.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including California. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to rent a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred rental company before booking.
What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in California?
When renting a car in California, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in California?
Choosing momondo to search for rental cars in California makes sense because it is quick and free of charge. We find all the rental car prices and policies, you simply choose what works best for you and your trip.
How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in California?
momondo makes it easier for you to find great car rentals in California, by allowing you to refine your search with numerous filtering options. You can narrow your selection by looking at price, car type, location and more.
Does momondo show car rental deals in California with free cancellation?
Yes you can filter specifically for car rental companies in California offering free cancellation on momondo.
Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in California on momondo?
Yes, momondo has a filter for fair fuel policies on car rentals in California.
Can I find a car rental in California which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Yes, momondo can show you specific deals which include enhanced cleaning on car rentals in California.
Can I search for rental cars in California with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Absolutely. You can specifically filter for rental car deals in California with unlimited mileage on momondo.
An easier way to manage your California trip
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