Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Santa Barbara
Companies
Other Information
What is the cheapest rental car agency in Santa Barbara?
The cheapest rental cars in Santa Barbara are generally found through Turo. When booking with Turo, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $10/day. The average price to rent a car in Santa Barbara is $53/day.
What car do most people rent in Santa Barbara?
When renting a car in Santa Barbara, most of our users will opt for the Honda CR-V at $72/day on average. The second most popular is the Toyota Corolla car rental for an average of $67/day. Our users have found Honda CR-V rentals in Santa Barbara for as low as $52/day and Toyota Corolla rentals for as low as $27/day.
Santa Barbara, California car rental deals found on momondo
Find the rental car in Santa Barbara that's right for you
Small cars
$66 - $100
All Car Types
$79 - $96
The average price of a small car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $75. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in November. The price is 14% lower than the rest of the year at just $66 per day. A small car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $70. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in April. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A medium car rental is typically 20% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $111. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in August. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $90 per day. A large car rental is typically 23% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $80. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 17% lower than the rest of the year at just $68 per day. A SUV rental is typically 7% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $139. The cheapest time to rent a van in Santa Barbara, the United States is in May. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $107 per day. A van rental is typically 38% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara van rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a pickup truck rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $37. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in Santa Barbara, the United States is in February. The price is 41% lower than the rest of the year at just $22 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 58% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara pickup truck rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a luxury car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $99. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in April. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $76 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 13% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a convertible rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is $119. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $98 per day. A convertible rental is typically 27% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara convertible rentals found on momondo in the past week.
Excellent customer service at the Santa Barbara airport location.
2.0
Poor|May 2023
Didn’t have the car I ordered. Car they gave me hadn’t been cleaned and it was blocked in by 5 other cars, so took 30 minutes to get out.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Friendly helpful staff
2.0
Poor|Mar 2023
We asked for no insurance as we carry our own. It was added and at $25 a day it added 25% to our total bill. As a courtesy the return assistant deducted $40.
Able to pick up downtown Santa Barbara on a Saturday. Friendly staff, easy pick up and drop off, brand new car (1700 mi). No hassle rental.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2022
Easy pick and up and drop off. New and clean car, gas tank full, great experience as always!
8.0
Very good|Jul 2022
The pick up line was pretty Long at SBC. Attendant worked as best as able with number of people.
10.0
Wonderful|Jul 2022
Seth was excellent
6.0
Okay|Jul 2022
Loved the Mustang. Perfect car for a California road trip. I had reserved a convertible, however, and because I arrived 6 hours after my reserved pick-up time, I had to settle for a hardtop. My fault (though I really had no idea about timing when I booked the trip months ago), but I felt a bit overcharged paying the same price as a convertible. Sure, Avis puts them in the same class, but obviously, convertibles are far rarer as leased vehicles and should cost more. That's life, I guess. My other comment is I dearly wish Avis rented vehicles with manual transmissions. I realize it's a dying breed because fat, lazy Americans only know how to drive automatics, but why encourage such sloth? Distinguish yourselves in the marketplace by offering a few sticks. At purchase, such cars are a bit cheaper anyway, and you can rent them for the same or more than an automatic, so it's win-win for everyone. Giving in to American tastes is just lowering the bar. These people still buy minivans and eat at McDonald's, and no one ever went broke underestimating consumers in this nation. All of which is to say, offer more manuals, please.
They were short cars but still made sure I got a nice car and on my way. Very nice at the Santa Barbara location and Santa Maria as well. Thank you. Both agents super helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Great team. Thanks!
2.0
Poor|Nov 2022
They did not have a car available and we could not reach our destination as scheduled. Our vacation was ruined.
4.0
Mediocre|Oct 2022
The car we had reserved was not available and the only other car was a mini-van. We went to another car rental agency.
6.0
Okay|Jun 2022
Was ok.. was told didnt have a van at first then i got a bit bothered and a van showed up.. lady that helped me at last was nice
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2022
The staff was fantastic! Did not get his name but he was superior! He had been there a year& he us currently assistant manager! Tall very sociable knowledgeable person! Will try to get his name & send in to you!
Terrible booking , no explanation why I could not book , left counter walked next counter to hertz to get a car … Fk Alamo
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2022
easy processing. great staff.
1.9
Poor|Sep 2021
Despite having a confirmed reservation, there was no cars available to me when I arrived at the counter. I was referred to a competitor at the next door counter where I ended up paying more, but at least I got a car!
5.9
Fair|Aug 2021
My rental car was not clean on the inside or outside. I’m not as concerned with the outside because I understand that’s harder to control, but I expected the inside to be spotless given the current state of the world. Instead, it was dusty, had sticky spots from a spilled beverage (I’m assuming), & dirt footprints throughout the car, such as on the passenger side (where I have not been sitting, or had a passenger). Additionally, there were no disinfecting wipes in the car for me to use to clean, which I’ve received in other rentals during the pandemic, so I had to use the ones I’d packed myself to clean the inside of the car to my comfort. It felt as if the car had just been dropped off by the previous renter, then handed off to me. I know there is a rental car shortage, & cars are in much higher demand right now as travel resumes, but as a renter I would hope that my safety is the highest priority! Adding this on top of what I paid for this rental car, I will not rent from Alamo again.
2.0
Poor|Jun 2021
I only had a debit card, no notes were given on needing a actual credit card online ( unless you are flying into SB airport lol) but was told that the down town location would take debit. ( which makes no sense.) Desk person would not help call downtown location to see if they had any vehicles like I had reserved at the airport location. Not willing to help. Poor customer service.
Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in Santa Barbara
Most Popular Agency
Turo
Popular Car Types
Intermediate, Luxury, Economy
Cheapest Rental Car
$18
Most Popular Model
Class Special Car
The most popular Santa Barbara car rental agency found on momondo this month is Turo. Other top choices for car rental companies are Thrifty and Dollar
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Santa Barbara in the past 72 hours: Intermediate, Luxury, Economy.
The lowest price for a rental car in Santa Barbara is $18/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $49/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Santa Barbara in the past 7 days is the Class Special Car. Our users also prefer the Honda CR-V as an alternative.
Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Santa Barbara so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
How much will it cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara, California in September?
To rent a car in Santa Barbara for a weekend in September, we found prices as low as $36 with an average of $83. Users looking for a one-week rental in Santa Barbara for September saw an average deal of $61 - but quotes as low as $28 were available depending on dates and car options.
Is there a fee to cancel my Santa Barbara, California car rental?
Every rental car company in Santa Barbara has a different cancellation policy. At momondo, we will always disclose in the car rental search results whether or not an agency has a cancellation fee. Some of the top car rental companies in Santa Barbara include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Hertz, so be sure to check if they offer free cancellation.
What is the best type of car to rent in Santa Barbara during September?
The best way to enjoy the sites in Santa Barbara during the month of September is in a Convertible rental car. You are less likely to run into any instances of precipitation or colder weather, because Santa Barbara has an average temperature of 60.8 °F and average rainfall of 0.4″ during the month of September. Renting a Convertible in Santa Barbara will cost you $130/day on average.
What is the speed limit in Santa Barbara, California?
25 mph is the city speed limit for Santa Barbara, which also applies to surrounding towns and other urban centers. The suburban speed limit and the speed limit for highways around Santa Barbara are 75 mph and 75 mph, respectively. If you rent a car in Santa Barbara, be aware that these speed limits may be strictly enforced.
What car rental company has the Chevrolet Equinox in Santa Barbara?
Alamo has Chevrolet Equinox rentals available in Santa Barbara for $92/day on average. Availability for the Chevrolet Equinox rental in Santa Barbara may vary, so try not to schedule your car rental last-minute.
What is the weather like in Santa Barbara, CA in August?
In August, Santa Barbara usually gets 0″ of precipitation and has an average temperature of 62.6 °F. This information can be very helpful when looking at rental cars in Santa Barbara as it can help you make the best decision.
Is the weather in Santa Barbara similar to the rest of California?
Travelers looking to leave from Santa Barbara on a road trip around California or the surrounding areas during the month of August should expect temperatures around 73.4 °F and about 0.1″ of possible rain through the month.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in Santa Barbara?
Prices for cars in Santa Barbara are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in Santa Barbara?
There are 12 operators available for cars in Santa Barbara as of August 2025.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
Among different countries, including Santa Barbara, the minimum age for drivers varies. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be imposed. It's recommended that you review the policy of the rental company you're considering before booking.
What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
To rent a car in Santa Barbara, all drivers must have a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.
Traveling to a place near Santa Barbara?
Rent a car at Santa Barbara if you plan to visit one of these locations
Avalon
Big Bear
Ojai
Lake Arrowhead
Capistrano Beach
Montecito
California City
Winchester
San Marino
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Santa Barbara?
Using momondo to book a car rental in Santa Barbara could save you time and money. momondo searches thousands of car rental websites and locations to provide you with a wide selection of options and cars to choose from.
How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Santa Barbara?
Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great rental car in Santa Barbara. Narrow your search using price and map features as well as filtering by fuel or mileage policies amongst many other filters available.
Does momondo show car rental deals in Santa Barbara with free cancellation?
Of course! momondo has a dedicated filter for users to specifically look at car rentals in Santa Barbara which offer free cancellation.
Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Santa Barbara on momondo?
Yes, momondo has a filter for fair fuel policies on car rentals in Santa Barbara.
Can I find a car rental in Santa Barbara which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Enhanced cleaning services can be found on all car rental locations on momondo including Santa Barbara.
Can I search for rental cars in Santa Barbara with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on rental cars in Santa Barbara on momondo.
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