Cheapest city to rent a car in 2023

The average car rental price by city can vary greatly. Before you plan your next vacation, get inspired by some of the cheapest places to rent a car in the U.S. to rent a car, according to NerdWallet.

1. Charlotte, NC

Average cost per week: $490

Charlotte is a charming city, but you’ll need a car to get around the area easily. Check out Freedom Park and the Mint Museum, and then head to the NoDa neighborhood to enjoy Southern comfort food at Haberdish, a favorite among Charlotte locals. 

There are great attractions outside the city, too. Pack up the car and drive to Crowders Mountain State Park for hiking and rock climbing, or visit nearby towns like Boon and Asheville. 

2. Orlando, FL

Average cost per week: $519

As the amusement park capital of the U.S., Orlando’s top attractions include Disney World and Universal Studios Florida Theme Park. However, that’s not all there is to do here. Visit Gatorland to see alligators, crocodiles and more up close, and then make your way to ICON Park or Disney Springs for shopping and entertainment. 

For a day trip outside Orlando, check out Daytona Beach or St. Augustine, or head to Cape Canaveral to visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. 

3. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Average cost per week: $545

Whether you want to experience culture, stroll through nature or dig into history, Dallas has it all. Check out the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood for live music and classic Texas barbecue, stroll the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which is dedicated to the life, times and assassination of John F. Kennedy. 

Outside the city, escape into nature at Lake Arrowhead State Park or Turner Falls State Park. For antiquing, there’s no place better than the nearby town of Waco. 

4. Denver, CO

Average cost per week: $548

While Denver is known for its proximity to some of the country’s best natural attractions, there are plenty of fun things to do in the city before you head out of town. Start your trip with a visit to Larimer Square — the city’s oldest neighborhood — and then stroll around Washington Park, the 16th Street Mall or the RiNo Art District to get a feel for what makes Denver so unique.

Outside the city, options for day trips from Denver are plentiful, depending on how far you want to drive. Red Rocks Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are must-visits for any Denver trip, but if you have a few days, Garden of the Gods, Fort Collins and Breckenridge are great places to explore, too. 

5. Atlanta, GA

Average cost per week: $558

Stretch your legs in Midtown Atlanta at Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and then make your way to the Georgia Aquarium, which is the largest aquarium in the U.S. and houses upwards of 100,000 animals from hundreds of species. At sunset, catch a bird’s-eye view of downtown Atlanta from the comfort of a climate-controlled, private gondola on the SkyView Ferris wheel. 

If you have a rental car, check out the nearby college town of Athens or visit Stone Mountain Park to hike more than 15 miles of nature trails.

6. Seattle, WA

Average cost per week: $566

A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, followed by a ride on a Washington State Ferry to take in an amazing view of Puget Sound. These are three of the city’s top attractions for a reason. 

Seattle is also surrounded by some of the most picturesque sights in the Pacific Northwest. Head to Whidbey Island, North Cascades National Park or the nearby town of Leavenworth, which feels like a charming Bavarian village.

7. Los Angeles, CA

Average cost per week: $568

Public transportation is famously lacking in Los Angeles, so many visitors opt to rent a car instead of continuously shelling out for rideshares. Check out nationally famous attractions like the Hollywood sign, Museum of Motion Pictures and Griffith Observatory, or take in panoramic city views after a hike at Runyon Canyon Park.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, there are plenty of unique day trips to consider, like San Diego, Santa Barbara or further afield to Joshua Tree National Park.

8. Las Vegas Valley, NV

Average cost per week: $588

Although you don’t necessarily need a car to enjoy the casinos and nightlife on the Las Vegas Strip, you might decide to explore beyond the neon lights and get into nature, like at Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire State Park. For engineering fanatics, the Hoover Dam is a can’t-miss opportunity that’s just a 45-minute drive away from the Strip. Stop in at The Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas to learn about the history of organized crime, or have a surreal immersive art-meets-escape-room experience at Meow Wolf Omega Mart.

9. Phoenix, AZ

Average cost per week: $598

With its desert climate, Phoenix offers many unique attractions, and having a set of wheels can help you maximize your time there. Stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden and S’edav Va’aki, and then drive to Camelback Mountain for a hike with sweeping views from the top. Make sure to visit Fry Bread House to sample savory and sweet fry bread, a traditional food in many Native American cultures. 

For a day trip, venture into the desert to visit Saguaro National Park, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park or the charming town of Flagstaff.

10. Chicago, IL

Average cost per week: $671

Rounding out the list of the cheapest cities to rent a car in is Chicago, the largest city in the Midwest with plenty of things to do. While you may not need a car in Chicago due to the city’s robust public transportation system, it can make a great addition to your trip if you have a packed itinerary or are leaving the downtown area. Start with a morning stroll on the Lakefront Trail, then visit the Museum of Science and Industry or join a kayak tour on the Chicago River. 

For a quick day trip, head north to explore the Chicago Botanic Garden or vibrant college town of Evanston, home to Northwestern University. If you have more time, Indiana Dunes National Park and Saugatuck, Michigan, are local favorites. 

Get around in an affordable rental car

If your trip takes you to Chicago or Denver, Avail car sharing can help you get around with ease and for less. We have dozens of convenient neighborhood locations, and they all offer self-service pick-up and drop-off so you can get on your way without waiting in a single line. Bookings include a second driver at no added cost, and every trip is protected by Allstate insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can drive off worry-free.