The average car rental price by city can vary greatly. Before you plan your next vacation destination, get inspired by some of the least expensive cities in the U.S. to rent a car, according to CheapCarRental. If you’re looking to rent a car for cheaper, check out Avail’s promotions.
1. Orlando, FL ($120/week)
Orlando helps Florida become the cheapest state to rent a car for a week. It’s good news, since Orlando is home to some of the country’s biggest amusement park attractions, including Disney World and Universal Studios Florida. Driving between parks won’t break your budget, and you may even get inspired to explore the city beyond Disney.
2. Los Angeles, CA ($130/week)
Los Angeles comes in a close second for having the cheapest car rentals. Plus, public transportation isn’t that great in the city, so it’s smart to rent rather than shelling out for Ubers the entire time. And if you’re in the mood for adventure, there are plenty of attractive day trips to consider, like San Diego or Santa Barabara.
3. Tampa Bay, FL ($157/week)
Tampa Bay is another city contributing to Florida’s status as one of the cheapest states to rent a car. Relax at the beaches at Fort De Soto Park, or take in some art at the Salvador Dali Museum. Busch Gardens theme park is also a great alternative to some of the larger options in Orlando.
4. Miami, FL ($163/week)
You can definitely craft a budget vacation in Miami, thanks to low car rental prices and tons of public beaches. Then you can save your money to take in some Cuban cuisine and experience the exciting nightlife. Families can also have fun at places like the Children’s Museum or the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
5. Columbus, OH ($168/week)
Looking for a Midwest getaway? Consider Columbus, with weekly car rental rates averaging just $168. Grab some local produce at the North Market, then browse the Short North Arts District. Round out your trip by taking in a show at the Ohio Theatre.
6. Las Vegas, NV ($149/week)
You could definitely plan a trip to Las Vegas and check out the Strip’s major casinos on foot. But you might also want to branch out in your rental car and see some of the surrounding nature, like Red Rock Canyon. For engineering fanatics, the Hoover Dam is also a can’t-miss opportunity that’s just a 45-minute drive away from the excitement of downtown Las Vegas.
7. San Diego, CA ($197/week)
Car rental prices start to creep up when heading to San Diego. But having a set of wheels helps you maximize your time there. Once you’ve gotten your fix at the beach, start exploring places like Balboa Park. It’s home to the San Diego Zoo, plus some beautiful Spanish-Renaissance style architecture. Continue your tour of historic buildings by heading to the Gaslamp Quarter, which is full of Victorian buildings, not to mention plenty of restaurants to explore.
8. San Francisco, CA ($198/week)
After flying into San Francisco, your cheap rental car can take you back and forth across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Take a break from driving and opt for the city’s cable cars. When you need a break from the city, get back behind the wheel and visit the Armstrong Redwoods Forest, which is about two hours away.
9. St. Louis, MO ($199/week)
While St. Louis isn’t the cheapest city to rent a car, it is the last place to get a week-long rental for under $200. During your trip, check out a Cardinals baseball game, then drive out for a day at Six Flags amusement park. There are also plenty of trails to explore at the Forest Park, home to the 1904 World’s Fair.
10. Oakland, CA ($200/week)
Across the bay from San Francisco, Oakland offers a little bit of everything, from top-notch dining to cultural attractions to family-friendly parks. Check out Temescal for diverse ethnic restaurants. If you’re traveling with young kids, take a walk through Children’s Fairyland at Lake Merritt, which is said to have given inspiration to Walt Disney for his own theme parks. Finally, get in touch with your inner nerd at the Chabot Space and Science Center.
