CheapCarRental.net Lists Most Expensive U.S. Cities for Car Rentals
Using data from CarTrawler, the survey found that New York, New Orleans and Honolulu were at the top of the list as the most expensive cities to rent a car during the survey period of April 2012 to March 2013.
CheapCarRental.net released March 21 the results of its survey comparing 50 destinations in the United States based on their car rental rates over the past 12 months.
New York City topped the list with renters paying an average of $72 per day to rent the cheapest available car. New Orleans and Honolulu ranked second and third with daily rental rates at $64 and $63 per day, respectively.
Among the least expensive destinations was San Diego, Seattle and Los Angeles with averages at $30 per day. The cheapest U.S. city to rent a car was Milwaukee with rates averaging $27 per day, according to the survey.
Top 10 Most Expensive | ||
|---|---|---|
1 | New York City | $72 |
2 | New Orleans | $64 |
3 | Honolulu | $63 |
4 | Washington, D.C. | $59 |
5 | Houston | $56 |
6 | Boston | $55 |
7 | Newark | $54 |
8 | Charlotte | $53 |
9 | Austin | $49 |
10 | Sacramento | $48 |
The car rental rates expressed in the survey were established via CarTrawler, a car rental comparison engine, according to CheapCarRental.net.
For 50 destinations in the United States, the average daily rental rate for the cheapest available car for the time period from April 2012 to March 2013 was calculated. Each city’s main airport was chosen as the “pick-up” and “drop-off” location. Rates were established about one to two weeks prior to the pick-up date and for a rental duration of five days.
More Rental Operations

Rethink The Future To Avert A Race To The Bottom
Rental car operators heard a sobering industry message and a stern challenge at the close of the International Car Rental Show.
Read More →
DriveItAway, Free2move Plan Shared Fleet Program for Independent Rental Fleet Operators
Vehicles would be placed with participating rental operations to support car renter demand and provide additional fleet capacity.
Read More →
Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Green Motion And U-Save Open Rental Operations In Guatemala
The brands will open their first rental car outlets in the country at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
Read More →
U.S. Business Travel Drives $623 Billion+ in Economic Impact as Spending Reaches $538 Billion
The data also underscores the industry’s strong multiplier effect across the U.S. economy, revealing that each dollar invested in business travel in 2024 generated $1.16 in GDP.
Read More →
Rental Fleet Sales Skating Just Above 2025 Levels
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →Grow Your Rental Business Beyond Cars
Rental fleet operations are facing numerous evolving challenges and opportunities from AI technology to rate and revenue management, to customer service and business growth.
Read More →
Using AI to Create Clarity, Not Conflict, in Rental Car Damage
Rental companies still need people, policy, judgment, and thoughtful implementation, with operators remaining in control of the customer experience.
Read More →
Get Ready To Roll: No Stopping Self-Driving Rental Cars
The autonomous mobility technology revolution will move at its own pace, but sooner rather than later.
Read More →
Southwest Airlines Selects CarTrawler For Its Car Rental Booking Platform
The platform is designed to allow customers to compare and book rental vehicles more easily during the travel booking process.
Read More →
