Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Philadelphia Named Most Expensive Car Rental City

After comparing rental rates in 50 U.S. cities, CheapCarRental.net found that Philadelphia had the highest daily rate at $83 for August.

by Staff
August 9, 2016
Philadelphia Named Most Expensive Car Rental City

Philadelphia has been named the most expensive U.S. city for rental rates, according to a CheapCarRental.net survey. Photo via Wikimedia.

2 min to read


Philadelphia has been named the most expensive U.S. city for rental rates, according to a CheapCarRental.net survey. Photo via Wikimedia.

Philadelphia has been named the most expensive car rental city on the cheapest available car, according to a new survey from CheapCarRental.net.

In determining the rankings, the survey compared 50 main destinations in the U.S. based on their car rental rates during the month of August.

Ad Loading...

In the City of Brotherly Love, car renters will have to pay an average of $83 per rental day for the cheapest available rental car, according to the survey. Seattle finished in second with average rates of $81 while Boston finished third with an average of $81 per rental day.

On the opposite end, the least expensive U.S. car rental city is Orlando with an average rate of only $26 per day. Other Florida destinations, including Miami, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, were at the bottom of the list with daily rates from $28 to $32.

The prices shown reflect the average daily rate for the cheapest available car during the period spanning August 1–31, 2016. For comparative purposes, each city's airport was chosen as the pick-up and drop-off location.

The following tables show the 10 most expensive U.S. car rental destinations and the 10 cheapest rental car destinations:

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities:

Ad Loading...

- Philadelphia: $83
- Seattle: $81
- Boston: $80
- Chicago: $73
- Detroit: $71
- Portland: $69
- Cincinnati: $67
- Indianapolis: $61
- Denver: $61
- Cleveland: $60

10 Cheapest Cities:

- Charlotte: $43
- Phoenix and Honolulu: $42
- Las Vegas and Los Angeles: $41
- San Diego: $40
- Fort Lauderdale: $32
- Tampa: $30
- Miami: $28
- Orlando: $26

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...