Sometimes, it’s inconvenient to drive your own car to a destination. Maybe you’re planning a long-distance move and don’t trust your car to make the drive. Or, perhaps you need a hot rod to cruise around on your exotic vacation.
If this describes you, you’ll likely consider renting a car. However, many people are reluctant to investigate car rental services. First, they must answer the all-important question: “How much does it cost to rent a car?”
If this is the question keeping you up at night, don’t worry! We’ll explore the average car rental cost and what factors affect it below. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car?
The average car rental cost depends on several factors, including location, company, and the time of year. However, most rentals in the US cost between $50 and $100 per day. For a week, you may expect to pay between $300 and $700.
However, as we’ve mentioned, several factors can affect this cost. We’ll examine these factors in the following sections.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Dates
Your dates can play a significant role in determining how much your rental costs. Since car rental prices vary frequently, it’s often better to book in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to order your rental.
As you may expect, some dates are more popular for renting. If you can, it’s often best to avoid holidays and peak seasons. Doing so can secure much cheaper rental rates.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Location
Some locations are more expensive than others for pick-up and drop-off. Usually, airport rentals are much more expensive, despite their convenience.
Other factors could also affect the price. For example, renting one-way tends to be more expensive. This extra cost is because the rental company charges a fee to return the car to its final location.
How Much You Drive
Car rental prices vary dramatically based on how much you drive them. When you rent a car, you’ll choose between limited and unlimited mileage plans. Each plan has varying rates for mileage.
Choosing the right plan for your trip is crucial for cost-effective renting. So, consider the purpose of your trip when you purchase these mileage plans.
Will this be a road trip with friends? Or, will you only drive to run quick errands?
Car Category
Another critical factor of car rental prices is the car category you choose. Although companies name their categories differently, all follow a common principle.
That principle is this: the bigger and fancier the car, the more you’ll pay for it. It’ll cost much more to rent a convertible Mustang than it will a modest Carolla. However, if you want a luxury vehicle, you can find them through services like SHAiR.
Find the Car Rental You Need
As you can see, several factors affect the question: “how much does it cost to rent a car?” So, before you rent, consider the purpose of your rental car.
How often do you expect to drive? What vehicle do you need for this trip? Once you figure this out, search for “car rental near me!”
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