Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in California
Companies
Other Information
What is the best car hire agency in California?
The best car hire company in California is Budget. This is based on an average momondo customer rating of 6.1/10 from 1,212 reviews. If you are planning a trip to California, you will be able to find Budget at 46 locations in the region, such as in the city of San Diego.
What is the most popular type of car to hire in California?
The most popular type of cars to hire in California are Full-size cars. This type of car costs $104 per day on average. 44% of users prefer to hire Full-size cars in California due to price, availability, and their planned activities.
California car hire deals found on momondo
Find the car hire in California that's right for you
Small cars
$56 - $88
All Car Types
$74 - $112
The average price of a small car hire in California is $72. The cheapest time to hire a small car in California is in November. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A small car rental is typically 22% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California small car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car hire in California is $77. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in California is in November. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $59 per day. A medium car rental is typically 18% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car hire in California is $111. The cheapest time to hire a large car in California is in November. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $90 per day. A large car rental is typically 17% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California large car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV hire in California is $85. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in California is in November. The price is 23% lower than the rest of the year at just $67 per day. A SUV rental is typically 8% less expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van hire in California is $131. The cheapest time to hire a van in California is in November. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $100 per day. A van rental is typically 30% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California van hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a pickup truck hire in California is $98. The cheapest time to hire a pickup truck in California is in November. The price is 50% lower than the rest of the year at just $50 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 7% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California pickup truck hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a luxury car hire in California is $121. The cheapest time to hire a luxury car in California is in August. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $90 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 24% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for California luxury car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a convertible hire in California is $132. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in California is in March. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $109 per day. A convertible rental is typically 31% more expensive than the average rental car in California. The average price of a vehicle hire in California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
They took forever!!!! I have never booked with them because of the line I see everytime I get into LA but I just happened to land at 1am and thought it wouldn't be busy but we had to wait 2 hours for a car... ridiculous.
4.0
Mediocre|Nov 2023
I recently picked up my car and had a terrible customer service experience. The receptionist didn't acknowledge me, didn’t give me any information and the attendants at the exit gate were rude and dismissive. They refused to document existing scratches on the car and told me to take pictures instead. Overall, the lack of politeness and poor service left a lot to be desired. This was in LA location, the drop off in San Diego was fine and fast.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2023
When I went pick up the car the Avis doesn’t have the car and I cancelled
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Really appreciated how easy and fast the car reservation process was, both online and in-person when we arrived. Friendly and helpful agents, everything was smooth at check-in and check-out. We were grateful that they were open at 3 am when we arrived at the airport! Hours of operation, plus friendly and professional customer service made for an overall positive experience.
4.0
Mediocre|Sept 2023
Lady at check in desk was shady and ended up charging me an additional $240 for something I did t sign up for, had to spend 45 mins on the phone talking to multiple people for the refund.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
The front desk manager was savvy and helpful. Good experience. Thanks!
Very long line due to shortage of staff it took me 2 hours to get the car
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
I had to do a last minute reservation here after having a nightmare experience with another company - Hertz really won me over as a customer and most of it has to do with their all-star employee, Ahmed! He made sure to list all the rental options and add-ons (typical rental agent stuff) but was not pushy at all and was very transparent with answering all the questions I had regarding some add-ons. Ahmed mentioned possible upgrades to my reservation which I declined, the CDW insurance - which I declined and he did not get pushy or upset about it, just made sure my credit card had the rental coverage and then made sure I had personal injury insurance which is required in CA which I did have since I have my own car insurance. The car was a 2023 Hyundai which was very nice (unfortunately the light interior (rear seat) was already stained by a previous renter but apart from that I was VERY HAPPY!
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Terrible customer service and an effort to price gouge.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Dollar was good. Hertz terrible although I know Hertz owns Dollar. Hertz confirmed my San Diego International Airport two days before my flight with the pick up in Tia Juana. I called to straighten it out and they blamed it on Kayak. They said they could get me a car at the airport for $1,100 or about $700 more then original quote. Only when I kept complaining did they do a "courtesy" and book me on Dollar. A Hertz hussle.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Booked for pickup at LAX but the reservation somehow showed another location and for only one of the two days I prepaid for. The counter agent offered a smaller car for triple the prepaid price. I had to cancel the bait and switch
Alamo's insurance is very pricy and strangely structured. For example, if you get their comprehensive insurance, it doesn't also include liability - you have to purchase that extra. If their insurance was simpler and more affordable, I would have purchased it.
2.0
Poor|Apr 2025
Told me I’d get a VW Jetta, got a Kia soul instead. Also found previous renters trash in center console.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
It was expensive.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
It was great
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Comfort car. Very easy to pickup and return. To improve- the car was good but not new. It already done 150k km before I took it
Pick up and drop off was quick and easy. Staff was very friendly and helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Jake was extremely helpful with my rental pickup, and quick and efficient as I had to make an appointment shortly after pickup. Thanks Jake and enterprise!
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Wonderful experience. And the enterprise employee named Terrill Jones went above and beyond for excellent customer service.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Very Good, nice and helpful people. Teri was really helpful even though it was super early in the Morning! Thank You! Highly Recommended!
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
We got in a little late and the gentlemen at the counter was very kind and patient to wait for us to get things organized. He was supposed to close the counter and stayed open a little later for us. I don't remember his name but do remember he was from Massachusetts. Getting the car was super quick as well.
I had a quote for $320 and ended up getting charged $720. I will never rent from them again and I was ripped off
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
The guy at the counter was great
6.0
Okay|Sept 2023
The pickup experience was terrible. We waited in line for more than 2 hours and they seemed very understaffed. However, we got a very nice car despite paying for the cheapest one and were very happy with the car as well as the drop off experience.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Very quick and efficient. Would highly recommend them
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
After an unpleasant experience at a competing rental company m, our experience through Sixt was a breeze. We were helped by Steven who went above and beyond. If even half the company has the same work ethic as him, I’d recommend them In a heartbeat.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Amazing and easy I’m glad I booked here. Dave was really helpful.
No physical documents. Only email. Not convenient.
4.0
Mediocre|June 2025
Car wasnt clean. Made an extra charge even though reservation was payed in advance
2.0
Poor|Apr 2025
Waiting in line for a rental pick up in this day and age is ridiculous. Doing so in an uncomfortable parking garage with no seating even more so. Add that to the not-very-pleasant people working there (barking at waitining customers, no eye contact mumbling at counter) and you get the picture. Plus, the car itself had terrible highway noise. Going with the recognized "brand" turned out not to be much better than the super-economical rental agency I decided against.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2024
My $58.10 rental turned out to be $108.83!! WDF?! Base Rate: Taxable Products/Services*: Non-Taxable Products/Services: Rental Sales Tax: Net Charges: $45.90 $30.42 $26.60 $5.91 $ 108.83
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Horrible communication and continually charged me unfairly.
Long wait for pickup, and the worse part was they require to see proof of insurance online instead of my proof of insurance on paper. There security is $1000, which is unusually high. I got an email the day of arrival saying they recommend I walk to their office or shuttle will take at least 30 min. Overall, it’s clear they do not take service into consideration.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2024
Except for a fairly long line at pickup, the rest of the experience was seamless. Such a well-organized process! Wonderful car. Thx!
2.0
Poor|Sept 2024
The wait to get a car was 2.5 hours. As I’m in line, I can hear the representatives & how kindly they treat the other clients. When I got to the counter with my reservation that had unlimited miles, they discriminated against me and told me the car was for 150 miles only and I would have to pay 50 cents per miles after that. The funny thing is, they never asked for my ID, they never asked to see my reservation, they never asked where I was headed, they never asked for my flight information like they did everyone else. They decided that I wasn’t fit to drive their rental car. To give more context, I had on a t-shirt & shorts because it was hot outside. I also wear a mask when traveling due to the overexposure to people and germs. I am in my 30s but most people think I’m in my 20s. I am a doctor and I have my own business. I was traveling for the holiday weekend because my aunt passed away and I missed my last hospital visit because I couldn’t get to my destination because of the older gentleman at the counter decided to treat me less than human. I’m currently grieving but I have reached out to my lawyer to see what can be done about this situation because I lost a lot this day that I can never get back. I hope the people who work the front counter at the LAX location find peace because I did not ask for any special accommodation, I was never rude nor did I argue with anyone like other customers who still received a car unlike me. I just would like to be treated like everyone else.
6.0
Okay|July 2024
1.Lower rates. I paid $152 for a one day rental. Seems a bit high. 2. Better airport shuttle. Took 45 mins for a shuttle to arrive to take us to the airport.
10.0
Wonderful|June 2024
The gentleman who assisted us at pick up was par-excellent. His name is L.C. at Midway LAX The vehicle we reserved was not ready at pickup but L.C. resolved the matter to our satisfaction. The workers in the car return area are quick, polite and very efficient. Thank you MIDWAY! We will definitely rent from MIDWAY again. Sincerely, Juan Willis and Annie Willis 06/08/24
Although they reversed it after two emails and a phone call, they originally charged me $30 for gas even though the vehicle was returned full.
6.0
Okay|Nov 2024
Would have been nice if they had car quoted on lot. They did not and gave me an acceptable alternative.
8.0
Very Good|July 2024
Like every rental property in the Country, the gentleman doing the job - by himself did a great job. He could have used a minimum of one more person. The line became long, but he handled it well
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2024
Heather was amazing in Palm Springs
2.0
Poor|Mar 2024
Dollar failed to honor my reservation. I was yelled at by the two men at the Dollar desk for showing them my reservation. They told me they didn't have a car reserved for me and ordered me to leave. I have been traveling for business for the past 14 years and I have never been treated so poorly and with such contempt as I was by the two men working for Dollar. I will never use Kayak or Dollar again.
10.0
Wonderful|Dec 2023
Dejligt at dollar ikke prøvet at sælge os en masse ex forskring og større bil han var nem og hjælp som
1 out of 180
Dollar Locations in California
Car hire in California
Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in California so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
How long do people hire a car for when staying in California?
The most popular length of time momondo users hire a car in California is 7 days. For a 7-day hire the average daily price is $68, though prices are subject to change depending on the type of car you hire and what city you stay in. To hire a car for a week in general is $478 on average, and for a weekend hire, expect to pay a total of $164 on average. Month-long California car hire are generally about $2,789 in total depending on your dates.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in California?
Prices for cars in California are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in California?
As of September 2025, there are 693 operators available to choose from for cars in California.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including California. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be applied. We advise that you read the policy of your chosen hire company before making a reservation.
What documentation or ID do you need to hire a car in California?
All drivers must have a valid full driving license when hiring a car in California. If the license is written in a different language from the country of hire, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're hiring a car overseas, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. It is always advisable to check with the individual hire company you're booking with.
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in California?
Using momondo to book a car hire in California could save you time and money. momondo searches thousands of car hire websites and locations to provide you with a wide selection of options and cars to choose from.
How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in California?
Once you have performed a search for a car hire in California, momondo will show the results and enable you to find the best deal by using our filters; here you can narrow your search down by vehicle type, price, agencies and a multitude of policies that can apply.
Does momondo show car hire deals in California with free cancellation?
Yes, momondo allows you to filter specifically for car hire companies in California offering free cancellation.
Can I hire a car with a fair fuel policy in California on momondo?
Absolutely! momondo offers this feature when searching for a car hire in California.
Can I find a car hire in California which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Yes, momondo shows deals with enhanced cleaning services for hire cars in California.
Can I search for car hire in California with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on car hire in California on momondo.
An easier way to manage your California trip
We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.
momondo and its partners wish to use cookies or similar technologies to store and/or access information on and about your device and process personal data such as your IP address, device identifiers etc., in order to improve your experience on the site, to analyse navigation, to offer and measure personalised advertising, and to facilitate sharing on social networks. We also allow the use of third-party cookies (including those from our advertising partners) on our sites.
By clicking 'Accept', you consent to your data being processed by 0 vendors on this web site for the purposes described in this notice. You can review the vendors and their individual processing purposes on the .
To review individual processing purposes and cookie categories, please click ’Select individual purposes’. You can review your choices and withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the ’Privacy Preferences’ link in the page side navigation.