Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in San Diego
Companies
Other Information
What is the cheapest car hire agency in San Diego?
The cheapest car hire in San Diego are generally found through Economy Rent a Car. When booking with Economy Rent a Car, you may be able to find car hire prices for as low as $21/day. The average price to hire a car in San Diego is $21/day.
What car hire company in San Diego has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the most locations of any car hire company in San Diego, with 14 locations.
What car do most people hire in San Diego?
Nissan Pathfinder hire and Mitsubishi Outlander hire in San Diego are the two most popular car models, according to our data. Nissan Pathfinder hire prices in San Diego can vary depending on what company you hire from, but our users have found that prices average $77/day and can be as low as $61/day. Mitsubishi Outlander hire prices can also vary, but tend to average $76/day, with the cheapest deals as low as $47/day.
San Diego, California car hire deals found on momondo
Find the car hire in San Diego that's right for you
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Small cars
$44 - $93
All Car Types
$65 - $93
The average price of a small car hire in San Diego, the United States is $69. The cheapest time to hire a small car in San Diego, the United States is in December. The price is 37% lower than the rest of the year at just $44 per day. A small car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle hire in San Diego 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 San Diego small car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car hire in San Diego, the United States is $70. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $52 per day. A medium car rental is typically 12% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle hire in San Diego 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 San Diego medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car hire in San Diego, the United States is $85. The cheapest time to hire a large car in San Diego, the United States is in August. The price is 32% lower than the rest of the year at just $59 per day. A large car rental is typically 9% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle hire in San Diego 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 San Diego large car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV hire in San Diego, the United States is $82. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $62 per day. A SUV rental is typically 5% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle hire in San Diego 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 San Diego SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van hire in San Diego, the United States is $72. The cheapest time to hire a van in San Diego, the United States is in June. The price is 10% lower than the rest of the year at just $66 per day. A van rental is typically 8% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle hire in San Diego 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 San Diego van hire found on momondo in the past week.
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.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Nice staff
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Both the interiors and exteriors of the vehicles that we had were dirty and damaged. Rental cars were not serviced regularly. We went through 3 vehicles; one of them died in a parking lot while we were eating lunch. Roadside Assistance was going to take more than 2 hours to reach us for a jump-start; more contractors are needed to help rental customers. We then had to drive out of our way to switch out of the 2nd car.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
The car was nice, easy to drive and clean. The only issue was finding parking for return. Staff was very friendly.
2.0
Poor|July 2023
I said I’d pick-up at 5:00 PM. We arrived at 5:20 PM slowed by heavy traffic and the office was closed!! Very disappointed! Could not pickup next day, Had to leave San Diego at 6:00 AM!
2.0
Poor|June 2023
The pick up process was against aggravating, for some reason they were asking for two forms of picture ID, and at the end ended up accepting a non picture ID as my second form of ID. They angered me for no reason. So right off the start I regret renting with these people. I rent cars often and this was the first time this has happened, must be a budget thing… so never again
Horrible communication and continually charged me unfairly.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
I was denied a car because I did not have a foreign license. I booked while I was overseas and but have an American license. They refused to give me a car. Then I had to go through a long process to try to get the money back. Still have not received it and it’s been nearly 1 month. Will never book with Avis/Budget again.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Pickup location was not clear and we ended up in the wrong place, having to rent a car to get to the one we originally requested. Luckily, the staff at the 2nd location was able to help us keep our original rental with minimal problems-they were exemplary!
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Falsely advertised Fees charges, and Gas mileage
4.0
Mediocre|July 2023
I booked online with Avis. It said there was a car available. I paid for an Uber to get to the location. When I arrived, she said they had no car for me! So, from there, I had to Uber (fee of $59) to airport location with more selection of cars. I told them what happened and they didn’t try to give me any inconvenience discount and the guy didn’t seem to care at all. I asked him to give me an economy car, but he ignored my request. He gave me a midsize, even when there were other smaller cars available! Not only that, he asked for another ID other than my DL and my CC?! Why? I am 51 years old, not 25 and under! Is it because I look young. Discrimination! Never again will I use Avis! I usually go to other car rental companies, like Hertz. They never gave me a hard time.
2.0
Poor|June 2023
When we made the reservation, you booked the car by Tijuana even though I had made the reservation for the San Diego International airport. That caused quite the confusion at the counter. Why was the car booked there instead of the airport? The price was much higher than what our reservation indicated. they are now giving me a refund for the difference.
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
You booked my rental 30 minures from the airport!!!
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
I rented the car for San Diego airport. However, it was not the main San Diego airport!!! It was an airport 30 miles south of the main airport. When I booked the car, it said San Diego airport -- not that it was 30 miles south. I was originally to pay around $420. I ended up paying $940!!! I feel as if I was tricked to renting the original job. I won't use Kayak again......
4.0
Mediocre|Aug 2023
My reservations was missing.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Easy pick up and return
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Kayak booked my reservation for pickup at Tijuana Airport instead on San Diego Airport so when I arrived at the counter in San Diego there was no reservation and I ended up having to pay almost tipple the reservation rate
They over charge me and in top of that they charge twice, Mex rental car is a fuckig scam. I gonna publish it in all social media plataforms. Never rent a car whit Kayak or Mex rental car. All you guys a a fraud
2.0
Poor|Oct 2022
They have a lot of additional requirements to rent that are discriminatory against military members and in my opinion violate the service member civil relief act.
2.0
Poor|Oct 2022
This was the poorest most chaotic, misleading rental I have ever booked. I will never rent from this company, OR KAYAK, EVER again.
2.0
Poor|Sept 2022
I couldn’t pick up the car because they asked for different documents, they requested a different amount and they didn’t allow me to cancel the reservation.
2.0
Poor|Sept 2022
No Mex Car agency at the San Diego Airport
8.0
Very Good|Sept 2022
The clerk that helped me was very honest and the vehicle I rented was in very good condition. I think the security deposit was higher than what was disclosed on the post and I wish the post was upfront about it. I did get my entire deposit back and everything turned out good.
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|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.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Say on the web sit that to need a return flight in order to pick up a rental
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
So fast, easy, and efficient! Specifically the San Diego airport operation is amazing. Totally different than the normal car rental experience
10.0
Wonderful|June 2023
Very friendly and helpful
10.0
Wonderful|June 2023
Staffs in the Mira Mesa office were super nice and helpful
Pick up and drop off the fastest and easiest I have ever had
6.0
Okay|Feb 2023
While I was shopping for rentals, I found an x5. I do realize that it could have been an x5 or similar. Right, when I confirmed, the price changed to $100 more. On the confirmation it showed a Mercedes. On the day of pick up. They had a Volvo for us. I mentioned that I was suppose to get a Mercedes. They informed me that they did not have Mercedes but for more money. I could get what I originally had picked the x5. Almost 200 more! So in total is was about 300 more. I feel like that was such a scam!!!!
10.0
Wonderful|Jan 2023
Really easy and quick return of deposit.
10.0
Wonderful|Dec 2022
The representative that assisted me when renting was professional and well versed in the offerings available at that time and assisted in getting us into a vehicle when our initial pre-paid vehicle wasn't in. Everything was done right and return was smooth. Thanks for your services.
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.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Never even got to get a rental.. Paid through kayak and was told using a third party was a big mistake by Dollar. They wanted a $500 deposit bc I had a debit card. Ended up losing money and using a different car service called Turo.
2.0
Poor|May 2023
We arrived at 12:30am and, along with several other customers, to discover they had no cars despite all of us having reservations. They locked the doors & wouldn’t talk to us for awhile, then told us all to come back the next day. We had to take an Uber 45 minutes to and from our hotel. Will not use them again- terrible customer service. What is the point if a reservation if they don’t hold a car for you!?
4.0
Mediocre|Apr 2023
They need to show to underage prices
8.0
Very Good|Mar 2023
The only problem was there were no cars readily available. We waited about 45 minutes after we went to the check-in counter. We passed on taking the electric vehicle, so waited for the next.
Terrible Rental desk closed upon arrival Had to rebook with another vendor Did not use this service
2.0
Poor|July 2023
They overcharged me, need to call customer support to fix
4.0
Mediocre|Feb 2023
It took me 41 minutes waiting in line to get a car. It should be better staffed given the pint of reservations that day.
2.0
Poor|Feb 2023
We reserved a Mustang convertible ( or similar ) but were told that none were available. We could upgrade to a premium convertible, which we agreed to, but were then told that because we didn’t have a paper copy of our car insurance policy, we couldn’t rent it. We were then told that a convertible WAS available, so we lugged our luggage to the space only to find it empty. No one was in the car area (it was now 11:45 pm). We lugged our luggage back to the office and the manager couldn’t be located, but we were told that there was a BMW convertible available. Back we went, loaded our luggage into the car, but the roof was not working. An employee tried to assist us, but was unable to get it to work…after consulting the owners manual and multiple attempts. We were then given the choice of a sedan. We left the airport rental facility at 12:30 am, exhausted and disappointed! Doesn’t matter to Thrifty what type of vehicle you “reserve” and pre-pay for!! NEVER AGAIN!!! Done with Thrifty!!!
2.0
Poor|Jan 2023
2 hour wait to pick up. This is the second time this has happened, went next door to Sixt and was on my way in about 8 minutes as I didn’t have the time to wait in a ridiculously long line. LOTS of unhappy people.
Get the overview on great hire deals, popular car hire companies, and best car types for your visit in San Diego
Popular Car Types
Compact, Intermediate, Full-size
Cheapest Hire Car
$55
Most Popular Model
Nissan Pathfinder
The following car types were offered at car hire companies in San Diego in the past 72 hours: Compact, Intermediate, Full-size.
The lowest price for a car hire in San Diego is $55/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $60/day.
The most popular car model to hire in San Diego in the past 7 days is the Nissan Pathfinder. Our users also prefer the Mitsubishi Outlander as an alternative.
Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in San Diego so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
Is there a fee to cancel my San Diego, California car hire?
In most cases, there is no fee when you cancel your San Diego car hire. You can check to see whether or not your preferred car hire company in San Diego offers free cancellation when booking with momondo.
What is the speed limit in San Diego, California?
The speed limit in San Diego is 40 km/h, unless otherwise stated on road signs. San Diego also has a suburban speed limit of 120 km/h which is strictly enforced. If you find yourself on a motorway in San Diego, be aware that the speed limit is generally 120 km/h.
What car hire company has the Mitsubishi Outlander in San Diego?
Thrifty is the most popular car hire company in San Diego that has Mitsubishi Outlander hire. Mitsubishi Outlander hire in San Diego is around $67/day when hiring from Thrifty.
What is the weather like in San Diego, CA in January?
In January, San Diego usually gets 51 mm of precipitation and has an average temperature of 14 °C. This information can be very helpful when looking at hire cars in San Diego as it can help you make the best decision.
Is the weather in San Diego similar to the rest of California?
If you’re looking for a San Diego hire car for a road trip to the surrounding areas during the month of January it’s important to know that the rest of California typically has a temperature of 12 °C and will usually expect 76.5 mm of precipitation.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in San Diego?
Prices for cars in San Diego are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in San Diego?
As of January 2026, there are 151 operators available to choose from for cars in San Diego.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in San Diego?
The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including San Diego. 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 San Diego?
All drivers must have a valid full driving license when hiring a car in San Diego. 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.
Travelling to a place near San Diego?
Hire a car at San Diego if you plan to visit one of these locations
Lemon Grove
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in San Diego?
Using momondo to book a car hire in San Diego 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 San Diego?
Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great car hire in San Diego. Narrow your search using price and map features as well as filtering by fuel or mileage policies amongst many other filters available.
Does momondo show car hire deals in San Diego with free cancellation?
Yes, whether it is for cars in San Diego or elsewhere, momondo allows you to filter specifically for policies that offer free cancellation.
Can I hire a car with a fair fuel policy in San Diego on momondo?
Yes, simply select the fair fuel policy filter after performing a search for hire cars in San Diego on momondo.
Can I find a car hire in San Diego which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
You certainly can. momondo has a dedicated filter for enhanced cleaning services for all car hire locations including San Diego.
Can I search for car hire in San Diego with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on car hire in San Diego on momondo.
An easier way to manage your San Diego trip
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