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Driver's age: 25-65
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Car hire insight and trends in Santa Barbara
Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California car hire deals found on momondo
Find the car hire in Santa Barbara that's right for you
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$67 - $90
All Car Types
$104 - $146
The average price of a small car hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $78. The cheapest time to hire a small car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 16% lower than the rest of the year at just $67 per day. A small car rental is typically 39% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a medium car hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $96. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in May. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $80 per day. A medium car rental is typically 25% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a large car hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $99. The cheapest time to hire a large car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in May. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $80 per day. A large car rental is typically 23% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a SUV hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $144. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $111 per day. A SUV rental is typically 12% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a van hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $223. The cheapest time to hire a van in Santa Barbara, the United States is in March. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just $178 per day. A van rental is typically 43% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a pickup truck hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $96. The cheapest time to hire a pickup truck in Santa Barbara, the United States is in July. The price is 45% lower than the rest of the year at just $54 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 25% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a luxury car hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $142. The cheapest time to hire a luxury car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $118 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 10% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
The average price of a convertible hire in Santa Barbara, the United States is $157. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 14% lower than the rest of the year at just $136 per day. A convertible rental is typically 19% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle hire in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.
Santa Barbara car hire directory
All major car hire suppliers in Santa Barbara, California
Excellent customer service at the Santa Barbara airport location.
2.0
Poor|May 2023
Didn’t have the car I ordered. Car they gave me hadn’t been cleaned and it was blocked in by 5 other cars, so took 30 minutes to get out.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Friendly helpful staff
2.0
Poor|Mar 2023
We asked for no insurance as we carry our own. It was added and at $25 a day it added 25% to our total bill. As a courtesy the return assistant deducted $40.
Able to pick up downtown Santa Barbara on a Saturday. Friendly staff, easy pick up and drop off, brand new car (1700 mi). No hassle rental.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2022
Easy pick and up and drop off. New and clean car, gas tank full, great experience as always!
8.0
Very Good|July 2022
The pick up line was pretty Long at SBC. Attendant worked as best as able with number of people.
10.0
Wonderful|July 2022
Seth was excellent
6.0
Okay|July 2022
Loved the Mustang. Perfect car for a California road trip. I had reserved a convertible, however, and because I arrived 6 hours after my reserved pick-up time, I had to settle for a hardtop. My fault (though I really had no idea about timing when I booked the trip months ago), but I felt a bit overcharged paying the same price as a convertible. Sure, Avis puts them in the same class, but obviously, convertibles are far rarer as leased vehicles and should cost more. That's life, I guess. My other comment is I dearly wish Avis rented vehicles with manual transmissions. I realize it's a dying breed because fat, lazy Americans only know how to drive automatics, but why encourage such sloth? Distinguish yourselves in the marketplace by offering a few sticks. At purchase, such cars are a bit cheaper anyway, and you can rent them for the same or more than an automatic, so it's win-win for everyone. Giving in to American tastes is just lowering the bar. These people still buy minivans and eat at McDonald's, and no one ever went broke underestimating consumers in this nation. All of which is to say, offer more manuals, please.
They were short cars but still made sure I got a nice car and on my way. Very nice at the Santa Barbara location and Santa Maria as well. Thank you. Both agents super helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Great team. Thanks!
2.0
Poor|Nov 2022
They did not have a car available and we could not reach our destination as scheduled. Our vacation was ruined.
4.0
Mediocre|Oct 2022
The car we had reserved was not available and the only other car was a mini-van. We went to another car rental agency.
6.0
Okay|June 2022
Was ok.. was told didnt have a van at first then i got a bit bothered and a van showed up.. lady that helped me at last was nice
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2022
The staff was fantastic! Did not get his name but he was superior! He had been there a year& he us currently assistant manager! Tall very sociable knowledgeable person! Will try to get his name & send in to you!
Terrible booking , no explanation why I could not book , left counter walked next counter to hertz to get a car … Fk Alamo
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2022
easy processing. great staff.
1.9
Poor|Sept 2021
Despite having a confirmed reservation, there was no cars available to me when I arrived at the counter. I was referred to a competitor at the next door counter where I ended up paying more, but at least I got a car!
5.9
Fair|Aug 2021
My rental car was not clean on the inside or outside. I’m not as concerned with the outside because I understand that’s harder to control, but I expected the inside to be spotless given the current state of the world. Instead, it was dusty, had sticky spots from a spilled beverage (I’m assuming), & dirt footprints throughout the car, such as on the passenger side (where I have not been sitting, or had a passenger). Additionally, there were no disinfecting wipes in the car for me to use to clean, which I’ve received in other rentals during the pandemic, so I had to use the ones I’d packed myself to clean the inside of the car to my comfort. It felt as if the car had just been dropped off by the previous renter, then handed off to me. I know there is a rental car shortage, & cars are in much higher demand right now as travel resumes, but as a renter I would hope that my safety is the highest priority! Adding this on top of what I paid for this rental car, I will not rent from Alamo again.
2.0
Poor|June 2021
I only had a debit card, no notes were given on needing a actual credit card online ( unless you are flying into SB airport lol) but was told that the down town location would take debit. ( which makes no sense.) Desk person would not help call downtown location to see if they had any vehicles like I had reserved at the airport location. Not willing to help. Poor customer service.
Car was clean, comfortable and economical. Transfers were effortless
10.0
Wonderful|June 2022
Fortunately not a long wait and we enjoyed the car!
2.0
Poor|Nov 2021
ended up somehow being a non changeable/transferrable reservation and I had covid related travel issues. I will never book with Kayak or Dollar again after this, and have been enjoying working directly with Enterprise
3.9
Poor|Sept 2021
Dollar in Santa Barbara, California did not have a car ready for me, where I was told there would be a 45 minute wait. It turned out to be 30, but in the meantime the staff seemed to indicate I had all this trouble since I went through PriceLine. I wanted to reduce the number of days I would keep the car, and they proceeded to name 3 different prices as a result of the change, each was more than I had paid through PriceLine. The additional cost were a host of taxes that were not included in the PriceLine amount I paid that amounted to an additional 20%.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2021
Manager at the Santa Barbara Airport was very helpful. 7 am pickup, car ready by 7:30 which was perfect. Their cars are older, mine was a 2019 with over 50K miles but got us safely from Santa Barbara to LA and then to San Diego.
1 out of 2
Dollar Locations in Santa Barbara
Quick facts about car hire in Santa Barbara
Get the overview on great hire deals, popular car hire companies, and best car types for your visit in Santa Barbara
Cheapest Hire Car
$52
Most Popular Model
Class Special Car
The lowest price for a car hire in Santa Barbara is $52/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $61/day.
The most popular car model to hire in Santa Barbara in the past 7 days is the Class Special Car.
Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in Santa Barbara so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
Is there a fee to cancel my Santa Barbara, California car hire?
In most cases, there is no fee when you cancel your Santa Barbara car hire. You can check to see whether or not your preferred car hire company in Santa Barbara offers free cancellation when booking with momondo.
What is the speed limit in Santa Barbara, California?
Travellers who hire a car in Santa Barbara should be aware that the city’s speed limit is 40 km/h. Suburban speed limits around Santa Barbara are generally 120 km/h, whereas speed limits on motorways are 120 km/h. Keep in mind that speeds may change depending on what road you’re travelling on, so be on the lookout for posted signage.
What is the weather like in Santa Barbara, CA in May?
Those looking for a hire car in Santa Barbara during the month of May should expect temperatures to be around 15 °C and should expect around 0 mm of precipitation. This information can be helpful when choosing which car you’d like to rent.
Is the weather in Santa Barbara similar to the rest of California?
Travellers looking to leave from Santa Barbara on a road trip around California or the surrounding areas during the month of May should expect temperatures around 17 °C and about 9.1 mm of possible rain through the month.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in Santa Barbara?
Prices for cars in Santa Barbara are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in Santa Barbara?
The number of operators available for cars in Santa Barbara is 13 as of May 2026.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Santa Barbara. In many EU countries drivers must be 18 years old. As a rule, you’ll need to be 21 to hire a car abroad, and a young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25. We recommend reading through the policy of your chosen hire company before booking.
What documentation or ID do you need to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
To hire a car in Santa Barbara, all drivers must have a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of hire, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're hiring a car abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We recommend that you verify with the specific hire company you're booking with.
Travelling to a place near Santa Barbara?
Hire a car at Santa Barbara if you plan to visit one of these locations
El Segundo
Universal City
Buena Park
Arcadia
Malibu
Garden Grove
San Pedro
Laguna Beach
Marina del Rey
Redondo Beach
Pomona
La Mirada
Monrovia
Dana Point
Westminster
Baldwin Park
Fountain Valley
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in Santa Barbara?
Choosing momondo to search for car hire in Santa Barbara makes sense because it is quick and free of charge. We find all the rental car hire prices and policies, you simply choose what works best for you and your trip.
How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in Santa Barbara?
Once you have performed a search for a car hire in Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara with free cancellation?
Free cancellation is a policy that can be filtered on momondo car hire searches for Santa Barbara and all other locations. Availability may vary by location.
Can I hire a car with a fair fuel policy in Santa Barbara on momondo?
Fair fuel policies are specifically available to select on momondo, allowing you to refine your search for car hire in Santa Barbara.
Can I find a car hire in Santa Barbara which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Yes, car hire in Santa Barbara with enhanced cleaning options can be searched for on momondo.
Can I search for car hire in Santa Barbara with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Yes, car hire deals in Santa Barbara with unlimited mileage can be found on momondo.
An easier way to manage your Santa Barbara trip
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