Cheap Car Hire in Southern California from just $19

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Driver's age: 26-65

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Best deals found for Southern California car hire

Find great deals below on a variety of popular hire cars in Southern California

Hyundai i20

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$19/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Kia Picanto

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$21/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Hyundai Avante

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$21/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Toyota Camry

or similar Full-size

Up to 5 passengers

$24/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Toyota Camry

or similar Standard

Up to 5 passengers

$25/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Hyundai Accent

or similar Intermediate

Up to 5 passengers

$26/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Subaru Forester

or similar Standard SUV

Up to 5 passengers

$26/day

3 Jun - 10 Jun

See offer

Kia Sportage

or similar Compact SUV

Up to 4 passengers

$27/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

or similar Premium

Up to 5 passengers

$29/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Car hire insight and trends in Southern California

Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in Southern California

What is the best car hire agency in Southern California?

The best car hire company in Southern California is Hertz. This is based on an average momondo customer rating of 5.8/10 from 1,363 reviews. If you are planning a trip to Southern California, you will be able to find Hertz at 48 locations in the region, such as in the city of San Diego.

What is the most popular type of car to hire in Southern California?

36% of momondo users prefer to hire Intermediate vehicles when visiting Southern California. You can expect daily rental prices for this type of car to be $83 on average. Rates might be different depending on what agency you hire your car from and what city you intend to visit. Keep in mind that there are also other types of rental cars available in Southern California if this one doesn’t suit your needs.

Southern California car hire deals found on momondo

Find the car hire in Southern California that's right for you

	Small cars	$56 - $100
	All Car Types	$81 - $119

The average price of a small car hire in Southern California is $75. The cheapest time to hire a small car in Southern California is in January. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A small car rental is typically 23% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern 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 Southern California small car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car hire in Southern California is $81. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in Southern California is in December. The price is 28% lower than the rest of the year at just $59 per day. A medium car rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern 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 Southern California medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car hire in Southern California is $108. The cheapest time to hire a large car in Southern California is in November. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $90 per day. A large car rental is typically 12% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern 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 Southern California large car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV hire in Southern California is $88. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in Southern California is in December. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just $73 per day. A SUV rental is typically 9% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern 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 Southern California SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van hire in Southern California is $137. The cheapest time to hire a van in Southern California is in April. The price is 12% lower than the rest of the year at just $121 per day. A van rental is typically 30% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern California 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 Southern California is $108. The cheapest time to hire a pickup truck in Southern California is in April. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just $74 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 12% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern California 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 Southern California is $107. The cheapest time to hire a luxury car in Southern California is in January. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $86 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 10% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern California 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 Southern California is $159. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in Southern California is in November. The price is 15% lower than the rest of the year at just $136 per day. A convertible rental is typically 40% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a vehicle hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.

Hyundai i20

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$19/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Kia Picanto

or similar Economy

Up to 2 passengers

$21/day

20 May - 24 May

See offer

Toyota Yaris

or similar Compact

Up to 4 passengers

$42/day

3 Jun - 10 Jun

See offer

Southern California car hire directory

All major car hire suppliers in Southern California

Budget

6.0

Okay

1018 reviews•31 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Apr 2024

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.

6.0

Okay|Sept 2023

Car interior and exterior were still dirty.

1 out of 340

Budget Locations in Southern California

Dollar

5.9

Fair

1003 reviews•11 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

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

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

Waited two hours in line to pick up the car at LAX. This is not acceptable. I then found out on return of the car at SFO that the staff member who attended to me at LAX had sold me false information about the toll pass. Tried to speak to someone at dollar about this at SFO but was told to send customer service an email. Just very poor service with dollar. My first time and most likely last time renting with them.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Zero costumer service

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Horrible

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Dollar is part of Hertz and my recent rental experience was the worst experience with a corporation I have ever had. I will never use your services again.

8.0

Very Good|Aug 2023

1. When picking up, we initially had to go down to the parking garage area because no one was at the indoor rental counter, but an associate came and asked us to come back to the indoor counter after we had waited in line for a minute. The check out process wasn't too long, maybe 15 minutes in total, but it could have been more smooth. 2. Small nit, but we are not frequent electric vehicle drivers and don't really know much about charging them. It might have been nice to have the person at the desk give us a few suggestions about where to find chargers (usually available at a hotel, do / don't go to Tesla supercharger stations) and what cable is needed. We kind of just assumed we'd be able to figure it out when we left. 3. Leaving the shared rental lot itself was very slow. There was actually only one car in front of us, but they took I would guess 5+ minutes to deal with them. There was only one attendant on duty though, so we had to wait. 4. This may be an issue with Google Map directions, but it directed us on the 2 lane road shared with cars picking up and dropping off travelers. That road was backed up. If we could have approached the drop off from a different direction, it would have saved us ~5 minutes, I think.

1 out of 335

Dollar Locations in Southern California

Hertz

5.8

Fair

1956 reviews•48 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

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

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

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2023

Excellent manager. Great car and good location

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......

1 out of 652

Hertz Locations in Southern California

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.7

Good

699 reviews•58 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

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|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

They canceled on us twice

6.0

Okay|Aug 2023

The car had less than 1/4 of fuel and the key had almost no battery. I tried to use the alternative physical key and it didn't work. The brakes were a bit noisy.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Say on the web sit that to need a return flight in order to pick up a rental

1 out of 233

Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Southern California

Sixt

7.3

Good

471 reviews•7 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Sept 2023

The guy at the counter was great

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|June 2023

Perfect

10.0

Wonderful|June 2023

Our customer service agent in Los Angeles was extremely helpful and patient. He really made me feel like I made the right choice in my rental.

4.0

Mediocre|June 2023

A better understanding as to how you deal with 3rd party payments

10.0

Wonderful|June 2023

Very fast and clean. One of the best rentals I’ve had. The person that helped me at the front desk was great!

1 out of 157

Avis

6.3

Okay

733 reviews•32 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

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

No complaints.

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.

1 out of 245

Avis Locations in Southern California

Midway

6.3

Okay

498 reviews•15 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

The staff is helpful and patient. The car was clean and the rental was a great deal.

8.0

Very Good|Feb 2024

Seemed short staffed the day I picked up. It took over an hour to get my car. But the staff is always exceptional. I appreciate their warmth and smiles even under stressed conditions. Early return of car was easy with employees there to direct me. That was appreciated. And of course my car was perfect. Thank you

2.0

Poor|Feb 2024

The charge me $138 for gas that cost like $40

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

The people were efficient and pleasant, the car was clean and reliable, only problem was upon arrival at airport finding shuttle to office

10.0

Wonderful|Feb 2024

Awesome experience and car!

2.0

Poor|Sept 2023

The sales agent forced me to upgrade the car saying that the car I had rented was no longer available and I would have to wait for who knows how long unless I upgraded. There was an entire line behind me that would also have to wait for cars unless they upgraded? The woman next to me I later found out got a small car like she rented from another agent. The whole experience was sketch….lots of angry people leaving.

1 out of 166

Midway Locations in Southern California

Thrifty

5.8

Fair

723 reviews•10 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Apr 2024

When I made the rental online from Kayak, my receipt clearly stated that the total charges for the rental would be ~$600CAD and I had also purchased insurance through Allianz for an additional $75. When I went to pick up the rental I was charged an additional $506.00USD in other fees and more insurance (apparently the insurance that was rented through Kayak was not comprehensive as stated on the website.) I was informed that I would be reimbursed $200USD when the rental car was returned. To my dismay, when I returned the rental I was charged AGAIN an additonal $506USD plus another $100USD “cleaning fee”. Completely unsatisfied and I will be contacting my credit card company to dispute these repeat charges.

8.0

Very Good|Sept 2023

No complaints.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2023

Terrible Rental desk closed upon arrival Had to rebook with another vendor Did not use this service

2.0

Poor|July 2023

I made the reservation and when I got there, they told me they could not honor it. Really sucks.

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.

1 out of 241

Thrifty Locations in Southern California

Car hire in Southern California

Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in Southern California so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Southern California?

Prices for cars in Southern California refresh daily.

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Southern California?

Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including Southern California. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to hire a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred hire company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to hire a car in Southern California?

To hire a car in Southern California, all drivers must present 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 evidence of your return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend that you verify with the specific hire company you're booking with.

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in Southern California?

Booking a car hire in Southern California via momondo could save you time and money. momondo provides you with a wide selection of options and cars as we search thousands of car hire websites and locations to enable you to make the best choice for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in Southern California?

Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great car hire in Southern California. 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 Southern California with free cancellation?

Yes momondo does have a filter to only highlight car hire deals which offer free cancellation. This filter is available for all car hire searches on momondo including those for cars in Southern California.