Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in California with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in California?
You should book your rental car in California around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in California?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis (RM 30.59/day), Hertz (RM 30.73/day) and Alamo (RM 38.08/day).
What is the most popular rental car in California?
Hires in the Medium category (Honda Accord or similar) are the most popular option in California, costing RM 206/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as RM 143/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in California?
The cheapest month to hire a car in California is January at an average cost of RM 171/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in California when prices are RM 237/day on average, which tends to be 355% above the yearly average hire price for California.
Which car hire company in California has the most locations?
Avis operates 55 locations in California, more than any other car hire company.
California car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in California by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
RM 85 - RM 171
All Car Types
RM 225 - RM 316
How much does it cost to hire a small car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in California?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in California?
How much does it cost to hire a van in California?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in California?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in California?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in California?
Small car hire in California typically costs around RM 133 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average RM 85 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 52% cheaper than the average car hire in California, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in California typically costs around RM 244 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average RM 174 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 11% cheaper than the average car hire in California, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in California typically cost around RM 223 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average RM 189 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 19% cheaper than the average car hire in California, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in California typically costs around RM 241 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average RM 204 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 12% cheaper than the average car hire in California, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in California typically costs around RM 519 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average RM 344 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 48% more expensive than the average car hire in California but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in California typically costs around RM 238 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average RM 206 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 13% cheaper than the average car hire in California, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in California typically costs around RM 333 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average RM 297 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average car hire in California but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in California typically costs around RM 323 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average RM 263 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 16% more expensive than the average car hire in California but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Hertz
Medium
RM 243/day
RM 198/day
Top tips for hiring a car in California
All car hirers in California are required to produce a valid driver's licence with an expiration date that does not fall within the present hire period. You can also hire a car even if you don't have a licence issued by the US government. All you need to do is present a passport and either an international licence or your licence from Australia.
When two cars meet on a steep road and neither can pass, the car facing downhill is required to back up to let the other pass, since when backing up a slope, the car that is facing downhill has more control. When it comes to stop signs in California, they are more frequent than traffic lights. All motorists must come to a full stop at any stop sign.
If your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more, you are not allowed to operate a motor vehicle in California. Also, you are only allowed to operate a cellphone while driving if you’re using a hands-free device or when you need to call for assistance in an emergency.
25% of our users found rental cars in California for RM 198 or less
Small rental cars in California are around 57% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in California
How much does it cost to hire a car in California?
On average a car hire in California costs RM 243 per day.
How can I find car hires near me in California?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Where should I hire a car in California?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in California are San Francisco (47% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in California), Los Angeles (47%) and Fresno (6%).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in California?
On average a car hire in California costs RM 1,701 per week (RM 243 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in California?
On average a car hire in California costs RM 7,292 per month (RM 243 per day).
Should I hire a car in California?
Given that California is quite large with numerous sprawling cities, hiring a car is a practical and economical way to get around the area. Even though the majority of large cities have their own public transportation networks, driving is still often faster and easier. Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego are a few cities in California that are best navigated with a vehicle. Having access to your own car can also come in handy, especially if you plan on visiting a more rural city or taking a road trip.
What is driving like in California?
California is typically warm and sunny. However, it’s at times rainy, which is a critical time to drive yourself around. When it's raining, go at a slower speed and make sure to utilise your windscreen wipers and headlights. Also, ensure that you have the appropriate tyre chains for your hire car's tyres if you plan to drive in the snow during winter. Try to stay in the right lane whenever you are on a road or freeway with numerous lanes, unless when overtaking. Remember that a left turn from one one-way street to another one-way street can only be made when the signal is red. Unless it’s clearly banned, you can usually turn right at a red light after stopping completely and checking for approaching traffic. You have to pre-pay for your petrol in California. If you are using a credit card, you’ll need to swipe your card at the pump to activate the pump. You’ll also be required to provide your postal code to prevent credit card fraud.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in California?
Most car hire companies require that you be at least 21 years old in order to hire a vehicle in California. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 24 and need to hire a car, you’ll likely pay a young hirer fee and may only be allowed to hire certain classes of vehicles.
Car rental directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in California
167 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in California
116 Locations
Avis car hire locations in California
89 Locations
Budget car hire locations in California
87 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in California
75 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in California
74 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in California
28 Locations
Midway car hire locations in California
25 Locations
National car hire locations in California
22 Locations
Eagle Rent A Car car hire locations in California
20 Locations
Alamo car hire locations in California
19 Locations
Airport Van car hire locations in California
18 Locations
Car rental locations in California
Everything you need to know for your car rental in California
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