{"id":1517,"date":"2025-10-27T09:56:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T09:56:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/?p=1517"},"modified":"2025-11-05T22:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T22:05:21","slug":"best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Car Rental Deals in California (2026) \u2014 Save on Rentals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California is a big state with many places to see. To explore it well, renting a car is often the best choice. And, this article will help you find the best car rental deals in California. Here, we will look at different companies and options to make your California trip fun and affordable.\u200b\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Want the cheapest car rental in California? For most travelers, city pickup beats airport locations because it avoids concession fees\u00a0 compare prices across Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz and car-sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround to find the best fit.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Explore_the_Best_Car_Rental_Companies_and_Alternatives_in_California\" title=\"Explore the Best Car Rental Companies and Alternatives in California\">Explore the Best Car Rental Companies and Alternatives in California<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Enterprise_Rent-A-Car\" title=\"Enterprise Rent-A-Car\">Enterprise Rent-A-Car<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Budget_Car_Rental\" title=\"Budget Car Rental\">Budget Car Rental<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Getaround\" title=\"Getaround\">Getaround<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Avis_Car_Rental\" title=\"Avis Car Rental\">Avis Car Rental<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Hertz_Car_Rental\" title=\"Hertz Car Rental\">Hertz Car Rental<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#California_Rent_A_Car\" title=\"California Rent A Car\">California Rent A Car<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#United_Auto_Rental\" title=\"United Auto Rental\">United Auto Rental<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Sixt_Rent_a_Car\" title=\"Sixt Rent a Car\">Sixt Rent a Car<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#KAYAK\" title=\"KAYAK\">KAYAK<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#TripAdvisor\" title=\"TripAdvisor\">TripAdvisor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Momondo\" title=\"Momondo\">Momondo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Expedia\" title=\"Expedia\">Expedia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Hotwire\" title=\"Hotwire\">Hotwire<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#EconomyBookings\" title=\"EconomyBookings\">EconomyBookings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Yelp\" title=\"Yelp\">Yelp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Reddit_Communities\" title=\"Reddit Communities\">Reddit Communities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Bookingcom\" title=\"Booking.com\">Booking.com<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Turo\" title=\"Turo\">Turo<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Car_Rental_Comparison_Websites\" title=\"Car Rental Comparison Websites\u00a0\">Car Rental Comparison Websites\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Quick_Tips_to_Save_Money_on_Car_Rentals_in_California\" title=\"Quick Tips to Save Money on Car Rentals in California\">Quick Tips to Save Money on Car Rentals in California<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/best-car-rental-deals-in-california-2026-save-on-rentals\/#Related_Posts\" title=\"Related Posts\">Related Posts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Explore_the_Best_Car_Rental_Companies_and_Alternatives_in_California\"><\/span>Explore the Best Car Rental Companies and Alternatives in California<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1604\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explore-the-Best-Car-Rental-Companies-and-Alternatives-in-California.webp?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Explore the Best Car Rental Companies and Alternatives in California\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explore-the-Best-Car-Rental-Companies-and-Alternatives-in-California.webp?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explore-the-Best-Car-Rental-Companies-and-Alternatives-in-California.webp?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explore-the-Best-Car-Rental-Companies-and-Alternatives-in-California.webp?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Explore-the-Best-Car-Rental-Companies-and-Alternatives-in-California.webp?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enterprise_Rent-A-Car\"><\/span><b>Enterprise Rent-A-Car<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enterprise is a popular car rental company in California. They have many locations, including airports and cities. Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to large SUVs. They are known for good customer service and competitive prices. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Budget_Car_Rental\"><\/span><b>Budget Car Rental<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second is Budget Car Rental. It is a well-known car rental company. They have many locations across California. Budget offers various cars at affordable prices. They often have special deals and discounts. This makes them a good choice for travelers looking to save money. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Getaround\"><\/span><b>Getaround<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getaround is a car-sharing service available in California. It allows you to rent cars from local owners. You can rent by the hour or day. This offers flexibility and often lower prices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avis_Car_Rental\"><\/span><b>Avis Car Rental<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another option is Avis. This has many rental locations in California. They offer a variety of vehicles to suit different needs. Avis is known for quality service and a smooth rental process. They also provide options for long-term rentals. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hertz_Car_Rental\"><\/span><b>Hertz Car Rental<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next is Hertz. It is a trusted name in car rentals. They have many locations throughout California. Hertz offers a wide selection of vehicles, including luxury options. They also provide flexible rental terms to fit your schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"California_Rent_A_Car\"><\/span><b>California Rent A Car<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visiting California? How can we forget &#8220;California Rent A Car.&#8221; It is a local company based in Los Angeles. They offer a diverse fleet of vehicles. This includes economy cars and luxury models. They focus on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"United_Auto_Rental\"><\/span><b>United Auto Rental<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let us add a hidden gem to the list. Yes, United Auto Rental serves areas like Orange County and Ontario. They offer a range of vehicles to meet different needs. United Auto Rental focuses on personalized service and affordable rates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sixt_Rent_a_Car\"><\/span><b>Sixt Rent a Car<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sixt is a global car rental company with various locations in California. They offer a range of vehicles, including luxury cars. Sixt provides flexible rental options and competitive pricing. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KAYAK\"><\/span><b>KAYAK<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not a rental company, but full of exclusive rental deals. KAYAK is a travel website that compares car rental prices. It helps you find deals from various companies in California. Using KAYAK can save you time and money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TripAdvisor\"><\/span><b>TripAdvisor<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TripAdvisor allows you to search for car rental deals in California. They compare prices from companies like Alamo, Avis, and Enterprise. This helps you find the best-priced rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Momondo\"><\/span><b>Momondo<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another comparison site is Momondo. It shows car rental options from different companies. Momondo helps you find affordable rentals in California. You must use it if your travel budget is low.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expedia\"><\/span><b>Expedia<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get amazing California car rental deals on Expedia. It is a travel booking platform. Expedia works with various rental companies. This gives you many choices to find the best deal. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hotwire\"><\/span><b>Hotwire<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not have a good travel budget to visit California? No worries, Hotwire provides discounted car rental rates. They offer deals in California through partnerships with rental companies. Hotwire can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EconomyBookings\"><\/span><b>EconomyBookings<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next is an online platform, &#8220;EconomyBookings.&#8221; This is an online way to book a rental car. It helps you find affordable car rentals in California. They compare prices from various companies. This ensures you get the best deal. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yelp\"><\/span><b>Yelp<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yelp offers reviews of car rental companies in California. You can read about other customers&#8217; experiences. This helps you choose a reliable rental company.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reddit_Communities\"><\/span><b>Reddit Communities<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online platforms like Reddit can provide personal experiences. Users share tips on finding car rental deals in California. These smart actions can be helpful for planning your rental. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bookingcom\"><\/span><b>Booking.com<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can also use Booking.com to provide car rental options in California. They offer various deals and discounts. Booking.com is known for its user-friendly platform. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Turo\"><\/span><b>Turo<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now we have a car-sharing option. We are talking about Turo. It is a car-sharing platform. It allows you to rent cars from local owners in California. Turo offers a wide range of vehicles. This includes unique and luxury options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Car_Rental_Comparison_Websites\"><\/span><b>Car Rental Comparison Websites\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These websites compare prices from different rental companies to help you find the best deals:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Website<\/b><\/td>\n<td>\u00a0<b>Why Use It?<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KAYAK<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compares prices from multiple companies fast<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Momondo<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps find affordable rental options easily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expedia<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offers bundle deals with flights and hotels too<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hotwire<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great for last-minute discounts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Economy Bookings<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compares prices for budget-friendly options<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TripAdvisor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compares prices for budget-friendly options<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booking.com<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">User-friendly site with various deals and discounts<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Tips_to_Save_Money_on_Car_Rentals_in_California\"><\/span><b>Quick Tips to Save Money on Car Rentals in California<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1605\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tips-to-save-money.webp?resize=1024%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Quick Tips to Save Money on Car Rentals in California\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tips-to-save-money.webp?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tips-to-save-money.webp?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tips-to-save-money.webp?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/tips-to-save-money.webp?w=1536&amp;ssl=1 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Book Early:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Prices go up during peak times like summer and holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoid Airport Rentals:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They often have extra fees. Rent from a city location instead.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Pick a Smaller Car: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compact cars are cheaper and easier to park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Check for Discounts:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> AAA, Costco, and travel websites often have rental deals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Read the Fine Print:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Watch for hidden fees like extra driver charges or toll programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Fill Up the Tank Before Returning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rental companies charge more for gas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Take Pictures of the Car Before You Drive:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This avoids being blamed for damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Return on Time:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Late returns can lead to extra fees.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><b>Conclusion<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6137\" data-end=\"6433\">California is vast\u00a0 from San Diego\u2019s beaches to Yosemite\u2019s mountains and public transport often doesn\u2019t reach the best spots. Renting a car gives you the <strong data-start=\"6294\" data-end=\"6330\">freedom to explore scenic routes<\/strong>, stop at roadside attractions, and enjoy road trips like the Pacific Coast Highway or Big Sur drive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6435\" data-end=\"6565\">With so many options, you can find <strong data-start=\"6470\" data-end=\"6505\">cheap car rentals in California<\/strong> or premium rides depending on your travel style and budget.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><b><br \/>\n<\/b><b style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in the city?\u200b<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 16px;\">To find cheap car rental deals in California, compare prices from different companies using websites like KAYAK and Momondo . Booking in advance and being flexible with your rental dates can also help you save money.\u200b<br \/>\n<\/span><b style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Which car rental companies are popular in California?\u200b<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Popular car rental companies in California include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget . These companies offer a wide range of vehicles and services.\u200b<br \/>\n<\/span><b>Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in the city?\u200b<br \/>\n<\/b>Renting a car in the city is often cheaper than at the airport due to additional fees at airport locations . However, consider transportation costs to the city rental location when comparing prices.<br \/>\n<b>What documents do I need to rent a car in California?\u200b<br \/>\n<\/b>You need a valid driver&#8217;s license and a credit card to rent a car in California . Some companies may also require proof of insurance.<br \/>\n<b>Do I need additional insurance when renting a car in California?\u200b<br \/>\n<\/b>Rental companies offer insurance options, but your personal auto insurance or credit card may already provide coverage . Review your existing policies before purchasing additional insurance.<\/p>\n<style>\r\n\r\n        .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n            \r\n            margin-top: 40px;\nmargin-bottom: 30px;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n            \r\n            \r\n\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-container{\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-double{\r\n            width: 48%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n            width: 32%;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n            display: flex;\r\n            justify-content: space-between;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n            width: calc(25% - 20px);\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item img{\r\n            max-width: 100%;\r\n            height: auto;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item.lwrp-empty-list-item{\r\n            background: initial !important;\r\n        }\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n        .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n            \r\n                \r\n        }\r\n        @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n            .lwrp.link-whisper-related-posts{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-title{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-description{\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container{\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-multi-container ul.lwrp-list{\r\n                margin-top: 0px;\r\n                margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n                padding-top: 0px;\r\n                padding-bottom: 0px;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-double,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-triple{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container{\r\n                justify-content: initial;\r\n                flex-direction: column;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-row-container .lwrp-list-item{\r\n                width: 100%;\r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item:not(.lwrp-no-posts-message-item){\r\n                \r\n                \r\n            }\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-link .lwrp-list-link-title-text,\r\n            .lwrp .lwrp-list-item .lwrp-list-no-posts-message{\r\n                \r\n                    \r\n            }\r\n        }<\/style>\r\n<div id=\"link-whisper-related-posts-widget\" class=\"link-whisper-related-posts lwrp\">\r\n            <h3 class=\"lwrp-title\">Related Posts<\/h3>    \r\n        <div class=\"lwrp-list-container\">\r\n                                            <div class=\"lwrp-list-multi-container\">\r\n                    <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-double lwrp-list-left\">\r\n                        <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/are-dogs-allowed-in-rental-cars\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Are Dogs Allowed in Rental Cars? A Comprehensive Guide<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/cheap-car-rental-manchester-uk\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Cheap Car Rental Manchester UK: Explore Manchester Without Breaking the Bank!<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/car-rental-with-insurance\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Get The Best Car Rental With Insurance Included in 2024<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/can-you-take-a-rental-car-out-of-state\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Can You Take A Rental Car Out Of State?<\/span><\/a><\/li>                    <\/ul>\r\n                    <ul class=\"lwrp-list lwrp-list-double lwrp-list-right\">\r\n                        <li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/can-i-book-a-rental-car-for-someone-else\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Can I Book A Rental Car For Someone Else | Rent a Car for Someone Else<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/car-rental-companies-available-in-orlando\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Which Car Rental Companies Available in Orlando?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/penalty-for-unauthorized-driver-of-rental-car\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Penalty For Unauthorized Driver of Rental Car<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"lwrp-list-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/which-car-rental-company-allows-under-25\/\" class=\"lwrp-list-link\"><span class=\"lwrp-list-link-title-text\">Which Car Rental Company Allows Under 25?<\/span><\/a><\/li>                    <\/ul>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>California is a big state with many places to see. To explore it well, renting a car is often the best choice. And, this article will help you find the best car rental deals in California. Here, we will look at different companies and options to make your California trip fun and affordable.\u200b\u00a0 Want the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1606,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ocean_post_layout":"","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"enable","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"","ocean_post_subheading":"","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"ocean_post_oembed":"","ocean_post_self_hosted_media":"","ocean_post_video_embed":"","ocean_link_format":"","ocean_link_format_target":"self","ocean_quote_format":"","ocean_quote_format_link":"post","ocean_gallery_link_images":"on","ocean_gallery_id":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/deature-dimage.webp?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1517"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1607,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517\/revisions\/1607"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carandrentals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}