Best Cheap Car Rental Deals in 2025 – Daily, Weekly & Monthly

Finding an affordable car rental that suits your travel needs in 2025 has never been easier. With rising travel demand and increasing competition among rental companies, budget-conscious customers now have access to more options than ever—whether for a single day, a weekend getaway, or a month-long business trip. This guide covers the best cheap car rental deals available across the United States, tips to save more, and the top companies offering low-cost, high-value rental packages.

Top Cheap Car Rental Companies in the US

The rental market is crowded with providers, but only a few stand out for combining low prices with consistent service. Here's a breakdown of the most reliable and affordable car rental companies in 2025.

Enterprise

Known for exceptional customer service and widespread locations, Enterprise offers competitive rates for both daily and long-term rentals. Look for local promotions or weekend specials.

Budget

As the name suggests, Budget targets cost-conscious travelers. Their compact car rentals often start as low as $19/day in select cities. Budget is ideal for urban travel and quick business trips.

Avis

While traditionally viewed as a premium option, Avis offers surprise discounts during off-peak hours and at regional airports. Members of their Preferred program enjoy faster check-ins and better rates.

Hertz

Hertz frequently offers deals for AAA members and corporate accounts. It's also one of the few companies with a “Rent Now, Pay Later” feature without a price hike.

Turo

As a peer-to-peer car sharing platform, Turo lets users rent cars directly from local hosts. Rates can be dramatically lower than traditional rental companies, especially for economy vehicles or electric cars.

Alamo

A solid choice for vacationers and families, Alamo offers competitive pricing and flexible cancellation. It's especially affordable for rentals at major airports like Orlando, Denver, and Phoenix.

Cheapest Daily Car Rental Deals for 2025

Daily car rentals are ideal for quick errands, airport pickups, or short road trips. With rates starting as low as $19/day, here are the best value options.

Cities with the Lowest Daily Rates

• Las Vegas, NV – From $17/day (Compact Class, off-airport)
• Orlando, FL – From $18/day (Economy Class, airport location)
• Phoenix, AZ – From $20/day (Mid-size vehicles)

How to Find Cheap Daily Rentals
Book on weekdays: Prices drop midweek compared to weekends.
Use aggregator platforms: Sites like Kayak, Hotwire, and Priceline offer deep discounts.
Avoid airport taxes: Booking at neighborhood locations can save 10–20%.

Who Should Choose Daily Rentals?

• Travelers needing a car for 1–3 days
• Local users needing a temporary ride
• People with cars in repair

Best Weekly Car Rental Deals in 2025

Weekly rentals are perfect for longer trips, moving around new cities, or vacation stays. Most providers offer 20% to 40% off when renting for 7 or more days.

Top Weekly Rental Offers

• Budget: $139/week for economy cars in Dallas, TX
• Turo: $120/week for compact cars from local hosts
• Enterprise: $149/week in off-peak travel periods

Tips to Save on Weekly Rentals
Book a full 7-day window: Most discounts kick in at 7 days, not 6.
Sign up for loyalty programs: Budget Fastbreak and Enterprise Plus often come with free upgrades.
Be flexible with pickup times: Morning pickups can be cheaper than afternoon or evening.

Use Cases for Weekly Rentals

• Digital nomads or business travelers
• Extended vacations
• Test-driving vehicle types before buying

Cheapest Monthly Car Rental Options

For longer-term needs, monthly car rentals can be a cost-effective solution compared to leasing or owning. In 2025, average monthly rental rates start from $450/month, including basic insurance.

Top Monthly Rental Providers
Hertz Flex Monthly: Includes insurance, maintenance, and the ability to swap cars every 30 days.
Avis Flex: Pay-as-you-go model starting at $15/day with no long-term contract.
Turo Hosts: Many offer major discounts for 4+ weeks, especially on older or electric models.

Best Cities for Cheap Monthly Rentals

• Austin, TX – starting at $399/month
• Charlotte, NC – from $429/month
• Atlanta, GA – from $440/month

When Monthly Rentals Make Sense

• Remote workers relocating for short periods
• Students or interns on temporary assignment
• People between car ownership transitions

How to Save Even More on Car Rentals

Beyond picking the right company and city, use these tested strategies to maximize your savings.

Avoid Add-ons

• Decline GPS: Use your phone instead
• Bring your own child seat
• Avoid roadside assistance unless traveling remote

Check Your Credit Card Benefits

• Many cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire, AMEX Platinum) include rental insurance
• Some provide discounts with partner rental agencies

Leverage Membership Discounts

• AAA, Costco, AARP often have exclusive rental rates
• Business travel programs also offer negotiated pricing

Compare Pickup Locations

• Airport rentals charge extra taxes
• Downtown or neighborhood pickups can be 10–30% cheaper

Refuel Yourself

• Prepaid fuel options are rarely a good deal
• Always refill the tank before returning

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Even the cheapest car rental can quickly become expensive with hidden costs. Always review the fine print before booking.

Common Hidden Charges

• Under 25 surcharge: Up to $30/day
• Extra driver fee: $10–15/day unless waived
• Late return fees: Strict hourly rates
• Insurance upsells: You might not need them if you’re already covered

How to Avoid Them

• Bring proof of insurance
• Confirm all charges at the counter
• Read cancellation and refund policies

Airport Car Rental Tips

Airports are convenient but pricey. Follow these steps to get airport rentals without breaking the bank.

Use Off-Airport Booking Sites

Platforms like Kayak or Hotwire show both airport and off-site pricing.

Take a Shuttle

Some rental centers are located a few miles off-airport with free shuttle service. You’ll save big.

Book Early

Airport inventories fill up fast. Booking at least 2 weeks in advance ensures better pricing and selection.

Final Thoughts – Choosing the Best Cheap Rental for Your Needs

The best cheap car rental in 2025 depends on how long you need the car, where you’re renting from, and what services you need included. Daily, weekly, and monthly options each have their advantages—and major savings are possible with the right booking strategy.

If you’re looking for short-term convenience, go with a budget provider like Avis or Budget. For longer stays, consider monthly deals from Hertz or peer-to-peer platforms like Turo. Remember to leverage membership discounts, check your credit card coverage, and always compare rates using a reputable aggregator.

Whether you’re hitting the road for a weekend getaway, a cross-country trip, or staying mobile between moves, renting a car doesn't have to break the bank in 2025.

Let your journey start smart—spend less on wheels and more on what matters.