As fall road trip season begins, a new study highlights significant regional variations in car rental prices across the United States. The research, conducted by Cheapcarrental.com, analyzed rates at 100 U.S. airports from September to November.
Most Expensive Cities for Car Rentals
According to the study, Little Rock, Arkansas, tops the list as the most expensive city for car rentals, with an average daily rate of $95 at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT). This represents a 20 percent increase from last fall, far surpassing the national average rate, which saw a modest rise of 0.5 percent.
Following Little Rock, Charleston, South Carolina, is the second-costliest city, with an average daily rental rate of $91. Madison, Wisconsin, ranks third, where the average rate is $87. Large Californian cities also feature prominently, with San Francisco and Los Angeles recording average rates of $82 and $80, respectively.
Least Expensive Rental Location
Conversely, Raleigh, North Carolina, offers the most affordable car rentals this fall, with an average daily rate of just $41, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Tips for Saving on Car Rentals
Travelers looking to reduce rental costs can benefit from avoiding airport rentals, exploring membership discounts through sites like Costco Travel and AAA, and utilizing frequent flyer program offers.
Gas Prices Provide Some Relief
While car rental prices may be high, road trippers can find some relief in falling gas prices. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas was $3.24 as of Thursday. “There are now ten states with gasoline averages below $3 a gallon,” said AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross. “With hurricane season remaining weak and disorganized, this trend of falling pump prices will likely continue.”
Conclusion
Despite high car rental costs in some areas, savvy travelers can still find ways to save and benefit from lower gas prices this fall. Careful planning and strategic booking can help make road trips more affordable and enjoyable.