Car rental costs can spiral fast — but savvy travelers consistently find rates 40–70% below walk-up prices by knowing which companies offer the lowest base rates. Booking through Kayak alone can surface deals across dozens of providers in seconds. Whether you're planning a road trip or need wheels for a week, picking the right rental company makes a real difference — and so does timing. Check out our guide to the best time to buy a car for context on seasonal pricing trends, and use price tracking apps to monitor rental rates before you commit. Here are the 10 cheapest car rental options available in the US right now — let's get started!
Quick Answer
Budget, Turo, Kayak, and Enterprise offer the cheapest car rental options, with rates 40–70% below walk-up prices when booked in advance. Economy cars typically start under $30/day. Using comparison tools like Kayak surfaces deals across dozens of providers instantly, while price tracking apps help monitor rates before committing.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | $25–$55/day | Low base rates + quality vehicles | Visit Site |
| Budget | $20–$50/day | Airport rentals on a budget | Visit Site |
| Payless | $18–$45/day | Lowest everyday rates | See details |
| Thrifty | $20–$48/day | Discount rentals + loyalty perks | Visit Site |
| Dollar | $22–$50/day | Simple pricing + wide availability | See details |
| Advantage | $18–$42/day | Ultra-budget short-term rentals | See details |
| Avis | $30–$70/day | Reliable choice with frequent deals | Visit Site |
| Alamo | $25–$55/day | Family trips + prepay discounts | Visit Site |
| Enterprise | $28–$65/day | Neighborhood locations + reliability | Visit Site |
| Kayak Deals | $15–$40/day | Comparing and finding lowest rates | See details |
10 Cheapest Car Rental Options in 2026: Save Up to 70% on Your Next Rental
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Sixt
Sixt is a solid pick for travelers hunting affordable rentals, particularly if you book in advance through their website or comparison platforms. They frequently offer promotional rates on economy and compact vehicles, sometimes undercutting competitors by 15–25%, especially at airport locations across the U.S. and Europe.
Why it's worth considering:
- Economy cars often available from $25–$40/day with advance booking
- Frequent discount codes and loyalty program deals reduce costs further
- Wide international availability makes it useful for budget travel abroad
2. Budget
Budget Car Rental lives up to its name by consistently ranking among the lowest-priced major rental companies in the U.S. Their economy and compact class vehicles are a go-to for cost-conscious travelers, and pairing a rental with Kayak's comparison tool can surface even steeper discounts.
Key savings features:
- Weekend specials and last-minute deals frequently drop rates below $30/day
- AAA, AARP, and corporate discount codes apply at checkout
- Fastbreak loyalty program offers free upgrades and faster pickup
3. Payless
Payless Car Rental targets the extreme budget end of the market, making it one of the cheapest-car-rental-options available at major U.S. airports. Rates can dip as low as $20–$28/day on economy vehicles, though the trade-off is a more basic service experience with fewer frills than premium brands.
What to know:
- No-frills pricing with economy cars often the cheapest at airport lots
- Best value when booked 1–2 weeks ahead; walk-up rates rise significantly
4. Thrifty
Thrifty is a budget-focused rental brand that consistently ranks among the most affordable options for travelers seeking low daily rates without sacrificing reliability. Owned by The Hertz Corporation, Thrifty operates at major airports and city locations across the U.S., making it accessible for both business and leisure renters. Daily rates often start around $25–$40 depending on location and vehicle class.
Notable perks:
- Blue Chip loyalty program for faster pickups and free upgrades
- Frequent discount codes available through AAA and travel partners
- Wide fleet from economy to SUVs at competitive price points
5. Dollar
Dollar Car Rental targets cost-conscious drivers with straightforward pricing and no hidden complexity, making it a practical pick when searching for low-cost rental deals. Also under The Hertz umbrella, Dollar shares fleet resources with Thrifty but often runs independent promotions that can shave an additional 10–20% off standard rates. It's particularly competitive for weekly rentals.
Key features:
- Express returns and streamlined pickup at most airport locations
- Dollar Express loyalty membership — free to join, unlocks member-only rates
- Weekly rates frequently under $150 for economy class vehicles
6. Advantage
Advantage Rent A Car is one of the lesser-known independent brands that competes directly on price, often undercutting the major chains to attract budget renters. It operates primarily at U.S. airports and is a strong contender when comparing rates on aggregator sites like Kayak. Because Advantage runs leaner overhead than big-name competitors, savings are frequently passed directly to the customer.
What you get:
- Rates that often beat national chains by $5–$15 per day
- No-frills pickup process focused on speed and value
7. Avis
Avis is a solid pick for budget-conscious travelers who want a reliable name-brand rental without premium prices. Rates often start around $30–$50/day for economy cars, and their Avis Preferred loyalty program lets frequent renters skip the counter and earn free rental days — reducing long-term costs significantly.
Notable perks:
- Avis Preferred members get faster pickup and reward credits
- Frequent discount codes available via partner sites and credit cards
- One-way rentals available with competitive drop-off fees
8. Alamo
Alamo consistently ranks among the most affordable major rental companies, especially at airport locations across the U.S. It's a go-to option for families and leisure travelers looking to cut costs, offering straightforward pricing with no surprise fees at pickup. Economy and compact cars regularly run $25–$45/day during off-peak periods.
Key features:
- Alamo Insiders loyalty program — free to join, earn faster upgrades
- Online check-in speeds up the rental process at the counter
- Strong coverage at major U.S. airports where rates tend to be lowest
9. Enterprise
Enterprise offers some of the most competitive day rates among major chains, particularly for weekly rentals where discounts stack up quickly — often 15–25% cheaper than renting daily. Their neighborhood locations (not just airports) mean lower base prices since off-airport lots avoid the airport concession fee surcharge that inflates costs at terminals.
What you get:
- Weekly rates as low as $150–$200 for economy vehicles
- Enterprise Plus rewards program with free rental day redemptions
- Off-airport pickup locations that bypass airport surcharge fees
10. Kayak Deals
Kayak is a powerful comparison tool for finding the cheapest car rental options by aggregating rates from dozens of suppliers — including Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, and independent agencies — in a single search. The "Deals" section specifically highlights discounted rates and flash sales that can cut rental costs significantly below standard pricing.
Why it helps lower your rental cost:
- Price alerts notify you when rates drop on specific dates or locations
- Filter by price, car class, and cancellation policy to avoid hidden fees
- Hacker Fares and last-minute deals often show 20–40% savings vs. booking direct
Final Words
Your best bet depends on whether you prioritize flexibility, location, or the lowest daily rate — so compare a few before committing. Pair your search with flight comparison sites to lock in a complete travel deal.