Car hire insight and trends in Southern California
Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in Southern California
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Other Information
What is the best car hire agency in Southern California?
If you plan on visiting Southern California, consider hiring a car from Budget, which is the best car hire company in the region with 41 locations. 1,097 momondo reviewers gave this rental agency an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 for their reasonable prices and customer service. You can find Budget in Santa Monica and many other cities throughout Southern California.
What is the most popular type of car to hire in Southern California?
38% of users prefer to hire SUV vehicles in Southern California, making it the most popular car hire type. If you are also interested in hiring one for your trip to Southern California, then you can expect to pay around €54 per day.
Southern California car hire deals found on momondo
Find the car hire in Southern California that's right for you
Small cars
€30 - €61
All Car Types
€42 - €69
The average price of a small car hire in Southern California is €44. The cheapest time to hire a small car in Southern California is in November. The price is 34% lower than the rest of the year at just €30 per day. A small car rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California small car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car hire in Southern California is €46. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in Southern California is in November. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just €39 per day. A medium car rental is typically 13% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car hire in Southern California is €68. The cheapest time to hire a large car in Southern California is in November. The price is 23% lower than the rest of the year at just €53 per day. A large car rental is typically 21% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California large car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV hire in Southern California is €48. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in Southern California is in November. The price is 25% lower than the rest of the year at just €37 per day. A SUV rental is typically 10% less expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van hire in Southern California is €80. The cheapest time to hire a van in Southern California is in February. The price is 35% lower than the rest of the year at just €53 per day. A van rental is typically 34% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California van hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a luxury car hire in Southern California is €64. The cheapest time to hire a luxury car in Southern California is in November. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just €44 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 17% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California luxury car hire found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a convertible hire in Southern California is €70. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in Southern California is in November. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just €52 per day. A convertible rental is typically 24% more expensive than the average rental car in Southern California. The average price of a car hire in Southern California can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for Southern California convertible hire found on momondo in the past week.
Pickup and dropoff super smooth. Vehicle was just ok—no navigation and none offered, and wireless charger didn’t work. Otherwise no issues with the car.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Pricey for 3 days but all went well
10.0
Wonderful|Feb 2023
The van was really new and spacious but no room for luggage
They were short cars but still made sure I got a nice car and on my way. Very nice at the Santa Barbara location and Santa Maria as well. Thank you. Both agents super helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Jake was extremely helpful with my rental pickup, and quick and efficient as I had to make an appointment shortly after pickup. Thanks Jake and enterprise!
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Wonderful experience. And the enterprise employee named Terrill Jones went above and beyond for excellent customer service.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
We got in a little late and the gentlemen at the counter was very kind and patient to wait for us to get things organized. He was supposed to close the counter and stayed open a little later for us. I don't remember his name but do remember he was from Massachusetts. Getting the car was super quick as well.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
They canceled on us twice
6.0
Okay|Aug 2023
The car had less than 1/4 of fuel and the key had almost no battery. I tried to use the alternative physical key and it didn't work. The brakes were a bit noisy.
1 out of 108
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Locations in Southern California
After an unpleasant experience at a competing rental company m, our experience through Sixt was a breeze. We were helped by Steven who went above and beyond. If even half the company has the same work ethic as him, I’d recommend them In a heartbeat.
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2023
Perfect
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2023
Our customer service agent in Los Angeles was extremely helpful and patient. He really made me feel like I made the right choice in my rental.
4.0
Mediocre|Jun 2023
A better understanding as to how you deal with 3rd party payments
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2023
Very fast and clean. One of the best rentals I’ve had. The person that helped me at the front desk was great!
Car wasnt clean. Made an extra charge even though reservation was payed in advance
2.0
Poor|Apr 2025
Waiting in line for a rental pick up in this day and age is ridiculous. Doing so in an uncomfortable parking garage with no seating even more so. Add that to the not-very-pleasant people working there (barking at waitining customers, no eye contact mumbling at counter) and you get the picture. Plus, the car itself had terrible highway noise. Going with the recognized "brand" turned out not to be much better than the super-economical rental agency I decided against.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2024
My $58.10 rental turned out to be $108.83!! WDF?! Base Rate: Taxable Products/Services*: Non-Taxable Products/Services: Rental Sales Tax: Net Charges: $45.90 $30.42 $26.60 $5.91 $ 108.83
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Horrible communication and continually charged me unfairly.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
I was denied a car because I did not have a foreign license. I booked while I was overseas and but have an American license. They refused to give me a car. Then I had to go through a long process to try to get the money back. Still have not received it and it’s been nearly 1 month. Will never book with Avis/Budget again.
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Pickup location was not clear and we ended up in the wrong place, having to rent a car to get to the one we originally requested. Luckily, the staff at the 2nd location was able to help us keep our original rental with minimal problems-they were exemplary!
They didn’t have the car I reserved and I was forced into taking another car from an entirely different category that wasn’t what I booked. Total bait and switch / scam.
2.0
Poor|Dec 2024
Take them off of your site. Not worth a penny!
2.0
Poor|Oct 2024
Long wait for pickup, and the worse part was they require to see proof of insurance online instead of my proof of insurance on paper. There security is $1000, which is unusually high. I got an email the day of arrival saying they recommend I walk to their office or shuttle will take at least 30 min. Overall, it’s clear they do not take service into consideration.
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2024
Except for a fairly long line at pickup, the rest of the experience was seamless. Such a well-organized process! Wonderful car. Thx!
2.0
Poor|Sept 2024
The wait to get a car was 2.5 hours. As I’m in line, I can hear the representatives & how kindly they treat the other clients. When I got to the counter with my reservation that had unlimited miles, they discriminated against me and told me the car was for 150 miles only and I would have to pay 50 cents per miles after that. The funny thing is, they never asked for my ID, they never asked to see my reservation, they never asked where I was headed, they never asked for my flight information like they did everyone else. They decided that I wasn’t fit to drive their rental car. To give more context, I had on a t-shirt & shorts because it was hot outside. I also wear a mask when traveling due to the overexposure to people and germs. I am in my 30s but most people think I’m in my 20s. I am a doctor and I have my own business. I was traveling for the holiday weekend because my aunt passed away and I missed my last hospital visit because I couldn’t get to my destination because of the older gentleman at the counter decided to treat me less than human. I’m currently grieving but I have reached out to my lawyer to see what can be done about this situation because I lost a lot this day that I can never get back. I hope the people who work the front counter at the LAX location find peace because I did not ask for any special accommodation, I was never rude nor did I argue with anyone like other customers who still received a car unlike me. I just would like to be treated like everyone else.
6.0
Okay|Jul 2024
1.Lower rates. I paid $152 for a one day rental. Seems a bit high. 2. Better airport shuttle. Took 45 mins for a shuttle to arrive to take us to the airport.
They took forever!!!! I have never booked with them because of the line I see everytime I get into LA but I just happened to land at 1am and thought it wouldn't be busy but we had to wait 2 hours for a car... ridiculous.
4.0
Mediocre|Nov 2023
I recently picked up my car and had a terrible customer service experience. The receptionist didn't acknowledge me, didn’t give me any information and the attendants at the exit gate were rude and dismissive. They refused to document existing scratches on the car and told me to take pictures instead. Overall, the lack of politeness and poor service left a lot to be desired. This was in LA location, the drop off in San Diego was fine and fast.
2.0
Poor|Nov 2023
When I went pick up the car the Avis doesn’t have the car and I cancelled
2.0
Poor|Sept 2023
Horrible customer service
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
Really appreciated how easy and fast the car reservation process was, both online and in-person when we arrived. Friendly and helpful agents, everything was smooth at check-in and check-out. We were grateful that they were open at 3 am when we arrived at the airport! Hours of operation, plus friendly and professional customer service made for an overall positive experience.
Very long line due to shortage of staff it took me 2 hours to get the car
10.0
Wonderful|Sept 2023
I had to do a last minute reservation here after having a nightmare experience with another company - Hertz really won me over as a customer and most of it has to do with their all-star employee, Ahmed! He made sure to list all the rental options and add-ons (typical rental agent stuff) but was not pushy at all and was very transparent with answering all the questions I had regarding some add-ons. Ahmed mentioned possible upgrades to my reservation which I declined, the CDW insurance - which I declined and he did not get pushy or upset about it, just made sure my credit card had the rental coverage and then made sure I had personal injury insurance which is required in CA which I did have since I have my own car insurance. The car was a 2023 Hyundai which was very nice (unfortunately the light interior (rear seat) was already stained by a previous renter but apart from that I was VERY HAPPY!
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Dollar was good. Hertz terrible although I know Hertz owns Dollar. Hertz confirmed my San Diego International Airport two days before my flight with the pick up in Tia Juana. I called to straighten it out and they blamed it on Kayak. They said they could get me a car at the airport for $1,100 or about $700 more then original quote. Only when I kept complaining did they do a "courtesy" and book me on Dollar. A Hertz hussle.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Booked for pickup at LAX but the reservation somehow showed another location and for only one of the two days I prepaid for. The counter agent offered a smaller car for triple the prepaid price. I had to cancel the bait and switch
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2023
Excellent manager. Great car and good location
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
You booked my rental 30 minures from the airport!!!
Would have been nice if they had car quoted on lot. They did not and gave me an acceptable alternative.
8.0
Very Good|Jul 2024
Like every rental property in the Country, the gentleman doing the job - by himself did a great job. He could have used a minimum of one more person. The line became long, but he handled it well
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2024
Heather was amazing in Palm Springs
10.0
Wonderful|Dec 2023
Dejligt at dollar ikke prøvet at sælge os en masse ex forskring og større bil han var nem og hjælp som
2.0
Poor|Sept 2023
Waited two hours in line to pick up the car at LAX. This is not acceptable. I then found out on return of the car at SFO that the staff member who attended to me at LAX had sold me false information about the toll pass. Tried to speak to someone at dollar about this at SFO but was told to send customer service an email. Just very poor service with dollar. My first time and most likely last time renting with them.
2.0
Poor|Aug 2023
Zero costumer service
1 out of 98
Dollar Locations in Southern California
Car hire in Southern California
Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in Southern California so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
When did momondo last update prices for cars in Southern California?
Prices for cars in Southern California are updated daily.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Southern California?
The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Southern California. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be applied. We advise that you read the policy of your chosen hire company before making a reservation.
What documentation or ID do you need to hire a car in Southern California?
All drivers must have a valid full driving license when hiring a car in Southern California. If the license is written in a different language from the country of hire, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're hiring a car overseas, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. It is always advisable to check with the individual hire company you're booking with.
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in Southern California?
You should use momondo to book a car hire in Southern California because it could save you time and money. momondo fetches and allows you to compare car hire prices and policies from thousands of car hire websites.
How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in Southern California?
Once you have performed a search for a car hire in Southern California, momondo will show the results and enable you to find the best deal by using our filters; here you can narrow your search down by vehicle type, price, agencies and a multitude of policies that can apply.
Does momondo show car hire deals in Southern California with free cancellation?
Yes, whether it is for cars in Southern California or elsewhere, momondo allows you to filter specifically for policies that offer free cancellation.
Can I hire a car with a fair fuel policy in Southern California on momondo?
Fair fuel policies are specifically available to select on momondo, allowing you to refine your search for car hire in Southern California.
Can I find a car hire in Southern California which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Yes, momondo shows deals with enhanced cleaning services for hire cars in Southern California.
Can I search for car hire in Southern California with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Yes, momondo is capable of showing unlimited mileage car hire options in Southern California.
An easier way to manage your Southern California trip
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