Cheapest Car Rental Companies in the USA

If you’re comparing Enterprise Car Rental with other brands and trying to find the best value, you’re in the right place. Rental prices can vary a lot by city, airport, date, vehicle class, and even the time you book. That’s why the “cheapest” company is not always the same for every trip. Sometimes a major name like Enterprise offers a strong deal through a local branch, while another company may undercut the price with a lower base rate but add extra fees at checkout.

This guide from Rental Deal Guide breaks down the cheapest car rental companies in the USA, what to expect from airport rentals, how to compare fees, and how to avoid paying more than necessary. We’ll also look at practical booking tips and why it’s smart to compare options before you reserve. For travelers specifically comparing Enterprise alternatives, this article will help you make a smarter decision.

Important: prices, policies, and vehicle availability can change at any time based on location, demand, age requirements, insurance rules, and local taxes. Always verify the final price and rental conditions before booking.

Quick Comparison: Cheapest Car Rental Companies in the USA

Rental Company	Typical Price Level	Best For	Watch For
Enterprise Car Rental	Low to mid-range	Convenience, broad selection, neighborhood rentals	Airport surcharges, insurance add-ons, weekday pricing differences
Budget	Low	Travelers focused on base price	Extra driver fees, fuel policy, prepaid terms
Avis	Low to mid-range	Business and leisure travelers seeking promotions	Airport fees, one-way pricing, mileage rules
Hertz	Mid-range	Airport convenience and premium selection	Higher fees in busy airports, prepaid restrictions
Thrifty	Low	Budget-conscious airport renters	Conditioning on vehicle class, limited branch hours
Dollar	Low	Simple economy rentals	Checkout fees, location-specific availability
National	Mid to high	Frequent renters, loyalty rewards	Usually not the cheapest upfront
Turo / peer-to-peer	Variable	Unique cars, off-airport pickup	Protection plans, cleaning fees, mileage caps

Why Enterprise Car Rental Is Often in the Conversation

Enterprise Car Rental is one of the most recognized names in the U.S. market, and it’s often a strong contender for travelers who want a reliable booking experience without chasing the absolute lowest headline rate. Enterprise is especially known for neighborhood locations, one-way rentals, and a wide range of vehicle choices. In many cities, it competes well on price, but the final total can change based on pickup location and add-ons.

Compare live rental prices before you choose a provider.

For travelers who want a balance of service, selection, and decent value, Enterprise can be a smart option. But if your main priority is finding the lowest possible price, it’s worth comparing Enterprise with budget-focused brands and off-airport locations. If you want a focused breakdown of similar brands and value options, check our Enterprise alternatives guide.

Cheapest Car Rental Companies: What to Expect

There isn’t a single company that is always cheapest everywhere. Instead, the best deal depends on a few key factors:

• Location: airport branches usually cost more than neighborhood locations because of surcharges and concession fees.
• Rental dates: weekends, holidays, and busy travel seasons often raise prices.
• Vehicle type: economy cars are usually the cheapest, while SUVs, minivans, and premium models cost more.
• Length of rental: weekly rentals may have a lower daily rate than short rentals.
• Driver profile: age, license history, and payment method can affect what you’re quoted.

In many cases, the lowest upfront prices come from Budget, Thrifty, or Dollar. However, the final total may not stay the lowest after fees, taxes, and insurance add-ons. Enterprise Car Rental, Avis, and Hertz can sometimes look more expensive at first glance but may offer smoother service or better availability in some cities.

Airport Rentals vs. Off-Airport Locations

If you are flying into a major U.S. city, you may notice that airport rental prices are often higher than neighborhood locations. That is because airport rentals can include extra charges such as concession recovery fees, airport facility fees, and higher local taxes. For travelers on a strict budget, this difference can be significant.

That said, airport pickups are convenient. You can step off the plane, head to the counter or shuttle, and get moving quickly. If convenience matters, airport rentals may still be worth it. If savings matter more, compare airport and nearby off-airport branches before booking. For a more detailed breakdown, visit our airport car rental guide.

Common Fees That Can Raise the Total Price

The base rate is only part of the story. A cheap quote can become expensive once extras are added. These are the most common fees to check carefully:

• Airport surcharge: often added at airport locations.
• Young driver fee: may apply to drivers under 25.
• Additional driver fee: can add cost unless waived by a loyalty program or promo.
• Fuel charges: if the tank is not returned with the required fuel level.
• Late return fees: even small delays can trigger charges.
• Toll and admin fees: some rental companies charge extra for toll processing.
• One-way drop fee: often applies if you return the vehicle to a different location.
• Insurance and protection plans: optional, but they can significantly increase the total.

Before confirming any reservation, review the full price breakdown, not just the “per day” rate. This is one of the easiest ways to compare Enterprise Car Rental against cheaper-looking offers from other brands.

Practical Booking Tips to Save Money

If you want the best possible deal, a few simple strategies can make a big difference:

1. Book early, but keep checking prices

Rates often rise as the pickup date gets closer, especially during peak travel periods. Book early if you see a fair price, then keep watching for better offers. Some travelers rebook when rates drop.

2. Compare total price, not just the headline rate

The cheapest daily price may not be the cheapest final rental. Compare taxes, location fees, driver fees, and fuel policies before choosing.

3. Look at off-airport locations

Neighborhood branches often have lower rates than airport counters. If you do not mind a short rideshare or shuttle ride, you may save a meaningful amount.

4. Choose the smallest car that fits your trip

Economy and compact cars are usually the best value. Unless you need extra cargo space or passenger room, avoid upgrading to a larger class.

5. Check cancellation rules

Flexible reservations can help you lock in a low price without risking a penalty if you find a better deal later.

6. Use promo codes and member discounts

Loyalty memberships, employer discounts, airline programs, and credit card offers can sometimes reduce the price or add perks like a free additional driver.

7. Read fuel and mileage terms carefully

Some rentals are best returned full, while others may have different fuel or mileage rules. Ignoring these can lead to avoidable costs.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Enterprise Car Rental

Pros

• Widely available in many U.S. cities and suburbs
• Strong reputation for neighborhood rentals
• Good range of vehicle categories
• Often convenient for one-way trips
• Can be competitive when booked early or during promotions

Cons

• Not always the absolute cheapest option
• Airport rentals may include higher fees
• Add-ons can increase the total quickly
• Availability may vary by location and season

Pros and Cons of the Cheapest Budget Brands

Pros

• Lower base rates in many markets
• Good for travelers who only need basic transportation
• Often competitive for short trips
• Can be a smart choice when booked early

Cons

• More fees may appear at checkout
• Vehicle selection can be limited
• Branch hours and shuttle logistics may be less convenient
• Customer experience can vary more by location

When Enterprise Car Rental Might Be the Better Deal

Even though some brands advertise lower rates, Enterprise Car Rental can still be the better value in certain situations. For example, if you need a neighborhood branch near your hotel or home, Enterprise may offer easier pickup and return options. If you’re renting for several days and need a dependable mid-size car, the overall experience may justify paying a little more than the cheapest competitor.

For booking-intent research, review current rental offers and verify the final terms.

Enterprise may also be a stronger choice if other low-cost brands have limited inventory. In tight markets, a slightly higher price from a trusted provider may be preferable to a bargain option with poor availability or restrictive policies.

What to Compare Before You Book

Before finalizing a reservation, compare these details side by side:

• Total price, including taxes and fees
• Pickup and return location
• Fuel policy
• Mileage limits, if any
• Deposit or hold amount on your card
• Additional driver charges
• Age restrictions and young driver fees
• Cancellation policy
• Insurance and damage coverage options

Doing this will help you spot whether Enterprise Car Rental is truly more expensive, or whether the “cheaper” option ends up costing more once everything is included. For more general booking strategies, see our car rental deals page and the rest of our guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Enterprise Car Rental cheaper than other companies?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Enterprise can be competitive, especially at neighborhood locations or during promotions, but budget brands may have lower base rates. Always compare the final price.

What is usually the cheapest car rental company in the USA?

Budget, Thrifty, and Dollar often show some of the lowest headline prices, but the final amount depends on fees, taxes, and availability.

Are airport rental cars more expensive?

Usually yes. Airport rentals often include extra fees and higher taxes, though they are more convenient for travelers arriving by plane.

How can I save money on a car rental?

Book early, compare off-airport locations, choose an economy car, check all fees, and look for promo codes or membership discounts.

Should I always pick the lowest price?

Not necessarily. The lowest price can come with stricter policies, fewer locations, or extra charges. Compare total value, not only the initial quote.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest car rental in the USA takes more than choosing the lowest headline price. While some budget brands may beat Enterprise Car Rental on base rate, the final cost depends on fees, location, travel dates, and the type of vehicle you need. Enterprise remains a strong option for travelers who value convenience, broad availability, and a reliable pickup experience, especially when compared with other major brands.

The smartest approach is to compare several companies, check the full fee breakdown, and decide whether savings or convenience matters more for your trip. If you’re actively researching alternatives, start with our Enterprise alternatives guide, then browse current car rental deals, review airport car rental options, and explore more resources in our guides section.

Rental prices and policies can change quickly, so verify details directly before you book. A few extra minutes of comparison can help you save money and avoid surprise charges at pickup.

Open available rental deals to compare live options.

Before finalizing your trip, check current booking options.

Disclosure: Rental Deal Guide is independent and is not affiliated with Enterprise. Prices, fees, offers, and policies can change. Verify details before booking.