Cheap Car Hire in San Diego

San Diego, CA, United States

5 Feb — 12 Feb

Same drop-off

Sun 5/2

Noon

Sun 12/2

Noon

Driver's age:

26-65Other

What is the cheapest time to rent a car in San Diego?

January

฿1,440

February

฿2,029

March

฿2,323

April

฿2,193

May

฿1,963

June

฿2,193

July

฿2,225

August

฿2,029

September

฿1,833

October

฿1,963

November

฿1,833

December

฿1,898

Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in San Diego is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is March. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.

Compare available car types for rental in San Diego

	Small cars	฿1,226 - ฿2,112
	All Car Types	฿1,465 - ฿4,058

To hire a Small car in San Diego, the United States, you would pay an average price of ฿770/day. July is the cheapest month to hire a Small car in San Diego, the United States (~฿1,226/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is November (~฿2,112/day). In fact, July is about 0% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a Small hire for San Diego. When comparing with other car types available for hire in San Diego, hiring a Small car saves you 61% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a Medium car in San Diego, the United States, you would pay an average price of ฿1,428/day. November is the cheapest month to hire a Medium car in San Diego, the United States (~฿1,193/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is April (~฿4,256/day). In fact, November is about 17% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a Medium hire for San Diego. When comparing with other car types available for hire in San Diego, hiring a Medium car saves you 28% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

To hire a SUV car in San Diego, the United States, you would pay an average price of ฿1,135/day. October is the cheapest month to hire a SUV car in San Diego, the United States (~฿1,467/day), while the most expensive month to hire that same car type is June (~฿2,857/day). In fact, October is about 0% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV hire for San Diego. When comparing with other car types available for hire in San Diego, hiring a SUV car saves you 43% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity.

Top rental agencies in San Diego

All major car rental suppliers in San Diego

Enterprise

7.9

Good

322 reviews•14 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2021

Great service as always.

Everything was great.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Excellent customer service

2.0

Poor|Dec 2022

They canceled my reservation and wrecked my whole trip

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2022

Renting was easy

8.0

Very Good|Nov 2022

Service was wonderful, we were a little surprised by the jump in costs

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

They canceled my reservation an hour prior to when I was scheduled to pick up the vehicle. The previous renter did not return on time. I was left to call other locations to see if any had a cargo van available. None did. Ended up at UHaul.

10.0

Wonderful|Oct 2022

Staff was efficient, personable and flexible. We needed to change out location of drop off. They made it easy to do so

1 out of 108

Enterprise Locations in San Diego

1 Park Blvd

+1 619 696 5000

1333 Camino Del Rio South

+1 619 260 1505

2305 Pacific Hwy

+1 619 294 7774

2740 Lytton Street

+1 619 225 0848

2780 Garnet Ave

+1 858 490 1510

3299 Holiday Court

+1 858 404 0700

3355 Admiral Boland Way

+1 833 763 1739

3851 El Cajon Blvd

+1 619 229 2300

6330 Marindustry Dr

+1 858 455 0075

6620 Mira Mesa Boulevard

+1 858 404 0700

7993 Balboa Avenue

+1 858 560 9050

900 F St Ste 167

+1 619 696 5000

9292 Miramar Rd # 28

+1 858 689 8523

950 Hotel Circle North

+1 619 296 7493

Dollar

7.1

Good

217 reviews•2 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

5.6

Fair|May 2019

Friendly staff and reasonable agreed price.

The additional charges taken from my credit card in excess of 350 dollars for a key that I placed in the overnite key box at the dollar kiosk because there were no dollar employees to check the car in. I was also charged for gas after the vehicle was fueled before its return. Staff called my cell phone over an hour and a half before my departure and I informed them the key was in the secure drop box. I was told I would be called back immediately if it was not there. I did not receive a call regarding the key and 300 dollars was taken from my account for what is showing a lost vehicle key. Unacceptable by any situation.

4.0

Mediocre|Jan 2023

Lots of hidden fees, my rental had damages prior ro pick up that wasnt disclosed, overall dont recommend.

4.0

Mediocre|Oct 2022

Rental car rates have become outrageous. But then, to pay that much to rent a car and then have to wait for nearly an hour in line to pick it up after you have flown for hours and still have a 3 Hour Drive ahead is ridiculous.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2022

The line was 2 hours.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2022

Everything beyond amazing

2.0

Poor|Jun 2022

I made a mistake on my booking dates and did not realize it until after the rental period had started. While excellent costumer service would have been too let me rebook with perhaps a fee, good customer service would have been to offer some kind of discount or upgrade. Dollar would have none of that. They took my free money and effectively told me to buzz off. I assure you, I won't give them any more of my money. Also, note that Dollar and Thrifty are subsidiaries of Hertz.

2.0

Poor|Jun 2022

It took an hour to get through the line to get to the counter. It took ANOTHER hour to get the car.

1 out of 73

Avis

6.9

Okay

266 reviews•11 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

Terrible service They did not respect my reservation, I had to walk to SIXT, and they did a great job and friendly service Avis think they’re doing you a favor Never go back

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

I wasn’t able to get a printed receipt when i turned the car in because there was no system at the moment, which to me is very inconvenient, i need the receipt for insurance reimbursement, I can’t download either because there is some kind of error on the page, also i thought i was going to pay $905. Unless i misread and my total is more, I don’t know why small inconvenience’s to me,

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Everything was simple and easy. From booking the online reservation, to securing the vehicle, to drop-off. Affordable too.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Easy to book and staff was friendly and good to work with, price was reasonable.

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2022

Flight cancelations caused by weather meant a large number of people were stranded looking for automobiles to rent. My confirmation was honored in a friendly and efficient manner by Avis.

10.0

Wonderful|Dec 2022

Easy in and out. I do wish I did not buy extra insurance that Kayak offered on the site

1 out of 89

Avis Locations in San Diego

1110 Torrey Pines Road Suite H

+1 858 454 4621

1350 6th Ave Suite #170

+1 619 544 0438

1670 Kettner Boulevard Suite 1

+1 619 231 7137

2790 Kurtz St Ste 1

+1 619 220 4920

3355 Admiral Boland Way

+1 619 688 5000

3890 Valley Centre Dr Ste 103

+1 858 755 0400

4550 La Jolla Village Drive

+1 858 450 6553

500 Hotel Circle North

+1 619 574 5377

7815 Balboa Avenue

+1 858 974 8630

8720 Miramar Road

+1 858 271 0018

Cross Border Xpress - 2745 Otay Pacific Dr

+1 619 588 1309

Budget

6.8

Okay

150 reviews•11 locations

Check prices

Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|May 2022

I have very bad experience & I’m still waiting for my money back, All this company want your money They don’t care customer services

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

Made 5 pm reservation and no one there to pick up car. Contacted service was no help as hung up on me 2 times and never called back and wasn’t able to help as tried to transfer to airport at almost 3 x the price and didn’t responsibility for car not available at time requested. They didn’t contact me at number to come earlier if they were not going to be there.

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

They were totally unprepared and unprofessional. They kept me waiting for almost an hour and in the end provided me with the wrong car which was dirty, not filled up and technically needed to be serviced. The paperwork was also not filed correctly. I will never use Budget again if I can help it.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

The website was very easy to use. I was able to get my rental set up very late in the night and pick it up early the next morning

2.0

Poor|Dec 2022

Booked the car for $85 online for a 12 hour rental. Was charged $400.

8.0

Very Good|Oct 2022

Loved the car but was dirty and kept asking for maintence. Had to stop to get air in tires twice in 3 days

6.0

Okay|Oct 2022

The price for car rentals are up folks! Stupid me I bought got the option for the rental to be gas instead of me. I did a double take which was too late, dude $90. WTF! I’m like that 2010 Meme Antoine Dawson - Hide yo kids, Hide you wife, Hide yo Husband cause they R@P!ing ppl out here - with these charges!

1 out of 50

Budget Locations in San Diego

1110 Torrey Pines Road Suite H

+1 858 456 2124

1670 Kettner Boulevard Suite 1

+1 619 231 7162

2790 Kurtz Street Suite 1

+1 619 574 6975

3355 Admiral Boland Way

+1 619 680 4949

3890 Valley Centre Dr Ste 103

+1 858 755 7457

4550 La Jolla Village Drive

+1 858 320 9017

500 Hotel Circle North

+1 619 220 0294

640 Broadway

+1 619 544 0510

7815 Balboa Avenue

+1 858 974 8632

8720 Miramar Road

+1 858 271 0035

Cross Border Xpress - 2745 Otay Pacific Dr

+1 619 644 1362

Hertz

6.5

Okay

603 reviews•12 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Oct 2022

The fact that I reserved a car in San Diego and when I got to hertz they told me my rental was in TJ. I called when I made my online reservation and asked about pickup the person helping me told me about the shuttle and nowhere when selecting and reserving my car did I see that it was for pickup up in TJ. Anyways, the guys at hertz wouldn't honor the price, so I took my business to another rental car place.

10.0

Wonderful|Nov 2020

The staff in San Diego were GREAT!! Very nice and helpful.

Nothing!

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Great car

6.0

Okay|Jan 2023

Vehicle was very smooth. The process from the airport to the shuttle to hertz was too lengthy for a short term rental. Would be okay for a long term rental.

10.0

Wonderful|Jan 2023

Staff and personnel fabulous

2.0

Poor|Jan 2023

bad brakes and was dangerous and vehicle was smelling bad.

2.0

Poor|Dec 2022

When I went to Hertsch rent a car at San Diego airport they told me that they were completely sold out of cars and could not honor the reservation that I made through kayak

2.0

Poor|Dec 2022

Terrible. Last time i rent a car at hertz or through kayak. Lesson learned

1 out of 201

Hertz Locations in San Diego

1 Market Place

+1 619 702 4524

10920 Technology Place

No phone number provided

1120 W Laurel Street

+1 619 557 8499

1441 Camino Del Rio South

+1 619 294 4023

2667 Garnet Avenue B

+1 858 483 1015

2745 Otay Pacific Drive

+1 844 705 8085

3355 Admiral Boland Way

+1 619 767 5700

3370-3420 Kettner Blvd

+1 619 696 9815

4240 La Jolla Village Dr.

+1 858 458 0638

5910 Mission Gorge Rd Ste 600

+1 619 285 9905

6609 Mira Mesa Boulevard

+1 858 320 9051

8039 Balboa Avenue, Suite B

+1 858 503 7755

Ace

4.3

Mediocre

140 reviews•3 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Dec 2020

Accurate information on your site would have been helpful.

2.0

Poor|Nov 2020

NOTHING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY. FALE ADVERTISING

IF YOU HAD RENTED THE VAN TO US BUT YOU WERE CHARGING EXCESS MILAGE

2.0

Poor|Jul 2022

When arriving at airport called number for shuttle to pick up only to be told the company went out of business stranding me at the airport with no rental and offered no help. Didn't receive any prior notice that they went out of business so I could make alternate arrangements

2.0

Poor|May 2022

I did this specifically for an airport pickup, and then it turns out ACE doesn’t have airport pickup, although it had said it did.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2022

Very nice people. However, the shuttle service was too slow and pick-up was lengthy.

2.0

Poor|Mar 2022

It was the worst car rental experience I have ever had. I booked through Kayak, prepaid and flew into San Diego. After landing, wewere waiting with several other Kayak customers for the shuttle, and when it showed up, the driver said "we don't have any more cars". They weren't apologetic nor did they give us a voucher for a future rental. They said Kayak overbooked them and that was that. They did offer to give us a refund. I then had to go to Avis and pay an enormous amount because they were almost out of cars. I would never rent a car from there again. So buyer beware, you get what you pay for.

2.0

Poor|Feb 2022

When I arrived at the car rental station I couldn't find Ace. I called 3 times - was connected to someone, then when i asked where they were, I was put on hold then disconnected. I never found the Ace rental counter.

2.0

Poor|Feb 2022

I had to give a deposit of 500. I wish I was informed of such at the time of booking the reservation. So there was no rental and a major inconvenience.

1 out of 47

MEXRENTACAR

3.9

Poor

233 reviews•4 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

Car was at Mexican border not in San Diego as advertised

2.0

Poor|Nov 2022

Never got the car ..called back to cancel reservation ..none of the phone numbers worked all said out of service ..unable to complete call ..not a working number ..and some Spanish message …I put in the San Diego airport and your system was sending me to who knows where in San Diego ..wasn’t the airport

2.0

Poor|May 2022

They refused to give me the car because “we don’t do rentals under 24 hours notice”, however it showed up on kayak. They refused to listen to this argument, blaming kayak instead.

2.0

Poor|May 2022

I waited at the airport for an hour. Was late to my appointment.

2.0

Poor|May 2022

I was told they didn’t have a car for me. So was left without wheels that day. NOT GOOD.

2.0

Poor|May 2022

Overcharged a lot. 3x what I agreed to

1 out of 78

Economy Rent a Car

6.4

Okay

64 reviews•2 locations

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Overview

Recent reviews

10.0

Wonderful|Oct 2022

It's great to support a local business and all Economy employees were helpful and professional. We will definitely use this business in the future. I liked the simplicity of checkout where car condition is simply videoed and shared. Very smart. The only possible improvements are: 1) Let customers know either in the text message or at check-in that the shuttle will return us directly to the airport. That's a wonderful benefit and we ended up dropping the car off earlier than needed because we anticipated dealing with the chaos that is the large centralized rental center. 2) The process of getting from airport to Economy was stressful given the horrible lines for transport to the large centralized rental center (we waited over an hour) and then the uncertainty of whether we could get on the van to Economy. Next time we will likely just Uber directly to Economy. But, overall, excellent experience with Economy and we will be returning customers.

2.0

Poor|Aug 2022

My written confirmation stated “Unlimited Mileage.” When I asked at the counter, the agent, Isaac, confirmed that mileage was unlimited. After I returned the car, I received an electronic invoice charging me for every mile over 400 miles. When I complained, I was told that the policy was “on their website.” I was not provided with a written or electronic rental agreement at pick-up, and, none of the electronic waivers they had me initial addressed mileage. Very shady.

6.0

Okay|Jun 2022

Car was nice, service was nice. Just beware that they charge $30/day for insurance and have a 100mi/day limit.

10.0

Wonderful|Apr 2022

They have a shuttle that will drop you off directly at the airport after your rental and the wait time is very minimal.

10.0

Wonderful|Aug 2021

excellent customer service. Staff seemed very appreciative of our business, will recommend to others. Shuttle driver was especially helpful & nice.

10.0

Wonderful|Mar 2021

Nothing. Great value and great service!

1 out of 22

Car Rental FAQs

Which car rental company is considered to be the best in San Diego?

Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Silvercar (9.6 rating), Advantage (9.0 rating) and Alamo (8.9 rating) seem to be the best car hire companies in San Diego.

What are gas prices like in San Diego?

The average price of petrol in San Diego is ฿31.43/litre over the past month, costing you anywhere between ฿1,414 and ฿2,042 to fill up a car’s fuel tank.

How much does it cost to hire a car in San Diego for a week from Sixt?

Hiring a car in San Diego for a week can be a great option for travel. Sixt, the most popular car hire company for this area, offers hire cars for around ฿8,450/week on average.