A new survey from CheapCarRental.net ranks major U.S. destinations by the average cost to rent a car at each city’s primary airport. The study focused on summer rates and compared the least expensive available vehicle from leading rental companies in 50 destinations for June, July and August.
The results show that Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio, top the list of most expensive airport rentals during summer. In Cleveland, the average daily rate for the lowest-priced option is about $84. Cincinnati follows closely with an average of approximately $82 per day. Other cities appearing among the top 10 priciest destinations include Newark, Anchorage, Boston and Seattle.
At the other end of the spectrum, several Florida airports offer the most affordable summer rentals. In the three cheapest destinations, travelers pay under $30 per day on average. Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami rank as the top three least expensive airports for daily rental rates in the survey.
By collecting and comparing average daily rates for the cheapest available vehicle across each city’s primary airport rental locations, the survey highlights regional differences in summer pricing. Factors that commonly influence airport rental prices include local demand, seasonal tourism patterns, fleet availability and airport fees. While exact costs vary by company, booking window and vehicle type, the survey provides a useful snapshot for travelers planning summer trips who want to estimate transportation expenses at arrival.
For people planning travel this summer, these findings emphasize the value of comparing rental options before arrival. Searching multiple companies, considering off-airport locations, and booking in advance can help reduce the daily rate. Travelers should also review fuel, mileage and insurance terms so they can compare total trip costs rather than base daily rates alone.
Overall, the survey offers clear takeaways: some Midwestern airport locations can be among the most expensive for summer car rentals, while several Florida airports remain among the most budget-friendly. Understanding these patterns helps travelers make smarter decisions about where and when to book their rental vehicles.