A car rental costs $30 to $160 per day in 2026
A car rental costs $30 to $160 per day in 2026. Chase says the forecast for the average daily rate this year is about $48. Economy cars sit at the low end, and WealthVieu lists them at $45 to $65 per day. Full-size SUVs run $100 to $160 per day. Airport fees, insurance, young driver fees, and your trip dates can all change the final price.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Chase | Chase says the 2026 forecast for the average daily rental rate is about $48.00, and Newark Airport 2025 rates were $51 to $52 for economy and compact cars and $87 for full-size SUVs. |
| WealthVieu | WealthVieu lists economy cars at $45 to $65 per day, full-size SUVs at $100 to $160, luxury at $120 to $250, and a collision damage waiver at $20 to $40 per day. |
| LatestCost | LatestCost lists economy cars at $30 to $50 per day, mid-size cars and SUVs at $50 to $90, and a collision damage waiver at $15 to $25 per day. |
Car rental prices per day by car type
| Car type | Price per day | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $45 to $65 | WealthVieu |
| Economy | $30 to $50 | LatestCost |
| Mid-size | $65 to $95 | WealthVieu |
| Mid-size or SUV | $50 to $90 | LatestCost |
| Standard SUV | $85 to $130 | WealthVieu |
| Full-size SUV | $100 to $160 | WealthVieu |
| Luxury | $120 to $250 | WealthVieu |
| Average daily rate, 2026 forecast | $48 | Chase |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Car class | An economy car costs the least, and WealthVieu lists $45 to $65 per day. A full-size SUV runs $100 to $160 per day, and luxury cars cost more. |
| Rental brand | WealthVieu lists economy cars at $40 to $70 per day at Dollar and Thrifty, and $55 to $90 at Hertz. Prices differ by brand and by city. |
| Pickup place | LatestCost lists airport rentals at $40 to $75 or more per day, downtown rentals at $30 to $60, and suburban or rural rentals at $25 to $50. |
| Insurance and add ons | WealthVieu lists a collision damage waiver at $20 to $40 per day. LatestCost lists it at $15 to $25. Your credit card may already cover it. |
| Driver age and trip length | WealthVieu lists a young driver fee at $25 to $35 and an extra driver at $12 to $15. Weekly rentals cost less per day. |
What the price includes
The base price pays for the car for the days you book. Taxes and airport fees are added at checkout. Chase notes that the base price often does not show the full cost once taxes and airport surcharges are added. Insurance, an extra driver, a young driver fee, GPS, a child seat, fuel, and tolls usually cost extra.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Car rentals are billed by the day, with a lower rate per day for a week. You pay the base rate plus taxes and fees. Big brands such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget set their own prices, so the same car can cost different amounts at each. WealthVieu lists Enterprise economy cars at $50 to $80 per day and Budget at $45 to $75. Peer to peer sites such as Turo let the car owner set the price. WealthVieu lists Turo economy cars at $50 to $120 per day. Always read the final total before you pay.
When you need this
You need a rental car when you travel and have no ride, when your own car is in the shop, or when you need a bigger vehicle for a trip. Book early for holidays and busy weeks, because prices rise when many people want cars. Check if your own car insurance or credit card covers rentals before you pay for desk coverage.
How to judge your quote
- Does the quote show taxes and airport fees, or only the base rate?
- Is insurance listed as a daily charge, and do you already have cover?
- Are the extra driver, young driver, and fuel fees spelled out?
- Does the daily rate drop if you book a full week?
- Compare the total with the range above: $30 to $160 per day for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Check your credit card first. It may include rental car coverage, so you can skip the $15 to $40 per day waiver that rental desks sell.
- Pick up the car in town. LatestCost lists downtown rentals at $30 to $60 per day and airport rentals at $40 to $75 or more.
- Book a full week instead of a few days. WealthVieu lists an economy car at $220 to $340 per week, which is less per day than its daily rate.
- Compare rental brands. WealthVieu lists economy cars at $40 to $70 per day at Dollar and Thrifty and $55 to $90 at Hertz, so shop around.
- Skip add ons you do not need. WealthVieu lists GPS at $12 to $18 per day, and your phone does the same job for free.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Chase, WealthVieu and LatestCost. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to rent a car for a day?
Chase says the forecast average daily rate in 2026 is about $48. WealthVieu lists economy cars at $45 to $65 and mid-size cars at $65 to $95. Fees come on top.
How much does an SUV rental cost?
WealthVieu lists a standard SUV at $85 to $130 per day and a full-size SUV at $100 to $160. LatestCost lists mid-size cars and SUVs at $50 to $90 per day.
Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week?
Often it is. WealthVieu lists an economy car at $220 to $340 per week. That works out to less per day than its $45 to $65 daily rate.
How much is rental car insurance?
WealthVieu lists a collision damage waiver at $20 to $40 per day. LatestCost lists it at $15 to $25 per day. Check if your credit card or car policy already covers rentals.
Is renting at the airport more expensive?
Usually it is. LatestCost lists airport rentals at $40 to $75 or more per day. Downtown is $30 to $60, and suburban or rural is $25 to $50.