The survey compared rental car rates at 100 U.S. airports during the period from June to August 2026. With an average rate of $182 per day for the most affordable rental car, Anchorage ranked first.
Bozeman Yellowstone airport in Montana ranked second, with an average daily rate of $164. Albany, New York completed the top three, with a daily rate of $146 for the least expensive car.
The top 10 also includes Portland, Maine; Boston; New York City; Minneapolis; Spokane; Providence; and Grand Rapids, with daily rates ranging from $108 to $138.
Across all 100 airports included in the survey, the average daily rental rate is $82.90, representing an increase of more than 13% compared with 2025.
The largest rate increase was recorded at Washington DC’s Ronald Reagan airport, where rates have more than doubled compared with last year.
The least expensive destinations to rent a car this summer are Tampa and Jacksonville, both with an average rate of $45 per day.
Other Florida destinations are also among the cheaper locations, as the summer months represent low season for the state.
The 10 most expensive U.S. destinations for renting a car this summer are based on average rates for the most affordable rental car during the period from 1 June to 31 August 2026.
Anchorage (ANC) $182
Bozeman (BZN) $164
Albany (ALB) $146
Portland (PWM) $138
Boston (BOS) $136
New York City (LGA) $115
Minneapolis (MSP) $113
Spokane (GEG) $110
Providence (PVD) $110
Grand Rapids (GRR) $108
