Car Rental Rates Up Big at Thanksgiving

Travelers looking to rent car in Washington, D.C. – and other major markets – are likely to get a case of sticker shock over Thanksgiving, as many rates have soared.

For example, in the nation’s capital, travelers can expect to pay almost 200% more than usual, according to CheapCarRental.net, which compared car rental rates for 30 destinations in the United States.

In Washington, D.C., the cheapest available car will cost renters $112 per rental day over the long Thanksgiving weekend. That figure represents an increase of 197% compared to regular rates. The capital of the United States is also the most expensive destination in the country.

It is even slightly ahead of New York City, which ranks second most expensive in the nation with an average car rental rate of $110 per day. Baltimore rounds out the Top 3 with an average of $106 per day for the most affordable rental car.

Least expensive according to the survey is Denver, Colorado. There renters can find a car for $14 per day this Thanksgiving. Also among the most affordable destinations are Miami and San Francisco, where prices at the car rental check-in counter should run around $20 per day.

The following table shows the 10 destinations with the highest car rental rates for the Thanksgiving long weekend along with a comparison to regular prices.

1. Washington, D.C. $112 (+197%)

2. New York City $110 (+84%)

3. Baltimore $106 (+108%)

4. New Orleans $60 (–21%)

5. St. Louis $57 (+5%)

6. San Antonio $48 (+19%)

7. Phoenix $45 (–18%)

8. Cleveland $44 (–14%)

9. Las Vegas $41 (+68%)

10. Houston $40 (–5%)

Category: Featured, General Update