According to Michelle Walters from Cheapcarrental.net, rental car rates across the United States are, on average, about 50% higher now than last year, looking at rates from August 2020.
Anchorage, Alaska, is the most expensive city in the United States to rent a car this summer, according to a survey conducted by Cheapcarrental.net. The survey compared rental car rates at the top 100 U.S. airports according to air traffic for August 2021.
At an average of $1,451 per week for the most affordable rental car available, Anchorage leads the ranking as the most expensive destination. Lihue, Hawaii, ranks second-most expensive, with rates starting at $1,065 per week, while Portland, Oregon, rounds out the podium with starting rates of $965 per week.
According to Michelle Walters from Cheapcarrental.net, rental car rates across the United States are, on average, about 50% higher now than last year, looking at rates from August 2020. In certain cities, including Minneapolis, Seattle and Boston, average rates have doubled year over year. In Anchorage, Portland and multiple Hawaiian destinations, rates are up by more than 200%, year over year, as a result of local car rental shortages.
Below are the 10 most expensive destinations for car rental rates this August. Prices shown reflect average weekly rates (Sunday to Saturday) for the most affordable rental cars available, August 1-31, 2021. Only rental car providers located directly at a destination's airport or at the airport's rental car center were considered for the survey.
1. Anchorage, AK (ANC) $1,451
2. Lihue, HI (LIH) $1,065
3. Portland, OR (PDX) $965
4. Kona, HI (KOA) $948
5. Honolulu, HI (HNL) $937
6. Kahului, HI (OGG) $895
7. Portland, ME (PDX) $840
8. Seattle, WA (SEA) $746
9. Boise, ID (BOI) $701
10. Minneapolis, MN (MSP) $690
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
