Cheap Car Rentals in Santa Barbara from $29
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a Cheapflights user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Santa Barbara with a pick-up date of 1/10 and drop-off date of 2/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental.
Santa Barbara car rentals in 2024
Get helpful information to start your search for the perfect car rental in Santa Barbara. The average price data is based on the last 12 months and was last updated on December 19, 2024.
Most popular company | TURO |
|---|---|
Price of gas per gallon | $3.41 |
Average price per day | $62 |
Cheapest price per day | $29 |
What is the cheapest time to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Discover the most affordable period to rent a car in Santa Barbara and save money on your trip. The monthly average price data is based on historical data over the last year and was last updated on December 19, 2024.
January
$47
February
$55
March
$57
April
$54
May
$60
June
$65
July
$72
August
$66
September
$67
October
$67
November
$65
December
$58
Currently, the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Barbara is January. The most expensive time to rent a car is July. The cheapest prices for each month are shown above, but prices will vary based on availability, how far out you book your rental car, and of course, car type.
Compare available car types for rental in Santa Barbara
Compare and contrast the various car types offered for rental in Santa Barbara to find the perfect fit for your trip. Price data is based on averages over the last 12 months and was last updated on December 19, 2024.
Small cars | $51 - $76 | |
|---|---|---|
All Car Types | $77 - $94 |
To rent a small car in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $63/day. April is the cheapest month to rent a small car in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$51/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is February (~$76/day). In fact, April is about 21% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a small car rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a small car saves you 23% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara small car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a medium car in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $68/day. May is the cheapest month to rent a medium car in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$62/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~$75/day). In fact, May is about 9% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a medium car rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a medium car saves you 19% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara medium car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a large car in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $102/day. August is the cheapest month to rent a large car in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$87/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is April (~$123/day). In fact, August is about 16% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a large car rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a large car is 20% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara large car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a SUV in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $82/day. August is the cheapest month to rent a SUV in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$72/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is June (~$106/day). In fact, August is about 13% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a SUV rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a SUV saves you 2% in costs. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara SUV rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a van in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $139/day. September is the cheapest month to rent a van in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$121/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$156/day). In fact, September is about 14% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a van rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a van is 41% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara van rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a luxury car in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $102/day. February is the cheapest month to rent a luxury car in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$78/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$118/day). In fact, February is about 25% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a luxury car rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a luxury car is 20% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara luxury car rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
To rent a convertible in Santa Barbara, the United States, you would pay an average price of $121/day. January is the cheapest month to rent a convertible in Santa Barbara, the United States (~$93/day), while the most expensive month to rent that same car type is July (~$151/day). In fact, January is about 24% cheaper than prices during the rest of the year to book a convertible rental for Santa Barbara. When comparing with other car types available for rental in Santa Barbara, renting a convertible is 32% more expensive. Please note that average prices are based on historical data and can vary depending on how early you book, availability for your travel dates, and vehicle popularity. Here are the best Santa Barbara convertible rental prices found by Cheapflights users in the past 7 days:
Tips for renting a car in Santa Barbara
Browse helpful tips for renting a car in Santa Barbara including age restrictions, car type suggestions and more. Tips were last updated on December 19, 2024.
- In the modern and luxurious single-terminal Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), you can easily access on-site car rental agency counters in the arrivals area near baggage claim. Agencies on-site include Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Dollar, and National. Once you are in your rental vehicle, exit the airport and follow signs for the Pacific Coast Highway South, which is both Highway 1 and US Highway 101 in Santa Barbara. Exit at Garden Street and turn left, which will take you straight into downtown Santa Barbara, where you can visit the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, and Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786.
- Driving around Santa Barbara in a car rental is by far the best way to see this gem along the California coast. Drive along the shores of the Pacific and enjoy Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara Beach, and East Beach. Shop, eat, and enjoy the views of Stearns Wharf or visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Or, you could drive downtown where you can visit the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, the Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, and Old Mission Santa Barbara 1786. From there, you can head into the mountains to soak up the scenic views.
- If you are looking to secure a car rental in Santa Barbara from someplace other than the Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), you're in luck. You'll find Zipcar agencies near Leadbetter Beach, four different locations downtown, one a bit farther south on N. Milpas Street, and one towards the north of the city on Castillo Street. In the center of downtown is an Enterprise on Chapala St. and an Avis and a Budget on East Haley Street. There is also a Hertz agency between downtown and the airport on La Cumbre Road.
Top rental agencies in Santa Barbara
Explore the leading car rental agencies in Santa Barbara known for their outstanding service and extensive range of vehicles to choose from. There are currently 8 car rental companies in Santa Barbara. Reviews were last updated on December 19, 2024.
Book your reservation with one of the top rental car agencies located in Santa Barbara, including Budget, Avis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Make sure to read reviews, pricing info, location, and other important details before choosing a rental car agency.
Budget
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Avis
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Alamo
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Hertz
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
National
Overview
Cleanliness
Comfort
Overall
Pick-up/drop-off
Value
Dollar
Sunnycars
Best Santa Barbara car rental deals found
Browse through a selection of recently found affordable car rental deals in Santa Barbara. Plan your trip with ease and find the perfect rental option for your needs. There are currently 8 rental car agencies in Santa Barbara with an average daily rate of $45. Data was last updated on December 19, 2024.
Peruse the best Santa Barbara car rental deals we've found. If these deals don't completely appeal to you, check back soon for alternative offers.
Car rental FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about car rentals in Santa Barbara, including policies, requirements, and more. FAQs were last updated on December 19, 2024.
Should I reserve an add-on navigation device to drive around Santa Barbara?
A navigation device could be very helpful in a number of situations. It could help you find alternative routes to US Highway 101 during peak rush hour from about 6:30 am to 9:30 am and then again from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. It could also keep you headed in the right direction when you drive along the narrower, more twisty roads in the hills and mountains, where signage is scarce. A navigation device could also help you find alternative routes when you are confronted with traffic congestion due to road work. However, it cannot predict wildlife darting into the road, so stay vigilant, especially at night.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
To rent a car in Santa Barbara, you need to be at least 21 years old. However, if you are age 21 through 24, most car rental agencies will charge you a daily fee for being a Young Renter. To secure your car rental, you need to have a driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you want to use a debit card, first check with your rental car agency to make sure that they accept them. If you are not going to opt for the insurance offered by the rental car company, bring proof of your own insurance. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to leave the lot with the rental vehicle unless you purchase the car rental agency’s insurance.
What interesting places can I visit around Santa Barbara in my rental car?
Because Santa Barbara is situated right along the Pacific Coast Highway, you can drive up and down the coast of California, seeing renowned sites of nature and culture. In 3 hours, you can drive up US Highway 101 to visit Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Along the way, you can visit Solvang, a quaint California town fashioned after a Danish village. A little further north, on the way to Hearst Castle, you can stop at Sycamore Minerals Springs Resort and Spa, an indulgent resort that catered to the Hollywood elite in the '30s and '40s. Heading south from Santa Barbara, you can reach Malibu in 1h 30min and Los Angeles in 2 hours.
What is the cheapest rental car found in Santa Barbara?
In the past two weeks, Cheapflights users have found many deals under $62/day when booking a rental car in Santa Barbara. The best deal a user found was for $42/day from Turo, booked on Dec. 16.
What car rental company is typically the cheapest in Santa Barbara?
According to our data, users have found the cheapest deals when booking a rental car in Santa Barbara from the following companies over the past two weeks: Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($30/day), Dollar ($40/day), and Avis ($41/day).
Which car rental company is considered to be the best in Santa Barbara?
Taking our users’ ratings and reviews into consideration, Avis (8.4 rating), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.3 rating) and Alamo (7.8 rating) seem to be the best rental car companies in Santa Barbara.
What are gas prices like in Santa Barbara?
The average gas price in Santa Barbara is $3.41/gallon over the past month, costing you anywhere between $40 and $58 to fill up a car’s gas tank.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara for a week from Turo?
Turo is one of the top picks in Santa Barbara. They can have you in a rental car for about $392 per week on average.
How far in advance should I rent a car in Santa Barbara for the best price?
Renting your favorite car model can become more difficult the closer you are to your desired travel date. It’s ideal to book early to have that peace of mind. An early booking can save you up to 38% in Santa Barbara - we recommend booking at least 87days in advance.
Can I rent a car for a month in Santa Barbara?
Yes, you can rent a car for a month in Santa Barbara. Check Cheapflights for the latest prices and car type availability.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara for a month?
Prices can be as low as $1,680 if you consider booking with Turo. That price represents savings of 36% compared to the Santa Barbara average. The monthly cost of a car rental in Santa Barbara is on average $1,680 ($56/day).
How much is a car rental in Santa Barbara for a weekend?
The average price for a weekend car rental in Santa Barbara is $55. Renting a Economy is your cheapest option if you’ve looking to save money on your weekend car rental in Santa Barbara. For the month of January, Cheapflights users have found rental cars in Santa Barbara for as low as $67/day.
What car do most people rent in Santa Barbara?
The majority of Cheapflights travelers prefer to rent a Standard (Mazda CX-5) in Santa Barbara, making it the most popular option.
Luxury car rentals in Santa Barbara
Find luxury car rental deals in Santa Barbara from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. luxury car rentals in Santa Barbara cost an average of $64 per day. Price data was last updated on December 19, 2024.
Some of the most suitable options we've found on luxury car rentals within Santa Barbara. Be sure that the car type, dates, pickup location and other key details suit your needs.
Van rentals in Santa Barbara
Find van rental deals in Santa Barbara from well-known providers in the area and save on gas mileage with the options provided below. van rentals in Santa Barbara cost an average of $61 per day. Price data was last updated on December 19, 2024.
Check out some of the best options we've found on van rentals in Santa Barbara. If you're not finding the right deal for your van rental, check back soon as deals are constantly being refreshed.
Car rentals by fuel type in Santa Barbara
Browse car rentals by fuel type in Santa Barbara. Currently, Electric cars are the cheapest to rent in Santa Barbara. Deals were last updated on December 19, 2024.
Browse through car rental deals by fuel type in Santa Barbara. There are currently 3 fuel types to choose from with Electric being the cheapest ($30+).
Electric
$30+
Gas/Diesel
$466+
Hybrid
$33+