The cheapest rental companies in Philadelphia and what they cost

The lowest daily rates in Philadelphia typically come from Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz, which often undercut the major chains on economy cars. On any given week, you might find daily rates between $25 and $50 for a compact sedan, though prices swing based on demand, season, and how far ahead you book. Weekend rates are usually higher than weekday rates, and summer months cost more than winter.

The catch with the cheapest advertised rate is what gets added at checkout. A $30-per-day quote can become $55 after taxes, airport fees (if you rent at Philadelphia International), and the mandatory collision damage waiver that most companies charge whether you want it or not. Rental companies in Philadelphia are required to collect 8% sales tax plus a 10% city tax on car rentals, which applies to the base rate and most add-ons.

Comparison sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Priceline let you see rates from multiple companies side by side for the same dates and location. These sites show the total price including taxes before you commit, which is more honest than the advertised daily rate alone. Autoslash also tracks your reservation and emails you if the price drops, so you can rebook at the lower rate if you haven't picked up the car yet.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz typically have the lowest base rates for economy cars in Philadelphia, though the final price depends heavily on taxes and fees.
  • Philadelphia adds 18% in combined sales and city taxes to all car rentals, so compare total prices, not advertised daily rates.
  • Renting from a neighborhood location instead of the airport can save you the airport facility fee, which ranges from $5 to $15 per day.
  • Booking three to seven days in advance usually locks in better rates than same-day or last-minute reservations.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover collision damage, which means you can decline the rental company's damage waiver and save $10 to $20 per day.

Airport rentals versus neighborhood locations

Renting at Philadelphia International Airport is convenient but costs more. The airport charges rental companies a facility fee, which they pass to you as a surcharge on top of the base rate—usually $5 to $15 per day depending on the company. If you're renting for a week, that's $35 to $105 in extra charges just for the location.

Neighborhood locations in Center City, University City, and Northeast Philadelphia don't charge this fee. Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz all have multiple locations throughout the city. You can take a taxi, rideshare, or public transit to a neighborhood branch and rent from there for the base rate alone. For a week-long rental, the savings can cover your transportation to the rental location and still come out ahead.

The trade-off is convenience and timing. Airport locations have extended hours and staff ready to handle high volume. A neighborhood location might have shorter hours or require you to plan your pickup time more carefully. Check the specific location's hours before you book, especially if you need an early morning or late evening pickup.

How to lower your total cost before you book

Decline the rental company's damage waiver if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Most standard auto policies and many premium credit cards (especially American Express and some Visas) include rental car coverage at no extra charge. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you book and ask whether rental cars are covered and what the deductible is. If they cover it, you can skip the waiver and save $10 to $20 per day.

Book for weekdays instead of weekends when possible. A Monday-to-Friday rental is often 20 to 40 percent cheaper than Friday-to-Monday, even though it's the same number of days. If your trip is flexible, shifting it by a few days can make a real difference in the final bill.

Prepay through a discount site rather than paying at the counter. Kayak, Priceline, and Autoslash sometimes show rates lower than what you'd get booking directly with the rental company. The catch is that prepaid rates are usually non-refundable or have strict change policies, so only prepay if your dates are locked in. Read the cancellation terms before you confirm.

Choose the smallest car class that meets your needs. A compact sedan costs less to rent than a midsize, and a midsize costs less than an SUV. If you don't need the extra space or cargo room, the smaller car will lower your daily rate and also save you on gas.

When to book for the best rates

Booking three to seven days in advance usually gives you better rates than booking the day before or the day of. Rental companies adjust prices based on how full their fleet is, and rates tend to rise as the pickup date gets closer. If you know your travel dates, book as soon as you're confident about them.

Avoid booking during major events and holidays. The Philadelphia Marathon (November), Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, and summer weekends all drive up rental demand and prices. If your trip overlaps one of these periods, book even further in advance—two to three weeks if possible—to lock in a rate before prices spike.

Set up price alerts on Autoslash or Kayak for your dates. These tools monitor rates and notify you when prices drop, so you can rebook if the new rate is significantly lower. This works best if you're flexible on your exact pickup date or if you haven't yet picked up the car.

What's included and what costs extra

The base rental rate includes the car, basic liability insurance (required by Pennsylvania law), and unlimited mileage at most Philadelphia locations. Taxes and airport fees are added at checkout. Everything else is optional and costs more: GPS rental, additional drivers, fuel options, and roadside information.

Decline the GPS rental and use your phone's maps app instead. Rental company GPS units cost $10 to $15 per day and are often outdated. Your phone is free and more current.

Fuel options vary by company. Some let you prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate per gallon; others charge you for whatever fuel you use when you return the car. Prepaying for fuel makes sense only if you know you'll use most of the tank. If you're renting for a short trip in the city, you might use very little fuel, so pay-as-you-go is cheaper.

Additional drivers cost $10 to $15 per day per person at most companies. If you're splitting driving with a partner, ask whether your insurance covers them as a driver. Many policies do, which means you don't need to pay the rental company's additional driver fee.

Rental company policies that affect your final bill

Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz all have slightly different rules about fuel, mileage, and damage. Enterprise offers unlimited mileage at most Philadelphia locations and has a reputation for lower base rates. Budget's rates are competitive but often include a fuel charge if you don't prepay. Hertz has been restructuring after bankruptcy and may have fewer Philadelphia locations than the other two, so check availability before you book.

All three require a credit card at pickup, even if you prepaid online. They'll place a hold on your card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit, which is released when you return the car undamaged. If you're using a debit card, some locations won't rent to you, so call ahead and confirm.

Return the car on time and with a full tank of fuel. Late returns are charged at a daily rate (often higher than your original rate) plus a late fee. Running out of fuel means the rental company fills the tank at a premium price per gallon, usually $6 to $8 per gallon, which is two to three times what you'd pay at a gas station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in Philadelphia without a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit and to place a hold on your account. Some locations accept debit cards, but policies vary by company and location. Call the specific rental location before you book and ask whether they accept debit cards and what additional documentation they need.

What happens if I return the car with damage?

The rental company will charge you for repairs. If you declined their damage waiver and your insurance doesn't cover it, you pay out of pocket. The charge can range from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to thousands for major damage. This is why checking your insurance coverage before you book matters.

Is it cheaper to rent for a week than day-by-day?

Usually yes. Weekly rates are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper per day than daily rates. If you need a car for five or more days, ask for a weekly quote even if you're only keeping it for part of the week—sometimes the weekly rate is lower than the daily rate multiplied by the number of days.

Do I have to buy insurance from the rental company?

No. Pennsylvania requires basic liability coverage, which is included in the base rate. Additional coverage like collision damage waiver is optional. Check your personal auto insurance and credit card benefits first—most cover rental cars, which means you don't need to buy extra coverage from the rental company.

What's the difference between prepaid and pay-at-counter rates?

Prepaid rates are locked in when you book and are usually lower, but they're non-refundable or have strict change policies. Pay-at-counter rates are flexible but often higher. Prepay only if your dates are certain and you won't need to cancel or change your reservation.