Palm Springs and Long Beach Rank Among Top Priciest Car Rental Destinations in the United States This Winter: What You Need To Know

Published on December 31, 2025

As the winter season unfolds, travellers are noticing a significant spike in car rental prices at several key US airports, with Palm Springs and Long Beach among the priciest destinations. According to a study conducted by CheapCarRental.com, these Californian cities, along with several other U.S. airports, have seen rental rates rise sharply compared to last year.

The study, which looked at car rental prices at over 100 U.S. airports for the period from December 2025 through February 2026, reveals that travellers at Palm Springs Airport (PSP) can expect to pay an average of USD 91 per day for the most affordable rental vehicle, placing it as the third most expensive car rental destination in the country. It trails only Hawaii’s Kona (KOA) and Kahului (OGG) airports, which top the list at USD 127 and USD 104, respectively.

Palm Springs’ appeal as a desert oasis in California makes it a desirable destination for winter getaways, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists each year. However, with higher demand, the cost of renting a car in this scenic city has spiked. Long Beach Airport (LGB), another major Californian airport, is not far behind, with average daily rental rates at USD 90.

California Takes the Lead in High Car Rental Prices

Along with Palm Springs and Long Beach, other airports across California feature prominently in the rankings for expensive car rentals this winter. Burbank Airport (BUR) ranks seventh on the list, with daily rental rates averaging USD 79, while Oakland (OAK) follows closely behind at USD 75 per day. San Francisco International (SFO) and Los Angeles International (LAX) also see significant rental prices, with average daily rates standing at USD 72 and USD 71, respectively. Santa Ana (SNA) rounds out the list with a daily average rate of USD 65.

These high rental prices are indicative of the high demand for vehicles in these major travel hubs, particularly during the winter months when tourists flock to California for its mild weather and famed attractions. Tourists planning to visit these areas should be prepared for the possibility of higher car rental costs, especially when booking during peak travel seasons.

A Seasonal Price Surge in Car Rentals

While winter car rental prices have increased compared to last year, they are still far more affordable than during the summer months. The average cost of renting a car this winter across all 100 airports surveyed is USD 62.25 per day, marking a modest 1 percent increase from last year. However, rental rates are significantly lower than during the summer, with winter rates coming in more than 17 percent lower than their summer counterparts.

This drop in prices is partly attributed to fewer travellers and a seasonal decrease in demand. Winter, with its cooler temperatures and festive atmosphere, offers a more budget-friendly time to rent a car for those willing to plan their trips accordingly.

Top 10 Most Expensive US Car Rental Destinations This Winter

Below is the list of the 10 most expensive U.S. destinations for car rentals this winter, based on the average daily rental rates for the most affordable vehicle:

1. Kona (KOA) – USD 127
2. Kahului (OGG) – USD 104
3. Palm Springs (PSP) – USD 91
4. Long Beach (LGB) – USD 90
5. Madison (MAD) – USD 83
6. Boise (BOI) – USD 81
7. Lihue (LIH) – USD 79
8. Burbank (BUR) – USD 79
9. Louisville (SDF) – USD 77
10. Phoenix (PHX) – USD 76

These airports dominate the list, showing just how much the demand for car rentals has spiked in these regions during the winter months. As these destinations are known for attracting tourists during the holiday season, high demand for rental cars results in inflated prices.

What Does This Mean for Travellers?

For travellers planning to rent a car during the winter months, it is crucial to keep these price fluctuations in mind. While it is still more affordable to rent a car in the winter compared to summer, some of the most sought-after destinations have seen steep price increases. In destinations like Palm Springs and Long Beach, tourists will have to factor in the higher cost of car rentals when budgeting for their trip.

It is recommended to book rentals in advance to secure the best possible prices. Additionally, travellers may want to explore alternative transportation options, such as rideshare services or public transport, especially if they are visiting smaller destinations or less trafficked areas. For those insistent on renting a car, exploring less popular airports nearby may yield better deals.

Impact of Rising Car Rental Costs

In summary, Palm Springs and Long Beach, along with other Californian and Hawaiian airports, continue to see a rise in car rental prices this winter. With rental rates averaging USD 91 per day at Palm Springs and USD 90 at Long Beach, travellers will need to plan their trips accordingly to avoid unexpected costs. While these high prices may impact budgets, advance bookings and alternative transport options may help mitigate the financial impact.