Little Rock tops US car rental prices this fall

A recent survey conducted by Cheapcarrental.com has revealed that Little Rock, Arkansas, is the most expensive city in the United States for car rentals this fall. The survey analyzed rental prices at 100 U.S. airports from September to November 2024, finding that the average daily rate for the cheapest car in Little Rock is $95. This marks a significant increase of approximately 20% compared to the previous fall, highlighting a trend of rising rental costs in the area. In comparison, Charleston, South Carolina, ranks as the second most expensive destination with an average daily rate of $91, while Madison, Wisconsin, follows closely in third place at $87. Other notable cities include St. Pete–Clearwater and Reno-Tahoe, both offering rentals at $86 per day. The survey indicates that rental prices across the surveyed airports have only increased by 0.5% on average compared to last year, suggesting that Little Rock's price surge is an outlier. The Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, the largest commercial airport in Arkansas, is the focal point for these high rental rates, serving numerous domestic flights daily. The increase in rental prices may be attributed to various factors, including heightened demand and limited supply, particularly during the fall travel season. In contrast, Raleigh, North Carolina, emerges as the most affordable destination for car rentals, with an average daily rate of just $41. This stark difference in rental prices across various U.S. cities underscores the varying economic conditions and demand for car rentals in different regions.