Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California car rental deals found on momondo
Find the rental car in Santa Barbara that's right for you
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup Truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
C$ 66 - C$ 89
All Car Types
C$ 102 - C$ 146
The average price of a small car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 78. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 16% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 66 per day. A small car rental is typically 39% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a medium car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 95. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 14% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 82 per day. A medium car rental is typically 26% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a large car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 99. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 15% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 85 per day. A large car rental is typically 23% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a SUV rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 142. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 109 per day. A SUV rental is typically 11% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a van rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 221. The cheapest time to rent a van in Santa Barbara, the United States is in March. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 175 per day. A van rental is typically 43% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara van rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a pick-up truck rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 95. The cheapest time to rent a pick-up truck in Santa Barbara, the United States is in July. The price is 45% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 53 per day. A pick-up truck rental is typically 26% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.
The average price of a luxury car rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 139. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Santa Barbara, the United States is in May. The price is 18% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 115 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 10% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Barbara luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.
The average price of a convertible rental in Santa Barbara, the United States is C$ 155. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Santa Barbara, the United States is in January. The price is 15% lower than the rest of the year at just C$ 133 per day. A convertible rental is typically 19% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Barbara. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Barbara can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.
Excellent customer service at the Santa Barbara airport location.
2.0
Poor|May 2023
Didn’t have the car I ordered. Car they gave me hadn’t been cleaned and it was blocked in by 5 other cars, so took 30 minutes to get out.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Friendly helpful staff
2.0
Poor|Mar 2023
We asked for no insurance as we carry our own. It was added and at $25 a day it added 25% to our total bill. As a courtesy the return assistant deducted $40.
Able to pick up downtown Santa Barbara on a Saturday. Friendly staff, easy pick up and drop off, brand new car (1700 mi). No hassle rental.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2022
Easy pick and up and drop off. New and clean car, gas tank full, great experience as always!
8.0
Very good|Jul 2022
The pick up line was pretty Long at SBC. Attendant worked as best as able with number of people.
10.0
Wonderful|Jul 2022
Seth was excellent
6.0
Okay|Jul 2022
Loved the Mustang. Perfect car for a California road trip. I had reserved a convertible, however, and because I arrived 6 hours after my reserved pick-up time, I had to settle for a hardtop. My fault (though I really had no idea about timing when I booked the trip months ago), but I felt a bit overcharged paying the same price as a convertible. Sure, Avis puts them in the same class, but obviously, convertibles are far rarer as leased vehicles and should cost more. That's life, I guess. My other comment is I dearly wish Avis rented vehicles with manual transmissions. I realize it's a dying breed because fat, lazy Americans only know how to drive automatics, but why encourage such sloth? Distinguish yourselves in the marketplace by offering a few sticks. At purchase, such cars are a bit cheaper anyway, and you can rent them for the same or more than an automatic, so it's win-win for everyone. Giving in to American tastes is just lowering the bar. These people still buy minivans and eat at McDonald's, and no one ever went broke underestimating consumers in this nation. All of which is to say, offer more manuals, please.
They were short cars but still made sure I got a nice car and on my way. Very nice at the Santa Barbara location and Santa Maria as well. Thank you. Both agents super helpful.
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2023
Great team. Thanks!
2.0
Poor|Nov 2022
They did not have a car available and we could not reach our destination as scheduled. Our vacation was ruined.
4.0
Mediocre|Oct 2022
The car we had reserved was not available and the only other car was a mini-van. We went to another car rental agency.
6.0
Okay|Jun 2022
Was ok.. was told didnt have a van at first then i got a bit bothered and a van showed up.. lady that helped me at last was nice
10.0
Wonderful|Apr 2022
The staff was fantastic! Did not get his name but he was superior! He had been there a year& he us currently assistant manager! Tall very sociable knowledgeable person! Will try to get his name & send in to you!
Terrible booking , no explanation why I could not book , left counter walked next counter to hertz to get a car … Fk Alamo
10.0
Wonderful|Aug 2022
easy processing. great staff.
1.9
Poor|Sep 2021
Despite having a confirmed reservation, there was no cars available to me when I arrived at the counter. I was referred to a competitor at the next door counter where I ended up paying more, but at least I got a car!
5.9
Fair|Aug 2021
My rental car was not clean on the inside or outside. I’m not as concerned with the outside because I understand that’s harder to control, but I expected the inside to be spotless given the current state of the world. Instead, it was dusty, had sticky spots from a spilled beverage (I’m assuming), & dirt footprints throughout the car, such as on the passenger side (where I have not been sitting, or had a passenger). Additionally, there were no disinfecting wipes in the car for me to use to clean, which I’ve received in other rentals during the pandemic, so I had to use the ones I’d packed myself to clean the inside of the car to my comfort. It felt as if the car had just been dropped off by the previous renter, then handed off to me. I know there is a rental car shortage, & cars are in much higher demand right now as travel resumes, but as a renter I would hope that my safety is the highest priority! Adding this on top of what I paid for this rental car, I will not rent from Alamo again.
2.0
Poor|Jun 2021
I only had a debit card, no notes were given on needing a actual credit card online ( unless you are flying into SB airport lol) but was told that the down town location would take debit. ( which makes no sense.) Desk person would not help call downtown location to see if they had any vehicles like I had reserved at the airport location. Not willing to help. Poor customer service.
Car was clean, comfortable and economical. Transfers were effortless
10.0
Wonderful|Jun 2022
Fortunately not a long wait and we enjoyed the car!
2.0
Poor|Nov 2021
ended up somehow being a non changeable/transferrable reservation and I had covid related travel issues. I will never book with Kayak or Dollar again after this, and have been enjoying working directly with Enterprise
3.9
Poor|Sep 2021
Dollar in Santa Barbara, California did not have a car ready for me, where I was told there would be a 45 minute wait. It turned out to be 30, but in the meantime the staff seemed to indicate I had all this trouble since I went through PriceLine. I wanted to reduce the number of days I would keep the car, and they proceeded to name 3 different prices as a result of the change, each was more than I had paid through PriceLine. The additional cost were a host of taxes that were not included in the PriceLine amount I paid that amounted to an additional 20%.
10.0
Wonderful|Sep 2021
Manager at the Santa Barbara Airport was very helpful. 7 am pickup, car ready by 7:30 which was perfect. Their cars are older, mine was a 2019 with over 50K miles but got us safely from Santa Barbara to LA and then to San Diego.
1 out of 2
Dollar Locations in Santa Barbara
Quick facts about car rentals in Santa Barbara
Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in Santa Barbara
Most Popular Agency
Alamo
Popular Car Types
Luxury, SUV, Convertible
Cheapest Rental Car
C$ 60
Most Popular Model
Class Special Car
The most popular Santa Barbara car rental agency found on momondo this month is Alamo. Other top choices for car rental companies are Turo and Avis
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Santa Barbara in the past 72 hours: Luxury, SUV, Convertible.
The lowest price for a rental car in Santa Barbara is C$ 60/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from C$ 109/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Santa Barbara in the past 7 days is the Class Special Car. Our users also prefer the Mercedes-Benz GLE as an alternative.
Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Santa Barbara so you can be properly prepared for your next trip
Is there a fee to cancel my Santa Barbara, California car rental?
The majority of car rental agencies in Santa Barbara offer free cancellation. momondo will always tell you whether or not rental car centres such as Budget, Hertz, and Avis have a cancellation fee for travellers who have last-minute itinerary changes.
What is the best type of car to rent in Santa Barbara during June?
When temperatures average 17 °C and precipitation is 0 mm, your best car rental option for the month of June is a Convertible. Renting a Convertible in Santa Barbara is an exciting way to see the area without having to worry about the weather being uncooperative. However, it is always a good idea to check the forecast before you travel and make any adjustments to your car rental plans. Renting a Convertible in Santa Barbara will cost you C$ 180/day on average.
What is the speed limit in Santa Barbara, California?
If you are renting a vehicle in Santa Barbara, then be aware that the current speed limit within city or town limits is 40 km/h, unless otherwise posted. Suburban speed limits around Santa Barbara will generally have a speed limit of 120 km/h. If you are travelling on a highway in Santa Barbara, then the speed limit is 120 km/h.
What car rental company has the Mercedes-Benz GLE in Santa Barbara?
If you’re interested in renting the Mercedes-Benz GLE in Santa Barbara, then Alamo is the most popular car rental company in the city that offers this vehicle (as well as other similar SUV rentals). Mercedes-Benz GLE rentals in Santa Barbara from Alamo are C$ 220 per day on average.
What is the weather like in Santa Barbara, CA in May?
Those looking for a rental car in Santa Barbara during the month of May should expect temperatures to be around 15 °C and should expect around 0 mm of precipitation. This information can be helpful when choosing which car you’d like to rent.
Is the weather in Santa Barbara similar to the rest of California?
Those looking to rent a car in Santa Barbara for a road trip to the surrounding areas, please know the weather in California during the month of May usually is around 19 °C with 8.1 mm of possible rain.
When did momondo last update prices for cars in Santa Barbara?
Prices for cars in Santa Barbara are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for cars in Santa Barbara?
There are 13 operators available for cars in Santa Barbara as of May 2026.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
Among different countries, including Santa Barbara, the minimum age for drivers varies. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be imposed. It's recommended that you review the policy of the rental company you're considering before booking.
What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
When renting a car in Santa Barbara, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.
Travelling to a place near Santa Barbara?
Rent a car at Santa Barbara if you plan to visit one of these locations
Buena Park
Garden Grove
Manhattan Beach
Del Mar
Calabasas
Redondo Beach
Artesia
Loma Linda
Universal City
Aliso Viejo
Westminster
Malibu
West Covina
Encinitas
Rosemead
Monterey Park
Dana Point
Cerritos
Fountain Valley
Lake Arrowhead
Why use momondo?
Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Santa Barbara?
You should use momondo to book a car rental in Santa Barbara because it could save you time and money. momondo fetches and allows you to compare car rental prices and policies from thousands of car rental websites.
How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Santa Barbara?
Once you have performed a search for a car rental in Santa Barbara, momondo will show the results and enable you to find the best deal by using our filters; here you can narrow your search down by vehicle type, price, agencies and a multitude of policies that can apply.
Does momondo show car rental deals in Santa Barbara with free cancellation?
Of course! momondo has a dedicated filter for users to specifically look at car rentals in Santa Barbara which offer free cancellation.
Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Santa Barbara on momondo?
Yes, momondo has a filter for fair fuel policies on car rentals in Santa Barbara.
Can I find a car rental in Santa Barbara which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?
Yes, momondo shows deals with enhanced cleaning services for rental cars in Santa Barbara.
Can I search for rental cars in Santa Barbara with unlimited mileage on momondo?
Unlimited mileage is indeed an option momondo offers on rental cars in Santa Barbara.
An easier way to manage your Santa Barbara trip
We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.
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