Anchorage tops summer U.S. car rental cost survey

Anchorage, Alaska is the most expensive U.S. destination for summer car rentals, with the cheapest available vehicle averaging $182 a day, according to a new Cheapcarrental.com survey of 100 airports. The national average climbed to $82.90 a day, more than 13% higher than 2025, as rates surged in several major travel markets.

Why it matters: - Summer car rental costs are rising across major U.S. destinations, adding another expense for travelers during the peak June-August travel window. - The survey shows wide price gaps between airport markets, with Anchorage more than twice the national average. - More information is available in the full survey results.

What happened: - Cheapcarrental.com ranked rental prices at 100 U.S. airports for the summer travel period from June through August 2026. - Anchorage, Alaska ranked No. 1, with the cheapest available rental car averaging $182 per day. - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana ranked second at $164 a day. - Albany, New York ranked third at $146 a day.

The details: - The survey used average daily costs for the least expensive available rental car. - Only rental companies located directly at an airport or at the airport rental car center were included. - The listed prices cover June 1 through August 31, 2026. - The top 10 also included Portland, Maine; Boston; New York City; Minneapolis; Spokane; Providence; and Grand Rapids. - The top 10 rates ranged from $108 to $182 per day. - Across all 100 airports, the average daily rental rate was $82.90. - That figure was up more than 13% from 2025. - Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport posted the sharpest increase, with rates more than doubling from last year.

Between the lines: - The results suggest that high-demand summer destinations and constrained airport rental supply are keeping prices elevated in multiple markets. - The spread between the national average and the most expensive airports shows that travelers can face very different costs depending on where they fly.

What’s next: - Travelers heading to peak-season airports may need to book earlier or compare pickup locations to manage costs. - Summer pricing pressure may persist through August as demand stays elevated.

The bottom line: - Anchorage is the priciest U.S. airport market for summer car rentals, and the broader market is more expensive than last year.