$37 Car Rental Monterey, CA

These Monterey insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: September 6, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Monterey

Renting a car in Monterey provides travelers with the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at their own pace. This is especially beneficial for those looking to visit attractions like Cannery Row, where you can enjoy a vibrant city experience, or WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for some thrilling motorsport action. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and make spontaneous stops along the way. For those interested in outdoor experiences, the convenience of a car allows you to visit nearby destinations such as Pacific Grove, located 2 miles away, where you can see the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse and the beautiful Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. Seaside, just 3 miles from Monterey, offers outdoor activities at Fort Ord Dunes State Park. Additionally, Downtown Monterey boasts attractions like Monterey State Historic Park and the Maritime Museum. With a rental car, you can create a flexible travel plan that accommodates your interests, whether you are seeking scenic views, beach experiences, or the thrill of motorsport. This convenience makes renting a car a popular choice for exploring the picturesque surroundings of Monterey.

Most popular car rentals in Monterey

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interiors provide comfort for longer journeys, while the ample luggage space allows for easy storage of your belongings, perfect for your adventures in and around Monterey.
• Compact: A compact car can also accommodate up to 5 travelers and has space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for solo travelers, couples, or families who appreciate a smaller vehicle that is easy to maneuver and park. The compact size facilitates exploring the scenic roads of Monterey while keeping travel flexible and efficient.
• Economy: The economy car is designed to accommodate 5 travelers with room for up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is well-suited for solo travelers or couples looking for a budget-friendly choice. It offers a perfect balance of cost and functionality, allowing you to navigate Monterey and its surroundings without the hassle of larger vehicles.

Top rated car suppliers in Monterey

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in the Monterey area, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. It boasts an overall satisfaction rating of 7.4 out of 10, reflecting its commitment to friendly service and clean vehicles. Customers appreciate the short wait times, making the rental experience smooth and efficient. The most commonly booked vehicles from Enterprise are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, perfect for exploring the beautiful attractions around Monterey at your own pace.
• Budget: Located conveniently in Monterey, Budget is known for offering great value for car rentals. This supplier specializes in Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, making it an excellent option for those needing a bit more space without breaking the bank. Travelers can enjoy a reliable service and straightforward rental process, ensuring a hassle-free experience as they navigate the stunning coastal scenery and local attractions.
• Hertz: With 1 rental location in the Monterey area, Hertz is another trusted choice for car rentals. This supplier is favored for its selection of Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, catering to the needs of various travelers. Hertz is recognized for its reliable service, ensuring customers can hit the road quickly and comfortably to explore all that Monterey and its surroundings have to offer.

Where to stay in and around Monterey

• Pacific Grove: Located 2 miles away from Monterey, Pacific Grove is ideal for travelers seeking outdoor and beach experiences. This charming city offers beautiful scenery and access to attractions like the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse and the serene Monarch Grove Butterfly Sanctuary. Enjoy recreational activities, shopping, and nearby dining options, including restaurants and wineries. The scenic bay and beach are perfect for those looking to relax or explore nature.
• Seaside: Situated 3 miles from Monterey, Seaside is another excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers. Visitors can explore landmarks such as Fort Ord Dunes State Park, which is perfect for adventure seekers. The area also features an amusement park and motor racing at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. With various shopping and dining options nearby, Seaside is a vibrant place to stay while enjoying the coastal experience.
• Monterey Vista: In the vicinity of Monterey, Monterey Vista offers a blend of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. This neighborhood is close to attractions like Cannery Row and Carmel Beach, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore local highlights. Enjoy recreational areas and shopping, along with a selection of nearby restaurants for dining. Monterey Vista is an excellent base for discovering the area's unique charm and attractions.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Monterey

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to uncover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary with demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower prices and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller vehicles are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded urban areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—like SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most economical option. Other companies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Monterey

The best time to rent a car in and around Monterey is January, when prices and demand are both slightly low. February is also a quiet month, though prices rise to average levels. March sees slightly low prices with average demand, making it another good option. However, from June through August, prices and demand tend to be slightly high, with August being the most expensive month of the year. September and October then return to average pricing with steady demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.5°F (12.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	64.0°F (17.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.9°F (13.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	51.8°F (11.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Monterey

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Monterey into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Monterey and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Monterey

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Monterey. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Monterey

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals