$46 Car Rental Santa Maria, CA

These Santa Maria insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 25, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, romantic getaways, or family experiences. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and create a travel plan that suits your needs. Key attractions such as the Santa Maria Fairpark, perfect for family outings, and the Santa Maria Country Club, ideal for golf enthusiasts, are conveniently located in the area. You can also venture out to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which is 15 miles away, offering stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Additionally, nearby destinations like Nipomo, just 7 miles away, provide further opportunities for exploration, featuring attractions like the Santa Maria Speedway. Orcutt, located within Santa Maria, and Casmalia, 8 miles away, are also great spots to visit, showcasing local culture and outdoor experiences. Having a rental car ensures you can fully enjoy all that Santa Maria and its surroundings have to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Maria

• Economy: This option accommodates 5 travelers and provides enough space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Economy car is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking to explore Santa Maria with ease. It offers a cost-effective solution while allowing you the freedom to manage your luggage comfortably during your trip.
• Premium SUV: Designed for business travelers, the Premium SUV comfortably seats 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle provides a blend of luxury and functionality, making it a great choice for those who want to make a statement while enjoying ample space for both passengers and luggage. It’s perfect for navigating the Santa Maria area in style and comfort.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups, accommodating 5 travelers and 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle offers a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it ideal for those who need a bit more room for both passengers and their belongings while exploring Santa Maria. Enjoy the flexibility and comfort that this option provides for your travels.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Maria

• Budget: Budget has 2 rental locations in the Santa Maria area, making it a convenient choice for travelers. With an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, Budget is known for its reasonable prices, friendly service, and easy accessibility. The most booked cars with this supplier are Midsize and Economy, perfect for those looking for affordability and efficiency during their travels.
• Avis: Avis operates 1 rental location in the Santa Maria area, offering a reliable option for tourists. This supplier is popular for its Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, catering to travelers who prefer more spacious vehicles for comfort. Avis is recognized for its quality service, which enhances the overall rental experience.
• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in the Santa Maria area, Enterprise is well-regarded for its customer service. The most booked vehicles from this supplier are Midsize and Fullsize, providing options for various travel needs. Customers appreciate the attentive staff and the smooth rental process, making Enterprise a solid choice for your car rental needs.

Where to stay in and around Santa Maria

• Arroyo Grande: Located 14 miles from Santa Maria, Arroyo Grande is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas, golf courses, and family-friendly beaches. Key attractions include the Heritage House Museum and Gardens for cultural exploration, the Pismo Beach Pier for stunning views, and the Clark Center for the Performing Arts for a dose of culture. With various restaurants and wineries nearby, Arroyo Grande offers a delightful stay.
• Nipomo: Situated 7 miles from Santa Maria, Nipomo is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers. The area boasts golf courses and a national state park, providing ample opportunities for adventure. Highlights include the Santa Maria Speedway for motorsport fans, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area for breathtaking scenery, and the Santa Maria Fairpark, a great spot for family activities. With nearby wineries and restaurants, Nipomo enhances any travel experience.
• Orcutt: Found within the Santa Maria area, Orcutt is ideal for those seeking outdoor activities and romantic getaways. The village features golf courses and private clubs, making it a suitable destination for sports enthusiasts. Key points of interest include the Santa Maria Country Club, the Santa Maria Fairpark for family-friendly events, and the Santa Maria Museum of Flight for aviation enthusiasts. With its local wineries and dining options, Orcutt offers a charming atmosphere for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Maria

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also impact renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Others may have full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure to return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might be worth the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies accept only credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s simple to add rental car insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Maria

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Maria is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. January and February are generally the quietest months, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Following this, April and May offer slightly low to average pricing with a slight uptick in demand. However, June tends to be the most expensive month, with higher demand as summer travelers arrive, and this trend continues through August.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Maria

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Maria

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Maria. 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 Santa Maria

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $46.

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