Car Rental Cost Calculator

Calculate total car rental cost including taxes, airport surcharges, CDW/LDW insurance, young driver fees, GPS, and fuel options. Supports daily, weekly, and one-way rentals.

$
days
$
Total Cost
Base Rental
Taxes & Insurance
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown
$
days
$
Total Cost
Base Rental
All Taxes, Fees & Insurance
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail
$
days
$
$
$
Total Cost
Base Rental
Taxes, Fees & Add-ons
Effective Daily Rate

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter daily rate, days, and taxes & fees %.
  2. Add insurance cost per day.
  3. Use Weekly Rate tab for longer trips.
  4. Switch to Professional for full itemization with airport surcharge, young driver fee, and fuel option.

Formula

Total = (Daily Rate × Days) × (1 + Tax% + Airport%) + (Add-ons × Days) + Fuel

Example

$60/day × 5 days = $300 base + 25% taxes/fees ($75) + $15/day CDW × 5 ($75) = $450 total.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rental companies add airport concession fees (~10–15%), state/local taxes (~10%), energy surcharges, and vehicle licensing fees. These routinely add 25–40% to the base rate.
  • Collision Damage Waiver and Loss Damage Waiver eliminate your liability for rental damage. They cost $15–$30/day but may be covered by your personal auto policy or credit card — check before paying.
  • Off-airport locations skip the concession fee (10–15%), saving $5–$15/day. Factor in transportation cost to the location.
  • Most companies add $25–$35/day for drivers under 25. Some waive it for USAA members or corporate accounts.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5)
  1. AAA Car Rental Tips & Guide — AAA
  2. Consumer Reports — Rental Car Fees Explained — Consumer Reports
  3. Auto Rental News — Industry Rate Data — Auto Rental News
  4. FTC — Renting a Car — Federal Trade Commission
  5. US DOT Aviation Consumer Protection — US DOT