Bozeman tops the list of most expensive U.S. airports for summer car rentals, while Tampa offers the cheapest rates, per new survey data.

If you’re planning to hit the road this summer—starting with a rental car from the airport—brace yourself: Your wallet might take a bigger hit in some places than others. Case in point? Bozeman, Montana, where renting even the most basic car will set you back a sky-high average of $156 per day, according to a new report from CheapCarRental.com.

 

 

The travel site analyzed the going rental rates at 100 U.S. airports between June and August 2025. For each destination, the leading 10 car rental companies located at the airport terminal or the airport’s official rental center were identified.

 

 

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport officially takes the gold as the most expensive spot to rent a car. That’s followed closely by Anchorage, Alaska, at $154 per day. Portland, Maine—charming and lobster-roll-laden—clocks in at $131 per day, rounding out this year’s priciest podium.

 

 

Other wallet-pinching cities include Boston, Spokane, and both JFK and LaGuardia in New York City.

The average rental car price across all 100 airports is just over $73 a day—down more than 11% from last year. So while some cities are seeing steeper prices, the overall trend suggests a dip in summer travel demand. This is a strong indication of a significant decline in travel demand this summer, according to Paul Joseph of CheapCarRental.com.

But it’s not all sticker shock. On the opposite end of the price spectrum is Tampa, Florida, where car rentals average just $40 per day. In fact, Florida is a bit of a bargain bonanza this summer, with cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers all offering daily rates under $50. These low prices likely reflect the Sunshine State’s off-season, but if you’re headed there anyway? It’s a sweet deal.

Also among the most affordable destinations: San Juan, Puerto Rico ($41), Birmingham, Alabama ($45), and even Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, where rentals clock in at a surprisingly modest $50 a day.

Top 10 Most Expensive U.S. Airports for Summer 2025 Car Rentals

Bozeman (BZN) – $156

Anchorage (ANC) – $154

Portland, ME (PWM) – $131

Boston (BOS) – $112

Spokane (GEG) – $108

New York City (JFK) – $106

New York City (LGA) – $104

Minneapolis (MSP) – $99

Chicago (MDW) – $98