If you're planning to spend more than a few weeks in LA, whether for work, studies or just travel, monthly and long term car rental Los Angeles options can save you money, stress & time. With incredible surroundings, iconic drives and limited public transit coverage, having access to a reliable vehicle in the city isn’t just helpful, it is essential!
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the right long-term rental, comparing costs, understanding insurance and making the most of your time in the City of Angels.
Why monthly & long term car rental in Los Angeles is so popular
Los Angeles is a city built for drivers. From Hollywood to Santa Monica, downtown to Malibu, getting around conveniently equals to getting behind the wheel. Since buying a car is not a practical idea for people who are staying 30 days or longer, that’s where monthly & long-term car rental LA services come in.
Top reasons monthly & long-term rentals are trending:
- Cost savings: monthly rates are comparatively cheaper than paying a daily rental price.
- Flexibility: there are no long-term commitments like you get with leasing or buying.
- Maintenance included: most suppliers cover servicing, so you don’t have to worry about oil changes or repairs.
- Perfect for temporary stays: ideal for remote workers, explorers, interns, students and business travelers.
Monthly car rental Los Angeles: what it really offers
If you’re in LA for just one or two months, a monthly car rental gives you the freedom to explore without locking into a year-long lease. You simply rent the vehicle for 30 days or more and extend as needed.
What you can expect with a monthly rental:
- Lower per-day prices
- Unlimited or high-mileage limits
- Insurance options designed for long-term renters
- Vehicle swaps if your needs change
- Easy renewal month-to-month
Whether you need an economy car for city driving or an SUV for adventure trips to Hollywood Sign Hike or Bronson Canyon, monthly rentals give you plenty of choices.
Long term car rental Los Angeles: best for 3 to 12+ month stays
When your stay in the city expands beyond a few months, long term car rental becomes the perfect solution. It is an appropriate option for newcomers settling in temporarily, film crews on big projects, medical professionals or anyone who needs reliable transportation without the hassle of ownership.
Key benefits of long term car rental in LA:
- Bigger discounts for multi-month rentals
- Well-maintained vehicles
- Roadside assistance included
- Swap or upgrade your car as needed
- No credit checks or down payments like with leasing
Long-term rentals give you the best of both worlds, that is, long-term access without long-term responsibility!
Monthly car rental vs. Long term car rental vs. Leasing
When deciding how to get reliable transportation in Los Angeles, many people compare monthly car rentals, long-term and vehicle leasing. Each option comes with different costs, commitments and benefits. Whether you're in LA for a few months, relocating temporarily or simply need a flexible alternative to owning a car, understanding these differences will help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle & budget.
| Feature | Monthly Car Rental | Long-Term Car Rental | Leasing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Short stays (30–60 days), travelers, temporary use | Extended stays (3–12+ months), remote workers, project-based professionals | Long-term residents who want a car for 2–3 years |
| Commitment level | Very low (month-to-month) | Low (extend as needed) | High (24–36 months contract) |
| Upfront costs | No down payment | No down payment | Down payment required |
| Maintenance | Included | Included | Not included |
| Mileage limits | Often high or unlimited | Often high or unlimited | Strict mileage limits; extra fees apply |
| Monthly cost | Higher than long-term rental, but cheaper than daily rates | Lower monthly cost due to extended duration | Usually cheaper than rentals, but with hidden fees |
| Insurance | Available through rental company | Available through rental company | Must provide your own auto insurance |
Before you book a long term car rental in Los Angeles, read this!
Choosing a rental company has a direct impact on your overall experience, especially when you’re committing to a monthly car rental in Los Angeles or a long-term. Not all suppliers offer the same level of transparency, flexibility or vehicle quality, so it’s important to know what to look for before signing any agreement. Below are the key factors to consider to verify you’re getting the best value & the most reliable service.
- Transparent & upfront pricing: look for companies that clearly mention monthly or long-term rates, taxes and fees, optional add-ons and mileage policies.
- Flexible rental terms: a good rental company should offer month-to-month extensions, no long-term commitments and easy early returns.
- Comprehensive insurance options: make sure the company offers coverage options Collision damage waiver (CDW), Theft Waiver (THW) & liability insurance.
- High mileage or unlimited mileage plans: you’ll surely drive a lot in the city, whether it’s commuting across the streets or taking weekend trips to Malibu, San Diego or Vegas. Avoid companies that impose strict mileage caps or charge excessive overage fees.
- Roadside assistance included: choose a company that offers 24/7 roadside support, towing services, battery jumps and flat tire assistance.
- Convenient pickup & return locations: look for rental companies with multiple convenient spots like Downtown LA, Santa Monica, LAX, etc. to save time.
- Good customer reviews & reputation: before choosing your rental provider, check the reviews on Google, Trustpilot and get social media feedback. Reviews will reveal the company’s reliability, transparency, customer service quality and real renter experiences.
Smart ways to get a cheap long term car rental in Los Angeles
Getting a cheap long term car rental in Los Angeles or an affordable monthly option is easy if you know where to search and how to book. The good news? LA is filled with several rental companies and many offer special pricing for extended use. Follow these tips to lock in the best rates without compromising on quality or flexibility.
- LA’s tourism & event calendar is packed year-round. Summer, holidays & award season can increase prices. By booking in advance, you lock in lower rates, avoid last-minute surcharges and get to select from a wide range of options.
- If it is convenient for you, try to avoid airport pickup to skip the hefty airport concession fees. This alone can lower the monthly price significantly.
- If you are a solo traveller or not in need of a large space, stick to a smaller vehicle to cut costs. Compact and economy models almost always offer the lowest monthly and long-term rates.
- Always confirm if long-term discounts are available or not. Many companies provide seasonal promotions, price reductions on 3, 6 or several months' rental.
- If your daily routes are short, go for a rental with limited miles, as it can reduce the monthly rate without affecting your day-to-day needs.
- You can skip the unnecessary add-ons and instead try getting your own Extras like GPS, toddler seats, phone holders, etc.
- Instead of extending weekly, it is recommended to rent 30 days or 60 to 90 days at a time. Monthly pricing is almost always cheaper than weekly extensions.
- If your plans are flexible, renting during the cheaper months can help you save hundreds on long-term rentals & access better deals and inventory.
Best car types for long term rentals in Los Angeles
| Car type | Best for | Key benefits | Why it works well in LA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Accent) |
Budget renters, students, short commutes | Lowest monthly cost, great fuel economy, easy parking | Perfect for dense neighborhoods and heavy traffic |
| Sedans (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Cruze) |
Professionals, daily commuters, couples | Comfortable, smooth handling, good trunk space | Ideal for long freeway drives and daily city travel |
| SUVs (e.g., Mazda CX-50, Hyundai Venue) |
Families, road trip lovers, adventure drivers | More space, powerful, great cargo capacity | Great for weekend trips to Big Bear, Palm Springs, Malibu |
| Hybrids (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry) |
Long-distance commuters, eco-conscious renters | Excellent gas mileage, environmentally friendly | Saves money in LA traffic and high gas-price zones |
| Luxury Cars (e.g., Audi A4, BMW 5 Series) |
Business travelers, executives, premium renters | High comfort, advanced features, strong performance | Perfect for client meetings and long business trips |
| Convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang) |
Tourists, lifestyle renters, visitors | Fun, stylish, memorable driving experience | Ideal for coastal drives like PCH and scenic LA routes |
Your checklist of must-have documents for long term car rental in Los Angeles
Before you pick up your long term car rental in LA or secure a monthly deal, you’ll need to provide a few essential documents. Having these documents ready will make the process smooth & fast.
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Valid Driver’s License: a current, valid driver’s license is required for all renters. You must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in English.
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Passport: if you're visiting from outside the United States, a passport is required. Local drivers can bring the government-issued ID cards or any proof of address.
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Credit Card: a credit card with sufficient funds in the name of the main driver is required for the security deposit.
Age rules for monthly & long term car rental in Los Angeles: are you old enough?
Most rental companies in LA require renters to be at least 21 years old to qualify for a monthly or long term rental. However, drivers between 21 and 24 need to pay a young driver surcharge, which varies by company and car type.
If you’re under 25 and planning to get a long-term car rental in LA, always check:
- Any additional daily fees
- Vehicle restrictions
- Extra ID or documentation requirements
Avoid these slip-ups when booking a long term car rental in Los Angeles
Choosing a monthly car rental in LA or a long-term car rental LA can save you money and offer convenience, but only if you avoid the common pitfalls many renters make. Knowing these mistakes ahead of time can help you secure the best deal, prevent unexpected charges & enjoy a stress-free rental experience.
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Not comparing rates across different companies: failing to compare rates across multiple suppliers can lead to overpaying and missing out on better deals or discounts.
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Ignoring mileage limits: many renters assume monthly rentals come with unlimited mileage, but that’s not always the case.
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Overlooking insurance requirements: always clarify insurance details so you're fully protected during extended rentals.
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Not checking the vehicle condition thoroughly: record everything to ensure you're not held responsible for pre-existing issues.
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Renting the wrong car type for your needs: match the car to your lifestyle, commute, and travel plans.
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Not understanding fuel policies: return the car with the fuel level as mentioned in your booking voucher.
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Forgetting about certain charges: extra fees like additional driver fees, one-way rental fees, cleaning or smoking charges, young driver surcharge etc. These additional charges can add up quickly. Read your booking voucher carefully so you know what to expect.
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Booking last-minute: prices jump quickly in summer, the holiday season, events like award shows, sports games, etc., and the availability is also limited.
Renting a car in LA for a long period doesn’t have to be tricky. Know the rules, compare prices, pick the right ride and avoid common mistakes, then you’re all set to enjoy the city without any stress!
Quick answers for quick minds
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Is long term car rental cheaper than leasing in Los Angeles?
Long-term car rental can be cheaper than leasing in Los Angeles if you need flexibility, short-term use or no long commitments. But for multi-year use with predictable miles, leasing is usually cheaper.
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How much does a monthly car rental cost in Los Angeles?
The cost depends on the car type, season and the supplier. Roughly, an economy/compact will start from USD 39.27 per day, an SUV starts from USD 38.67 per day & luxury/premium starts from USD 39.57 per day.
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Can international travelers rent a car long-term in Los Angeles?
Yes, international travelers can rent a car long-term in Los Angeles. There are some important documents required for booking a vehicle: a credit card, a Driving License, an IDL and proof of address (passport).
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Can I extend my monthly car rental in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can extend your monthly car rental in Los Angeles. Most suppliers let you keep the car longer as long as you contact them before your return date. You must note that the extension depends on vehicle availability & the price may change based on the current monthly rate.
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Where can I find the cheapest monthly car rental in Los Angeles?
You can usually find the cheapest monthly car rental in Los Angeles on rental platforms. Compare the prices provided by different suppliers & select the best deal. The second way to get an affordable price is by booking in advance, at least 3 to 4 weeks before your journey.
