A recent analysis by the comparison portal billiger-mietwagen.de, based on the evaluation of approximately 11 million offers, paints a mixed picture of the market. In eleven of the fifteen countries surveyed, the price level for rental vehicles in the mini, economy, and compact categories is declining. This trend is particularly pronounced in Austria, where the cost of a rental car has fallen by almost half within a year. In stark contrast, the situation in Germany has worsened considerably: Here, prices have increased by an average of 12,7 percent. Only the United States has seen an even steeper price jump, with an increase of nearly 26 percent. This market divergence means that the choice of location is becoming a crucial cost factor for vacationers. While vehicles can be rented for less than five euros per day in Greek metropolises like Athens, destinations such as Zurich and Los Angeles, with prices exceeding 40 euros, represent the upper end of the scale.
International comparisons reveal a significant easing of the price situation in many classic travel destinations. Austria leads the list with a decline of 46,7 percent, making the Alpine republic the most affordable destination for car rental bookings year-on-year. Similarly customer-friendly trends are seen in Canada with a decrease of 41,7 percent and in the United Kingdom with 34,4 percent. Popular southern European destinations such as Greece and France also recorded declines of over 20 percent.
Experts attribute this development to a normalization of fleet inventory levels. After the industry suffered from an acute vehicle shortage in recent years due to supply chain problems in the automotive sector, many rental companies significantly increased their inventory for the 2026 season. This increased availability is now meeting fierce competition, driving prices down. Even in countries with traditionally high demand, such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal, prices fell, although the discounts there were more moderate, ranging from four to nine percent. Iceland, long considered one of the most expensive destinations for rental cars, also recorded a decrease of 8,6 percent, which should increase the island’s appeal for road trips.
Bucking the international trend are Germany, Australia, and the USA in particular. In Germany, the cost of travel during holidays rose by 12,7 percent. Industry experts attribute this to factors including increased insurance costs, higher personnel expenses at service providers, and the continued tight cost situation for vehicle procurement and maintenance. Furthermore, demand for domestic travel and city breaks within Germany appears to be exceptionally high during the Easter period, which is maintaining price pressure.
The increase is even more pronounced in the USA. With a rise of 25,9 percent compared to the previous year, the United States is the most expensive market among the destinations considered. In addition to general inflation, specific market conditions also play a role here. The major US rental companies have fundamentally adjusted their pricing strategies after the pandemic and are increasingly focusing on higher margins with slightly reduced fleet sizes at major airport hubs. In Switzerland, on the other hand, the price level remained virtually stable with a minimal change of 0,32 percent, but in absolute terms, it continues to rank in the top segment.
A look at the specific daily rental prices in the cities illustrates the enormous range. Greece dominates the segment of the most affordable destinations. In Athens, a rental car costs an average of just €4,87 per day, followed by Thessaloniki at €5,92 and Heraklion at €7,93. Those vacationing in these regions often pay less for the entire Easter holiday period than for a single tank of gas. Prices in Portugal (Lisbon €8,40) and the Canary Islands are also very affordable, ranging between €10 and €20.
In Germany, the picture varies considerably between locations. While Frankfurt and Düsseldorf, with prices between €20 and €30, are in the mid-range, Berlin, Stuttgart, Cologne, and Munich, with average prices between €30 and €40, are among the more expensive cities. This underscores the recommendation of travel experts to pay attention not only to the country but also specifically to the rental location when booking. Often, renting at a city location rather than directly at the airport can result in significant savings, provided that getting there is straightforward.
The most expensive cities in the current ranking are Zurich at €41,34 and Los Angeles at €47,30 per day. In Los Angeles, the gateway to the national parks of the West, the costs for a typical 14-day rental period thus amount to over €660 for the vehicle alone. This illustrates that mobility is taking up an increasingly large share of the overall vacation budget, especially when traveling to destinations outside Europe.
The underlying analysis evaluated data for the frequently booked vehicle classes: Mini, Economy, and Compact. These categories cover the majority of tourist bookings. The calculated average price is based on a rental period of two weeks, reflecting the typical holiday length during the Easter break. Frieder Bechtel from billiger-mietwagen.de emphasizes that flexibility is currently the most important currency for budget-conscious travelers. Those willing to choose their travel destination based on the availability of affordable rental cars can significantly reduce their travel costs.
For travelers tied to a specific destination, booking as early as possible is recommended. Since many providers offer free cancellation options until shortly before the rental begins, consumers don’t incur any financial risk but can secure the current price. Should prices drop shortly before the vacation, rebooking is a good option. Furthermore, customers should carefully compare included services such as insurance without excess and fuel policies, as a seemingly good deal can quickly turn into a costly trap due to additional fees charged on-site.
In summary, the car rental market will undergo a period of consolidation in spring 2026. While the global trend toward lower prices is good news for many tourists, Germany and the USA remain the expensive exceptions. Therefore, strategic Easter travel planning this year requires, more than ever, a precise price comparison of individual destinations to ensure efficient budget use.
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