Car Rental Rates Skyrocket in Florida over Christmas

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Dec 19, 2014, 09:00 ET

MIAMI, Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers who need a rental car in Florida for Christmas might pay a lot more than expected. According to a new survey from CheapCarRental.net, rental car rates have risen strongly in various destinations of the Sunshine State.

The survey specifically examined the car rental rates of 30 popular U.S. destinations over the Christmas period spanning December 23–27. With a daily rental rate of $133 for the cheapest available car, West Palm Beach ranks highest in the state and second most expensive in the entire country. Compared to regular rates, which are around $20 per day, that price tag represents an increase of close to 600%. By far, that is the biggest relative increase noticed among all destinations considered.

Coming in more expensive on the survey is only New York City. There Christmas car renters will have to spend $178 per rental day. Another Floridian destination, Fort Myers, ranks fourth most expensive with an average daily rate of $98 for the least expensive rental car, making it more than 300% more expensive than usual. Sarasota follows as the fifth most expensive destination in which to rent a car this Christmas at an average of $97 per day.

Florida is pricey overall with Orlando and Miami also charging more than triple their regular rates over Christmas. But because regular rental car rates for these cities are among the most affordable in the nation, travelers will still find a vehicle there well below $100 per day.

The following table shows the 10 U.S. destinations with the highest car rental rates during the Christmas timeframe along with a percentage-wise comparison to regular prices. The rates shown reflect the average daily rate for the cheapest available car during the period spanning December 23 through December 27, 2014. Regular rates reflect the average rental car rates for the month of January.

1. New York City $178 (+177%)
2. West Palm Beach $133 (+583%)
3. Honolulu $106 (+278%)
4. Fort Myers $98 (+302%)
5. Sarasota $97 (+81%)
6. Portland $89 (+155%)
7. Denver $88 (+287%)
8. Baltimore $85 (+76%)
9. Boston $81 (+94%)
10. Philadelphia $80 (+14%)