Renting a car over the 2020 summer season will be most expensive in Detroit, according to a new survey conducted by CheapCarRental.net. However, overall, the survey found that rental car rates are significantly more affordable than in 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The survey compared 50 destinations in the United States based on destinations’ car rental rates in August 2020. All major, national car rental companies were considered for the survey, as well as rental pick-up locations both in city centers and at airports. 

In Detroit, travelers will spend an average of $446 per week for the cheapest available rental cars. Memphis and Philadelphia come in second and third for highest rental car rates in the country, with average weekly rates of $425 and $406, respectively. 

Orlando and Los Angeles are the least expensive U.S. destinations for car rentals, the survey found, with average weekly rates of $120 and $130, respectively. The majority of California and Florida destinations are relatively affordable, with car rental rates in most destinations not passing $200 per week.

Rental car rates across the board are down by about 15% compared to last summer, and car rental providers in destinations such as Boston, Cincinnati and Seattle are offering rates at a nearly 40%  discount over last year. While there is a significant increase in road trip travel this year, new demand is unable to compensate for the loss of car rental demand related to air travel.

The following table shows the 10 most expensive U.S. destinations for car rental rates. The prices shown reflect the average weekly rates for the cheapest available car rentals in each city, Aug. 1–31, 2020. 

1. Detroit $446
2. Memphis $425
3. Philadelphia $406
4. Kansas City $385
5. Pittsburgh $352
6. Indianapolis $331
7. Sacramento $329
8. New York City $326
9. Anchorage $325
10.Albuquerque $316