Long-term car rental in Edmonton can be a great solution for many situations in life. Perhaps you are a temporary worker who has moved to the city for a few months to complete a project, or a new immigrant who is not yet ready to buy your own car. Perhaps your car is in the shop for extensive repairs after an accident, or you simply want to experience life without owning a vehicle. Whatever the reason, understanding how to find the cheapest and most affordable long-term rental options can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the car.
The car rental market in Edmonton is diverse and competitive, creating excellent opportunities for consumers to find economical solutions. From traditional large rental companies to innovative peer-to-peer platforms and car-sharing services, there are more options than ever before. However, this diversity can be overwhelming if you don't know where to look and what questions to ask. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at everything you need to know about finding the cheapest long-term car rental options in Edmonton, from understanding the basics of the market to using specific money-saving strategies.
What is a long-term rental and why is it beneficial?
Before diving into specific money-saving strategies, it's important to understand what a long-term car rental is and how it differs from a regular daily or weekly rental. Long-term rentals are typically defined as renting a vehicle for a period of one month to one year or even longer. Unlike short-term rentals, which are calculated at a daily rate, long-term rentals offer a significantly reduced cost per day due to economies of scale for the rental company.
To understand the difference in cost, let's look at a specific example. The average cost of a daily compact car rental in Edmonton can be around forty-five to sixty dollars per day. If you rent a car at this rate for a month (thirty days), you will pay between $1,350 and $1,800. However, car rental companies offer special monthly rates that can reduce the cost to approximately $30 to $35 per day, or about $1,000 per month. That's a savings of three hundred to eight hundred dollars or more for just one month of rental.
Why do car rental companies offer such significant discounts for long-term renters? First, long-term rentals provide companies with stable, predictable income without the need to constantly resell the same car to different customers. The administrative costs of processing a single long-term rental are also significantly lower than processing dozens of short-term rental agreements for the same car. In addition, long-term renters tend to take better care of vehicles because they use them as their primary transportation for an extended period.
In addition to lower daily costs, long-term rentals often include additional benefits such as unlimited mileage or very high mileage limits. This contrasts with short-term rentals, where you may be limited in the number of kilometers you can drive per day without incurring additional charges. Flexibility is also a key advantage—many companies allow you to swap car types during the long-term rental period if your needs change. For example, you could start with a compact sedan but later switch to a minivan for a family trip without having to cancel and rebook your entire rental.
Major Players in the Edmonton Car Rental Market
Edmonton has a developed car rental market with a wide range of options for long-term renters. Understanding who the major players are and what they offer is the first step to finding the best deals.
Traditional Car Rental Companies
Large national car rental companies have a strong presence in Edmonton and offer established, reliable long-term rental programs.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the largest car rental companies in Edmonton, operating through thirteen locations throughout the city. This extensive coverage makes Enterprise a very convenient option, as you are likely to find a location near your home or workplace. Enterprise specializes in long-term rentals and offers comprehensive packages that include low rates, insurance, and roadside assistance for a worry-free experience. Their long-term programs are designed for people who need a car for several weeks, months, or even longer.
One of Enterprise's biggest advantages is their car subscription program, available for rental periods of thirty days or more. This program includes a fixed fee that covers insurance, vehicle maintenance, and the ability to exchange your car up to four times per month. This provides incredible flexibility—you can start the month with an economical sedan for commuting to work, switch to an SUV for a weekend trip, then return to the sedan for everyday use. The Enterprise subscription program is currently available in limited regions, so check availability in Edmonton.
Enterprise also has a strong partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), offering CAA members savings of up to twenty percent on base rates, two free additional drivers, and unlimited mileage in most cases. If you are already a CAA member or are considering joining, this discount can significantly reduce your long-term rental costs. CAA membership starts at just $30 per year, which easily pays for itself with even one car rental.
Budget Car Rental has a reputation as one of the most economical rental companies in Edmonton. According to recent data, Budget offers cars from around $17 per day for short-term rentals, and they also offer very competitive rates for long-term and monthly rentals. Their philosophy is focused on providing affordable options without sacrificing quality or service.
Budget's monthly rental program in Edmonton allows renters to exchange vehicles during the rental period if their needs change. Whether you are here for a contract business trip, visiting family, or a long vacation, Budget's monthly rental provides an economical solution with flexibility. Budget also regularly offers promo codes and coupons that can provide additional savings. For example, they often have offers for free upgrades or savings of up to thirty-five percent on base rates when you choose the prepaid option. They also offer special discounts of up to ten percent on monthly rentals.
Avis Car Rental is another major player in the Edmonton market, offering rates starting at around twenty-one dollars per day for short-term rentals. Avis is known for its high standard of customer service and wide selection of vehicles. Their long-term and monthly car rental program in Edmonton meets transportation needs, fills gaps in emergencies, and provides flexibility at discounted rates.
Avis also has a partnership with CAA, offering members discounts of five to twenty-five percent on the lowest available rates in Canada. They regularly offer fall sales with free upgrades on eligible vehicles and savings of up to thirty percent on base rates when prepaid. Avis also offers the Avis Preferred loyalty program, which allows frequent renters to accumulate points for future discounts.
Hertz Car Rental offers vehicles from approximately twenty-two dollars per day and has a reputation for reliable service. Hertz offers special multi-month rental programs that are hassle-free and include low multi-month rates on a full range of vehicles, including hybrids, SUVs, and minivans. Their Multi-Month program is ideal for those who need a car for several months, whether for a long-term work project, family circumstances, or simply for flexibility.
Key benefits of the Hertz Multi-Month program include no down payments or finance fees, a minimum sixty-three-day retention period to qualify, no mileage limits or penalties, the ability to extend your monthly rental, and online booking availability. Hertz also offers options with or without Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) at discounted rates and includes preventive maintenance in the rental price. This means that if your rental car needs an oil change, tire rotation, or other routine maintenance, Hertz will take care of it at no additional cost.
Alamo Rent a Car is a popular choice among tourists and long-term renters, offering competitive rates and good service. Alamo has a partnership with CAA and offers members discounted rates with exclusive benefits. CAA members can earn up to one dollar per day, up to a maximum of ten dollars in CAA Dollars, on all reservations for full-size cars or larger. These CAA Dollars can be used to renew membership, purchase attraction tickets, and other benefits.
Alamo also regularly offers promotions, such as $15 off the base rate of $175 or more. Their vehicles are available at several locations throughout Edmonton, including Edmonton International Airport, making them convenient for those arriving in the city by plane.
Innovative Alternatives: Peer-to-Peer and Car Sharing
In addition to traditional car rental companies, Edmonton has several innovative alternatives that can often be even cheaper for long-term rentals.
Turo is the world's largest peer-to-peer car sharing platform, revolutionizing the way people rent cars. Unlike traditional rental companies, Turo connects you directly with local car owners who rent out their personal vehicles when they don't need them. This often results in significantly lower prices and greater flexibility compared to traditional rental companies.
According to recent data, Turo is the cheapest option for car rentals in Edmonton, with prices starting at $15 per day. The average price on Turo is around $42–$49 per day, which is often lower than traditional rental companies. For long-term rentals, the savings become even more dramatic. Many Turo hosts offer discounts for trips lasting three, seven, or thirty days or more, allowing you to get the best deals and lowest rates when booking longer trips.
For example, a Turo host may offer a compact car for $50 per day for a short rental, but offer a 25% discount for a 30-day rental, reducing the daily rate to $37.50. For a month-long rental, that's a savings of $375 compared to the daily rate. Some hosts offer even greater discounts for very long-term rentals, which can make Turo an extremely economical option.
One of the biggest advantages of Turo is its flexibility and convenience. You can pick up your rental car directly at your chosen location or have it delivered right to your doorstep. Many Turo hosts near Edmonton International Airport provide easy access to rental cars, allowing you to start your journey as soon as you land. Turo also offers free cancellation up to twenty-four hours before your trip and free additional drivers, unlike many traditional rental companies that charge ten to fifteen dollars per day for each additional driver.
To rent a car on Turo in Canada, you need to create a Turo account, be twenty-three years of age or older with a valid driver's license, and be approved to drive on Turo. When you book your first trip, you'll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver's license and some other information. In most cases, you'll be approved immediately and ready for future trips. The booking process is intuitive—you simply search for available cars in Edmonton, browse photos and options, read reviews from other renters, and book directly through the Turo app or website.
Communauto is a car-sharing service operating in Edmonton that offers a unique approach to short-term and some long-term mobility. When you join Communauto, you get access to a fleet of hundreds of vehicles that can be rented at low cost for a few minutes, an hour, a day, or a week. Communauto's pricing is very competitive, starting at forty-three cents per minute, four dollars and ten cents per hour, thirty dollars and sixty-five cents per day, or one hundred and sixty-five dollars per week on the Long Distance rate with the Value plan.
For those who need a vehicle very often, Communauto offers the Value Extra plan, which includes a fixed daily rate of only twenty-three dollars per day with forty kilometers included. This can be extremely economical for daily commutes or regular use. Communauto operates two service models in Edmonton. The FLEX service allows you to find a car nearby using the Communauto mobile app, drive it to where you need to go, and leave it upon arrival in a designated central zone. The round-trip service is based on stations where vehicles can be reserved in advance and returned to the same location.
Communauto also offers the FLEX Pass, which is similar to a bus pass that provides you with thirty free minutes of driving for trips throughout the month. For new members, Communauto offers a welcome offer with unlimited free FLEX trips of thirty minutes or less for an entire month. While Communauto may not be ideal for a full month's rental in the traditional sense, it can be extremely economical for those who need access to a car on an unpredictable basis or for shorter periods during the month.
Roam is a relatively new player in the market, offering car subscriptions and long-term rentals as an alternative to traditional rentals. Roam's subscription model provides flexibility with a wide selection of vehicles, all-inclusive pricing, and freedom without long-term commitments. Unlike traditional rentals, where you pay a daily or monthly rate plus insurance and other fees separately, a car subscription from Roam includes all costs in one fixed monthly fee.
According to their website, Roam offers long-term plans starting at around $471 per month for base models such as the Mazda 3 or Kia K4. They also offer short-term plans for a minimum of seven days and flexible monthly plans with no long-term commitments. One of the biggest advantages of Roam is that insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance are included in the monthly fee, which simplifies budgeting and avoids unexpected costs. You can also add multiple drivers to your plan to share the car with your family.
Strategies for finding the cheapest deals
Now that you understand the major players in the market, let's look at specific strategies you can use to find the absolute cheapest deals on long-term car rentals in Edmonton.
Book in advance and consider seasonality
One of the simplest and most effective strategies for saving money on car rentals is to book in advance. Research shows that you should book your rental car in Edmonton about seven days before your trip to get a below-average price. Booking early often allows you to lock in lower rates before prices rise with high demand. For long-term rentals, especially if you know your dates in advance, booking a month or even more in advance can secure the best deals.
Seasonality plays a huge role in car rental pricing. Edmonton, like most Canadian cities, has distinct high and low seasons for travel and car rentals. The cheapest month to rent a car in Edmonton is November, with an average cost of around thirty-five to thirty-six dollars per day. Small cars in November can cost as little as forty-six dollars per day, which is forty-six percent lower than the rest of the year. Midsize cars cost around fifty-eight dollars per day in November, which is twenty-nine percent below the average annual prices.
January and December are also good months for savings, especially on specific types of vehicles. January offers excellent deals on vans and luxury cars, with prices thirty-eight to forty-three percent below average annual rates. December is a great time to rent pickup trucks, with prices sixty-three percent below the rest of the year. On the opposite end of the spectrum, July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Edmonton, with an average cost of around seventy-six dollars per day, which is approximately fifty-eight percent more than the average annual price.
If you have flexibility in when to start your long-term rental, planning it for the low season can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, renting a compact car for three months starting in November could cost around $3,240 ($36 per day multiplied by 90 days), while the same three-month rental starting in July could cost $6,840 ($76 per day multiplied by 90 days). That's a difference of $3,600 just because of the time of year.
Compare prices on multiple platforms
Don't rely on just one website or company when searching for a rental car. Using multiple comparison aggregators is critical to finding the absolute best deal. Platforms such as KAYAK, momondo, Expedia, Cheapflights, and Skyscanner search thousands of car rental company websites simultaneously to provide you with offers from all companies operating in Edmonton.
According to KAYAK, twenty-five percent of users found rental cars in Edmonton for twenty-six dollars or less. momondo reports that Turo is often the cheapest option, with prices starting at fifteen dollars per day. Cheapflights shows that Budget had the lowest prices over the past two weeks, starting at just $17.07 per day. These platforms also allow you to filter results by car type, brand, cancellation policy, customer ratings, and other factors, helping you find the perfect option for your needs.
It's also worth checking the rental companies' websites directly, as they sometimes offer exclusive deals or promo codes that aren't available through third-party platforms. For example, Budget regularly updates its coupon page with special codes for free upgrades or discounts of up to 35% on base rates when paying in advance. Enterprise offers promotions on its website, such as up to 15% off the base rate for rentals of three days or more. Hertz has a special offers section with discounts for various customer groups, including AAA/CAA members, government employees, and corporate customers.
The right strategy is to first use comparison platforms to see which companies offer the best overall prices, and then check those companies' websites directly to see if there are any additional promotions or discounts. Be sure to also check Turo separately, as it may not be listed on all comparison platforms, and it often offers the lowest prices for long-term rentals.
Use memberships and loyalty programs
Memberships in various organizations can provide you with significant discounts on car rentals that quickly offset the cost of membership. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is one of the most valuable organizations for saving on car rentals in Canada.
CAA members save up to twenty percent on car rentals with Enterprise, National, and Alamo. For long-term rentals, these savings can be substantial. For example, if your base rate for a monthly rental is $1,200, the CAA's twenty percent discount saves you $240. In addition to price discounts, CAA members also receive two free additional drivers (which typically costs between $10 and $15 per day for each additional driver), unlimited mileage in most cases in Canada and the US, discounts on GPS and other extras.
CAA members can also earn CAA Dollars when renting a full-size car or larger—up to one dollar per day to a maximum of ten dollars per reservation. These CAA Dollars can be used to upgrade membership, purchase attraction tickets, and other benefits. CAA Premier members receive Executive Elite status in the National Emerald Club program for free, allowing them to bypass the rental counter and choose their own car from the fleet. CAA membership starts at just $30 per year plus tax for the basic Everyday level, making it an extremely worthwhile investment if you plan to rent a car even once a year.
Other useful memberships include Costco, which often offers better car rental rates than standard online bookings and has exclusive discount codes for members. AAA (American Automobile Association), if you have a membership in the US, offers similar discounts to CAA with Hertz and other companies, and may also waive young driver fees for certain age groups. Some professional organizations, unions, and employers also have corporate agreements with car rental companies that may offer additional discounts.
Choose the right type and size of car
The type of car you rent has a significant impact on the overall cost. Small cars in Edmonton are on average 45% cheaper than other types of cars. The average price for an economy or compact car is about eighty-four dollars per week, while large cars, SUVs, and vans can cost anywhere from ninety-six to one hundred forty dollars per day or more.
For long-term rentals, this difference multiplies significantly. If you rent an economy car for thirty dollars a day for three months (ninety days), the total cost will be two thousand seven hundred dollars. The same three-month rental of a large SUV at fifty-five dollars a day will cost four thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. That's a difference of two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars just because of the type of vehicle you choose.
Honestly assess your real needs. If you are renting a car mainly for commuting to work and occasional errands, a compact sedan or hatchback will probably be more than adequate. You can always rent a larger vehicle for a short period for specific needs, such as moving or purchasing large furniture, which will still be cheaper than renting a large vehicle for the entire long-term rental period. However, don't sacrifice safety or comfort for savings—if you regularly travel with a large family or need the capabilities of a large vehicle for work, a larger car may be a worthwhile investment.
Also consider hybrid or electric vehicles if they are available. Although the rental may cost a little more (usually ten to twenty dollars more per day), the savings on fuel often offset this difference, especially for long-term rentals. Hybrid cars consume three to five liters per 100 kilometers, compared to seven to nine liters for standard gasoline cars. Over a three-month period, this difference can add up to hundreds of dollars in fuel savings.
Rent at off-airport locations
Renting a car at locations in the city center or residential areas rather than at the airport can result in significant savings. A June 2024 study by NerdWallet found that a seven-day car rental at downtown locations was, on average, $86 cheaper than at the airport, representing an 18.4% difference in cost.
This is because airport locations charge additional airport fees and taxes that do not apply to non-airport locations. These fees may include airport concession fees, facility restoration fees, local car rental taxes, and other surcharges. These additional costs can add ten to thirty percent or more to your total rental cost.
For long-term rentals, the savings from renting off-airport become even more significant. If you save $86 per week by renting downtown instead of at the airport, a three-month rental (approximately thirteen weeks) will save you $1,118. That's a significant amount of money that you can use for other expenses.
Enterprise has thirteen locations throughout Edmonton, giving you plenty of options to choose a convenient off-airport location. If you are arriving in Edmonton by plane and need a car, consider using public transportation, a taxi, or ride sharing (such as Uber) to travel from the airport to your downtown rental location. Even with the cost of this transportation, you will likely still save money overall during a long-term rental.
Maximize your credit card benefits
Many premium credit cards in Canada offer car rental insurance coverage as part of their benefits, which can save you significant amounts of money on insurance fees. Car rental companies typically offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for approximately twenty to forty dollars per day. For a three-month rental, this can add between $1,800 and $3,600 to your total cost.
If your credit card offers CDW/LDW coverage, you can decline the rental company's insurance and use your credit card's coverage instead, saving you that money. Some of the best credit cards in Canada for car rental insurance include the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite, and PC World Elite Mastercard.
These cards typically cover rental cars with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of up to sixty-five thousand dollars and rental periods of up to forty-eight days. Some cards, such as the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard, cover vehicles up to $85,000 MSRP. Coverage typically includes damage or theft of the rental car, rental agency fees while the rental car is being repaired, and reasonable towing and administration costs.
It is important to note that most credit card coverage is primary in Canada, which means that credit card coverage applies first without the need to use your personal auto insurance. This is a significant advantage over the US, where most credit card coverage is secondary. To activate your credit card coverage, you must decline the rental company's CDW/LDW, use the card to pay for the entire rental, and check for any exclusions regarding vehicle types or destinations.
For very long-term rentals that exceed the forty-eight-day limit of most credit cards, you may consider “resetting the clock” by ending one rental agreement and starting a new one. However, check your credit card policy, as some may have restrictions on how often you can use the coverage within a certain period of time.
Additional tips for maximum savings
In addition to the basic strategies outlined above, there are a few additional tips and nuances that can help you save even more money on a long-term car rental in Edmonton.
Negotiate directly with the company
Many people don't realize that car rental rates, especially for long-term rentals, are often negotiable. Car rental companies have some flexibility in their pricing, especially if they are competing for your business or have excess inventory.
To successfully negotiate car rental rates, start by setting a clear budget and sticking to it. Know the maximum amount you are willing to pay and communicate this clearly to the rental company. Start with a lower offer and gradually negotiate up to your maximum available price. Explain your needs and why renting meets them, be sure to mention any alternatives you are considering.
One of the most powerful negotiation tactics is to demonstrate a willingness to walk away. If the rental company does not meet your budget, politely indicate that you will explore other options. This can often result in the agent offering a better rate to close the deal. Always remain polite and positive during negotiations—rental agents are more likely to help customers who are pleasant and reasonable.
Mention competitors' offers if you have found a lower price with another company. Many companies will try to match or beat competitors' prices to keep your business. For long-term rentals, companies are often more willing to negotiate because they provide stable income over a long period. The longer the rental period, the more bargaining power you have.
Understand and avoid hidden fees
Car rental companies are known for adding various fees and surcharges that can significantly increase your total cost if you're not careful. Understanding these potential hidden fees and how to avoid them is critical to keeping your long-term rental affordable.
Some of the most common hidden fees include additional driver fees (ten to fifteen dollars per day for each additional driver), young driver fees (for drivers under the age of twenty-five, typically twenty to thirty-five dollars per day), prepaid fuel options (where you pay for a full tank in advance but are not reimbursed for unused fuel), GPS navigation (ten to fifteen dollars per day), child seats (ten to fifteen dollars per day), cleaning fees (if you return the car dirty), and road toll fees (administrative fees on top of the actual road toll costs).
To avoid these hidden fees, take advantage of your CAA membership for free additional drivers, use your own smartphone for navigation instead of renting a GPS, bring your own child car seat from home, return the car in a clean condition, adhere to the “full-to-full” fuel policy by refueling before returning the car, and pay road tolls directly online, if possible, instead of allowing the rental company to process them.
Always read the rental agreement carefully before signing and ask about any fees you don't understand. Some rental companies, especially larger brands such as Enterprise and National, are known for being more transparent and having fewer hidden fees compared to budget brands. While their advertised rates may be slightly higher, the total cost is often more predictable.
Consider replacement insurance after an accident
If you are renting a car long-term because your own car is in the shop for repairs after an accident, your auto insurance may cover the cost of a replacement rental car. This can save you a significant amount of money, as your insurance company will pay for the rental instead of you.
Most Canadian auto insurance policies include temporary replacement rental coverage, which pays for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered claim. If you are in an accident that is not your fault, your insurer will cover the cost of a temporary replacement rental car. If you were in an accident that was your fault or partly your fault and you purchased additional coverage such as Grand Touring Solution (available from some insurers such as TD Insurance), you are also covered for the cost of temporary rental car replacement up to the specified limits.
Your insurer will pay for the cost of your temporary replacement rental car until your car is repaired, up to your coverage limits. If the vehicle is deemed a total loss, your temporary replacement rental car must be returned on the same day you are offered a settlement. Some rental companies, such as Hertz and Enterprise, have special insurance replacement programs that offer special rental car replacement rates and direct billing to your insurance company.
Before renting a car long-term after an accident, contact your insurance agent to confirm your coverage and understand any limits or restrictions. This could save you from paying out of pocket for a long-term rental, which can cost thousands of dollars over several months.
Conclusion: Creating Your Savings Plan
Finding the cheapest options for long-term car rentals in Edmonton requires a combination of research, strategic planning, and utilizing available resources. Starting with understanding the difference between traditional car rental companies such as Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and Hertz, and innovative alternatives such as Turo, Communauto, and Roam, you have a wide range of options to consider.
Long-term rental prices in Edmonton can range from $15 per day on Turo to $40–$50 per day with traditional rental companies, which translates to $450–$1,500 per month depending on the option you choose. By using the strategies outlined in this article—booking in advance, planning your rental for the low season (especially November, January, or December), comparing prices on multiple platforms, using your CAA membership to save up to twenty percent, choosing the right type of car, renting at off-airport locations, maximizing credit card benefits, and negotiating with companies—you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the course of a long-term rental.
Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best option. Consider the total value, including convenience, customer service, insurance coverage, and mileage policies, when making your decision. A three-month rental that costs a few hundred dollars less but includes poor customer service and limited mileage may not be the best deal compared to a slightly more expensive option with better service and unlimited mileage.
With patience, thorough research, and a willingness to compare several options, you can find an affordable long-term car rental solution that fits your needs and budget in Edmonton. Start your search early, take advantage of all available discounts and memberships, and don't be afraid to negotiate—your wallet will thank you.