Can I rent a car in the US for a month? Should I buy a used car or lease a long-term one? If I'm staying for more than 60 days, would a subscription-based long-term lease be more suitable?
Business travelers, students, or new immigrants planning to stay in the US for more than a month often struggle with whether or not to buy a car and how to use it. Short-term car rentals are expensive and renewals are uncertain; buying a new car is not cost-effective, while buying a used car or long-term car leasing involves complicated procedures, credit scores, insurance, and subsequent maintenance issues. For those who only want to use a car temporarily, the effort, risk, and cost are disproportionate.
Therefore, this article provides three steps for travelers to use as evaluation criteria for different long-term car rental needs in the United States:
- Choose a plan (short-term rental extension/monthly rental/subscription/long-term rental/purchase a used car)
- Calculate costs (rental fees / maintenance and cleaning / mileage fees / insurance)
- Personal qualifications and documents (resident status/credit score/driver's license)
Highlight the finishing touches:
Five options for long-term car rental in the United States
In the United States, there are five options for long-term car rental, usually calculated in months (between 28 and 30 days), 60 days or more, and more than a year. So the first step is to determine how long you need a car.
The following is a comparison of five common options, each with different applicable scenarios. Travelers can evaluate and choose according to their own needs.
| plan | Suitable for | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| General short-term rental extension | For stays of varying durations, short-term tourism or business trips | Highly flexible, can be returned at any time | High price volatility, not cost-effective in the long run |
| Rent a car to a rental company for 28–30 days per month. | The planned stay is approximately 28 to 30 days. | Low average daily price | Mileage restrictions, high deposits, and significant price fluctuations for early or late return of the vehicle. |
| Long-term car rental subscription (2–12 months) | For those on assignment, studying, accompanying family members, or new immigrants who are expected to stay for 2-12 months in the initial stages of their immigration process. | Affordable, no need to pay for vehicle maintenance or repairs, and simple procedures. | Mileage restrictions apply, and it's usually not cost-effective within 60 days. |
| Long-term leasing from car dealers | I have a stable life in the United States and plan to use the car for 1-3 years. | Low monthly fee, no resale pressure after use. | Requires contract binding and high credit requirements |
| Buying a used car | Expected to reside there for more than a year, and willing to handle maintenance and resale independently. | Long-term most cost-effective | Maintenance, insurance, and resale are all matters that you must handle yourself. |
How are long-term car rental costs calculated in the US? What costs are involved besides the rental fee?
existComparing prices on car rental platformsAt times, because only the daily rental fee is displayed, many people underestimate the various other costs associated with long-term car rentals. Sometimes, monthly or long-term subscription plans may seem more expensive in total, but when you factor in costs such as insurance, maintenance, mileage, and one-way rentals, they may not actually be more costly.
The cost of renting a car in the United States for one month includes the following:
These fees will vary depending on the rental period, the rental company's policies, and individual needs. Some items are not listed at the beginning but will be charged by the rental company when returning the car. Therefore, it is highly recommended to carefully evaluate the fee policies of each rental company before deciding to rent a car to avoid saving a little money but spending a lot of money.
🔖 Further Reading:12 types of additional car rental equipment and services fees
8 Common Mistakes When Calculating Car Rental Costs
These are some costs and rules that are often overlooked when renting a car, provided for travelers' reference:
- There are age restrictions for car rentals; those aged 21-24 are usually charged a "youth driving surcharge".
- Long-term car rentals usually have mileage limits, and exceeding these limits incurs an additional "mileage fee."
- InsuranceIncomplete coverage leads to high out-of-pocket expenses and difficulties in claiming compensation after an accident; for example, missing repairs for windows or windshields.
- The fees for short-term rental extensions and early returns may vary depending on changes to the rental agreement.
- I didn't notice other additional charges, such as cleaning fees, airport pick-up surcharges, and service fees for picking up and dropping off the car outside of business hours.
- Being pressured at the counter to "prepay fuel costs" and then returning the car with a full tank of gas effectively meant paying more than double the price.
- If two or more drivers use the vehicle, an additional "driving fee" will be charged; the cost of renting for one party and returning for the other is often much higher than expected.
- Maintenance and repair needs during long-term rentals are costs that are easily overlooked.
🔖 Further Reading:8 Hidden Costs When Renting a Car in the US
What documents or identity requirements are needed to rent a car in the United States for more than a month?
Different car rental options have different document and eligibility requirements. For the five common long-term rental options mentioned above, we've compiled a list of required documents to help you quickly determine which one best suits your needs.
| plan | Required documents | Additional requirements may be required. |
| General car rental extension (short-term rental extension) | Passport, domestic driver's license + international driver's license, and the driver's own credit card. | None (same as regular car rental) |
| Typical monthly car rental fee (28–30 days) | Passport, domestic driver's license + international driver's license, and the driver's own credit card. | Higher deposits; some companies will check credit card limits. |
| Long-term subscription (2–12 months) | Passport, driver's license, and the driver's own credit card | Different platforms have different review criteria; whether foreign travelers are accepted needs to be confirmed in advance. |
| Long-term car dealer leasing | A valid U.S. driver's license, Social Security number (SSN or ITIN, similar to a Taiwanese ID number), and credit card. | Some car dealerships require that the visa or legal stay period cover the rental period, and those with insufficient credit history may face higher fees or be rejected. |
| Buying a used car | Passport/identity certificate, U.S. driver's license (a driver's license is not required to purchase the car itself, but it is required for vehicle registration), and the state address for vehicle registration. | Cash and loans require a credit score, a U.S. driver's license, and insurance. |
Aside from renting a car from a rental company or a long-term subscription plan, most other options require the lessee (driver) to have a certain credit score, a U.S. driver's license, and proof of residency. Although used cars in the U.S. are not expensive, buying a used car generally requires registering the vehicle and license plates at the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), applying for insurance, and handling maintenance and repairs. If you have no experience living in the U.S., or are only staying for a short to medium term rather than settling down, buying a car or long-term leasing often requires more money, time, and processing costs.
Recommended for rentals of 60 days or more: Sky Horse Plus long-term subscription car rental.
If you plan to stay in the US for 2-12 months, such as for overseas assignments, studying, accompanying family members, or early-stage immigration, in addition to traditional monthly rentals or buying a used car, we strongly recommend considering long-term rental subscription plans like Sky Horse Plus. Sky Horse Plus's advantages extend beyond lower monthly fees compared to short-term rentals; it integrates insurance, maintenance, repairs, and cross-city pick-up and drop-off services, saving travelers time and effort and significantly reducing hassles during long-term rentals.
One-stop service for car rental, insurance, and maintenance
- Choose from three insurance plans (starting from approximately $169/month, including CDW. Upgrades include roadside assistance, tire and glass coverage, third-party liability insurance, etc.)
- Sky Horse will cover and assist with all vehicle repair and maintenance costs.
Flexible pricing, users can arrange their own pricing.
- One-time mileage calculationThe total amount will be calculated together after the lease term ends, so there's no need to be restricted by monthly limits.
- A rents from B and doesn't charge a fee.Pick-up and drop-off are available in any of the service cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego) without additional charges, making your trip more flexible.
- Free cancellation, full refundA deposit of US$100 is required to order a car. You can cancel for free and get a full refund 7 days before picking up the car.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions about Long-Term Car Rentals in the United States
1. Is it possible to rent a car in the US for a month?
Yes, most companies offer monthly plans of 28 to 30 days.
2. Are long-term car rentals in the US always cheaper?
Not necessarily, it depends on mileage, insurance, and surcharges.
3. How much will the deposit be?
Traditional car rental companies typically charge higher deposits or pre-authorizations, usually ranging from $200 to $1000 or more, though the actual amount depends on the company's policy. The downside is that it will tie up your credit card limit, and cancellations may not result in a full refund. Sky Horse, on the other hand, charges only US$$100 for both long and short-term rentals, and offers a full refund if cancelled seven days in advance.
4. What documents are needed for long-term car rental in the United States? Is an international driving permit required?
A U.S. driver's license is usually required, and may also be needed in conjunction with a domestic driver's license. However, if you purchase a car or lease it from a dealership long-term, you may be required to have a U.S. driver's license.
5. Can people aged 21-24 rent long-term? Will there be an additional youth driving surcharge?
Yes, they usually charge a fee for young drivers.
6. Are there mileage restrictions for monthly or long-term rentals? How are excess mileage calculated?
There is usually a charge for exceeding the contracted mileage, but this varies from company to company. The Sky Horse Plus long-term rental subscription plan charges US$1 TP4T0.45 per mile after exceeding the contracted mileage.
7. Are there better options for renting a car for more than 60 days?
Yes, if your stay exceeds 60 days, you can also consider the Sky Horse Plus long-term rental subscription plan. This plan is more convenient and cost-effective in terms of insurance, maintenance, repair arrangements, and cross-city vehicle pick-up and drop-off, providing greater freedom and flexibility for those on assignment, studying abroad, or accompanying family members.
8. Can I drive across state lines?
It's usually possible, but you should check with the rental company first, as there may be additional charges for exceeding the total mileage.
9. Can A rent and B return the money?
Yes, traditional car rentals are usually much more expensive. With the Sky Horse Plus plan, there are no extra charges for drop-off or return within service locations (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego).
10. How will the billing be calculated if I terminate the lease early or extend the lease term?
Pricing will usually be recalculated and may be more expensive. If your travel plans are uncertain, consider the Sky Horse Plus long-term rental subscription, which allows you to extend your subscription to a longer term or switch to a short-term rental in advance, giving you more flexibility in your travel plans.
Long-term car rental in the US: More than just rental costs
When renting a car for an extended period in the US, besides considering the rental cost of the vehicle itself, it's crucial to determine which option best suits your stay and usage scenarios, as additional expenses, time, and effort must also be factored in. This article provides insights into the cost structure, barriers, and flexibility behind each option, from plan selection and cost assessment to document and residency evaluation, helping you find a car rental solution that better suits your itinerary and lifestyle. If your stay exceeds 60 days and you want to easily integrate insurance, maintenance, repairs, and car pick-up and drop-off processes, we highly recommend subscription-based long-term rental plans like Sky Horse Plus!
