Many people rent a car for their vacations, especially if they’re traveling out of state. Among the many car rental companies out there, a few big names like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget stand out. These brands are known for their convenient airport and in-town locations across the country. 

Choosing between these car rental companies, however, can be a difficult task. On top of choosing which vehicle you’d like to rent in your price range, you’ll want to compare additional fees to find the best price. To say the car rental companies don’t make it easy is an understatement. 

The good news is that the majority of car rental companies are owned by a few larger corporations. For example, both Avis and Budget are technically under the same roof. When you consider this, it’s much easier to compare Budget vs. Avis since they offer similar policies with a slightly different market approach. 

So which rental company should you choose: Budget or Avis? Here’s a closer look at both brands to better understand which car rental company fits your needs.

And if you're looking to avoid the hassle of researching and comparing rates from various rental companies, consider a FINN car subscription. Pick the car you want, have it delivered to you, and enjoy driving immediately — car insurance, registration, maintenance, and roadside assistance are included.

History

Budget

Founded in 1958 by Morris Mirkin in California, Budget began with a simple mission. The company name became synonymous with lower-cost cars that could still get the job done, even if they weren’t the fanciest set of wheels to roll off the showroom floor. Budget soon settled into the middle segment with fair pricing and an eco-friendly fleet. 

In 2002, Budget was acquired by the Cendant Corporation. This conglomeration split four years later into the same number of companies, including Avis Budget Group, Inc. As the company name suggests, both Avis and Budget were now housed within the same portfolio. This explains the similarities between the policies and procedures that govern both companies. 

Avis 

Warren Avis of Michigan founded his rental car company in 1946 with only a small fleet of cars to rent. Over 70 years later, the company is known as one of the largest car rental brands across the globe with 1,400 US locations alone. It’s also the first car rental company to offer vehicles for rent at an airport. 

Avis tends to have a better reputation than Budget for a superior experience that’s ahead of its time. The use of cutting-edge technology often draws customers looking for convenience and the chance at renting high-end vehicles they may not be able to drive otherwise.

Summary

Though Budget and Avis began at nearly opposite ends of the nation almost 10 years apart, the two now join together to offer customers both a premium and middle-ground experience. Avis Budget Group, Inc. maintains both companies in their respective segments, perhaps as a way to broaden their customer base. 

Although both companies have been around for a long time, there are newer companies bringing a fresh perspective to the auto industry. FINN was launched in Munich, Germany in 2019 and following its European success expanded into the U.S. in 2022 as the “better way to drive”. FINN makes procuring a car just like any other retail experience, pioneering an online subscription model that includes “everything except for fuel”. Greater flexibility, maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance, and direct-to-the-door delivery of vehicles are provided in a very competitive package and are available in many eastern states including New York, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Virginia, and most of New England, and continues to expand. Learn more.

Fleet

Budget

If you’re looking for the best city cars with matching fuel efficiency ratings, Budget’s lineup caters to your needs. In addition to minivans and sedans, the company offers compact and eco-friendly alternatives. You can also rent SUVs, trucks, and commercial and specialty vehicles.  

Avis

Though Avis caters to a premium market, there is some overlap between the cars it offers for rent and the ones listed under Budget’s inventory. For example, you can rent small and full-size sedans, SUVs, Jeeps, luxury, convertibles, trucks, and vans. Avis also offers the Select Series, which currently includes the Cadillac XT6, the Chevrolet Bolt, and the Tesla Model Y.

Summary 

Budget offers economically-friendly vehicles that tend to be a bit older and more seasoned than Avis’ lineup. However, Avis does charge more for the opportunity to drive newer cars with some of the latest features. 

Looking for even more options? With a FINN car subscription, you have the option to drive the latest models of a wide range of vehicles. Brands include Chevrolet, Nissan, Cadillac, Jeep, GMC, RAM and more. And range from electric vehicles, hybrids, SUVs, trucks, and more.  

Pricing Structure

Budget

How much does it cost to rent a car from Budget? The answer depends on which car you choose, how long you’re renting for and what add-ons you select. Most Budget vehicles come with unlimited mileage, but this isn’t always the case. Budget does let you add your spouse as a driver for free and has a flexible cancellation policy. Paying up-front can save you some money but for many, the difference is negligible. 

Base prices start around $40 to $50 per day, but Budget offers price matching. Additional fees include protection and equipment like satellite radio, navigation, and fuel plans. 

Avis

You can easily rent a vehicle from Avis for around $60 to $70 per day, depending on which car you choose. Prepaying for your reservation will save you between $2 and $5 on the daily price. Avis offers unlimited mileage and regular promotions you can take advantage of. Military members and veterans receive 25% off base rental rates, union members can take off 30%, and AARP members automatically get special rates. 

Summary 

Due to the premium vehicles available in Avis’ lineup, base fees tend to be slightly higher despite a similar renting experience. However, Budget and Avis tend to be within $10 to $100 of one another in the final price, depending on what options and add-ons you select. 

Customer Service

Budget

The differences between Avis and Budget regarding customer service often boil down to brand reputation. Customers who choose Budget tend to look closely at pricing and fees and dispute any discrepancies. On the other hand, Budget customers may overlook a dirtier vehicle compared to an unwashed luxury vehicle from Avis that’s not as clean as the rental rate demands it should be. 

Avis

As with any car rental company, customer service experiences vary from one person to the next. Budget and Avis share customer service centers since they are held by the same parent company. Depending on the loyalty programs you’re enrolled in, you may be prioritized over Budget customers because you’re paying for a premium vehicle. However, many customers had similar frustrating experiences with both Budget and Avis. 

Summary 

Because they are held by the same parent company, both Budget and Avis have similar customer service experiences. While Avis vs. Budget reviews both received a one-star rating from many customers through the BBB, Budget’s was slightly higher at 1.09 out of 5 stars, versus Avis’ 1.06 out of 5 stars.

Loyalty Programs

Budget

The Budget Business Club is a must for small businesses looking for coupons, discounts, and free upgrades. You can also earn a rental day for free and extra Qantas points. Choose the Fastbreak Loyalty Program to get in and out quickly, both picking up and dropping off. Speak to a Budget representative or visit the website to learn more about signing up. 

Avis

The Avis Preferred Loyalty Program lets you earn points towards free accessories and rentals. You’ll earn a point for rentals, two points for accessories, and three points when you rent long enough to join the Preferred Plus membership program. The Business Program includes Avis Preferred membership so you can expedite picking up and dropping off your vehicle. Corporate Rewards offer similar perks to Budget’s Business Club program. 

Summary 

Budget and Avis offer multiple loyalty programs you can easily sign up for and earn you extra Qantas points. Avis offers a slightly better loyalty program but both have small business programs. 

Availability

Budget

In comparing Budget vs. Avis, you’ll find that Budget has a smaller fleet than its more sophisticated counterpart. However, you can still rent several types of vehicles from Budget, including convertibles, trucks, vans, and hybrids. Download the free Budget app from the Google Play Store and the App Store to easily manage your reservation on the go. 

Budget representatives often pull from Avis’ lineup to not only have a vehicle to fulfill a booking but also potentially upgrade the customer to the next vehicle group. While this is often a welcome happenstance for most people, customers often choose a specific vehicle for their needs during a trip. If the upgraded car doesn’t meet those needs, issues can occur.

Avis

In 1972, Avis came out with Wizard technology that revolutionized electronically booking car rentals. Parts of the system remain, though the process has certainly evolved. You can download the free Avis app from the App Store and Google Play Store. 

If you’re renting a car for a road trip during the peak of any travel season, you’ll typically have better luck with Avis because it holds a larger inventory than Budget. In fact, the company recently celebrated connecting over 200,000 vehicles with the next goal set at 600,000. Picking up and dropping off your vehicle can be easier with Avis, though the same policies extend to both companies. 

Summary 

Avis and Budget share over 1,400 locations across the country, most of them found in airports. In comparing Budget vs. Avis, Budget has a smaller fleet that fails to match Avis’ vehicle availability in peak traveling seasons. 

Extra features and services

Budget

With an eye for its cost-efficient customer base, Budget often runs promotions and deals that let customers upgrade to the next group for free. This mentality of getting more for your money goes a long way with customers watching every nickel and dime they spend. 

Budget requires drivers to be 21 years old, have a driver’s license, and have either a debit or credit card in their name. Drivers can choose Extended Roadside Assistance to add key replacement, jump-start, fuel delivery, flat tire assistance/tire replacement, and lockout services to their rental contracts.  

Avis

Avis also offers roadside assistance that’s nearly identical to Budget’s policy. Comparing Avis vs. Budget when it comes to adding GPS results in the same conclusion. However, Avis does require that drivers be 25 years of age and have held their license for at least 12 months before renting a car. 

Summary

With few exceptions, Budget and Avis offer similar features and services. Avis charges more than Budget for upgrades but with access to the Avis fleet, Budget can easily upgrade their customers a class or two when necessary. 

Budget vs. Avis: Which should you choose?

Avis commands an upmarket fleet of vehicles designed to give you the luxury rental car experience, while Budget respects your wallet as you travel. While Budget does reduce its services to fit the needs of customers in the middle market, Avis’ higher costs can be worth the trouble for some customers seeking a premium experience. However, both companies park their vehicles under the same name so it’s a win-win for a corporation targeting two similar yet different customer groups.  

An alternative to car renting

FINN’s leading lineup of premium vehicles and superb customer service redefines the world of car subscriptions. This service allows you to choose the vehicle and color you want and have the car delivered straight to your doorstep, all for one monthly fee that includes everything (insurance, registration, maintenance, roadside assistance) but gas. Instead of cramming in 20 minutes to fill up your rental car before traveling, take the easy route by choosing a FINN car subscription.