Travelers heading to Montana this summer may face sticker shock at the rental car counter. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) has been named the most expensive airport in the country for car rentals, according to a new survey from travel website Cheapcarrental.com.
The survey, which analyzed rental rates across 100 U.S. airports for the peak summer travel period from June through August 2025, found that the average daily rate for the cheapest available car in Bozeman is $156. That puts the popular gateway to Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Country ahead of every other airport in the country.
Close behind Bozeman is Anchorage’s Ted Stevens International Airport, with an average daily rate of $154, followed by Portland, Maine (PWM) at $131. Other pricey cities include Boston ($112), Spokane ($108), and both New York City airports—JFK ($106) and LaGuardia ($104). The list is rounded out by Minneapolis–Saint Paul ($99), Chicago Midway ($98) and O’Hare ($95).
Despite these elevated rates in popular destinations, the survey also found a notable decrease in rental prices nationwide, with the average daily rate across all surveyed airports falling to $73.20—an 11% drop from summer 2024.
According to Paul Joseph, a spokesperson for Cheapcarrental.com, the nationwide dip in prices suggests “a significant decline in travel demand this summer.”
Meanwhile, Florida continues to dominate the list of most affordable rental markets, with Tampa offering the lowest average daily rate at just $40. Other budget-friendly cities include Miami ($42), Jacksonville ($44), Orlando ($45) and Fort Lauderdale ($46). San Antonio ($48), Houston Hobby ($49), St. Louis ($51), Phoenix Sky Harbor ($52) and Cleveland ($53) also made the top ten for affordability.
Bozeman’s high rental rates are likely driven by its growing popularity as a tourism hub and limited rental fleet availability during the busy summer months. The airport has seen rapid growth in recent years, attracting visitors to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Resort, and a range of outdoor recreational destinations in southwest Montana.
Top 10 Most Expensive U.S. Airports for Car Rentals (Summer 2025)
Average daily rate for cheapest available car, June 1–August 31, 2025
- Bozeman (BZN) – $156
- Anchorage (ANC) – $154
- Portland, ME (PWM) – $131
- Boston (BOS) – $112
- Spokane (GEG) – $108
- New York City (JFK) – $106
- New York City (LGA) – $104
- Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) – $99
- Chicago Midway (MDW) – $98
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) – $95
By: DNU staff