Daily Car Rental Rates in Singapore: What You Will Pay Per Day in 2026
Daily car rental rates in Singapore range from $49 to $150 per day depending on the vehicle type, rental company, and time of year. Economy sedans sit at the lower end while SUVs and luxury cars push the upper range. Knowing what drives these prices helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the counter.
How Much Does a Daily Car Rental Cost in Singapore?
Most renters pay between $60 and $100 per day for a standard sedan or compact car in Singapore. The exact rate depends on three things: the car category, the rental company, and whether you are booking during a peak period.
Here is a breakdown of typical daily rates by vehicle type in 2026:
| Vehicle Category | Daily Rate (Estimated) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan (e.g. Toyota Vios, Hyundai Avante) | $49–$80/day | Solo drivers, budget-conscious renters |
| Compact sedan (e.g. Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic) | $75–$100/day | Daily commuters, small families |
| MPV / 7-seater (e.g. Toyota Sienta, Honda Freed) | $90–$130/day | Families, group outings, Malaysia trips |
| SUV (e.g. Toyota Harrier, Nissan X-Trail) | $100–$150/day | Road trips, premium comfort |
| Luxury (e.g. BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class) | $150–$250/day | Special occasions, corporate use |
These rates reflect market averages across Singapore rental companies. Some providers, including FreshCars, start as low as $49/day for economy models.
What Affects Daily Car Rental Rates in Singapore?
Several factors push your daily rate up or down. Understanding them gives you more control over what you end up paying.
Vehicle Type and Age
Newer cars and larger vehicles cost more. A brand-new Toyota Corolla Altis costs more per day than a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) car with a few years on the clock. If you do not need the latest model, ask about PARF or COE cars — they are well-maintained and significantly cheaper.
Weekday vs Weekend Pricing
Many rental companies charge different rates for weekdays and weekends. Weekend rates are typically $10–$20 higher per day because demand spikes from families and occasional renters. If your schedule is flexible, picking up on a Monday or Tuesday often saves you money.
Peak Season Surcharges
Expect higher rates during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, school holidays, and the December festive season. During these periods, daily rates can jump by 20–40%. Booking at least two to three weeks in advance is the best way to lock in a lower rate. Our guide on [school holiday car rental](/blog/school-holiday-car-rental-singapore-book-early-save) covers booking timelines in detail.
Rental Duration
Renting for longer always brings the per-day cost down. A car that costs $70/day on a single-day rental might drop to $55/day when booked for a full week. If you need a car for five days or more, ask about weekly rates — you could save 15–25% compared to the daily price. Check our breakdown of monthly car rental rates if you need the car for longer.
Hidden Costs That Change Your Daily Rate
The advertised daily rate is not always the final number. Several add-ons can push a $60/day rental to $90/day or more if you are not careful.
- Insurance excess (accident excess): This is the amount you pay out of pocket if the car is damaged. Industry standard in Singapore ranges from $800 to $3,000. FreshCars keeps this at a low $600, which is well below the market average.
- Fuel policy: Most companies use a full-to-full policy — you collect the car with a full tank and return it full. If you forget to refuel, the company charges a premium rate per litre.
- Mileage caps: Some rentals include a daily mileage limit (typically 100–150 km). Going over means paying excess mileage charges of $0.15–$0.30 per kilometre.
- Late return fees: Returning the car even 30 minutes late can trigger an extra half-day or full-day charge. Plan your return time carefully.
- Deposit: Most companies require a deposit of $200–$500 upfront. FreshCars processes deposit refunds within 3 business days, faster than most competitors.
For a deeper look at what catches renters off guard, read our post on [car rental hidden fees in Singapore](/blog/car-rental-hidden-fees-singapore-avoid-extra-charges).
How To Get the Cheapest Daily Car Rental in Singapore
You do not need to settle for the highest quoted price. Here are practical ways to bring your daily rate down.
1. Book in advance. Rates are almost always lower when you book at least a week ahead. Last-minute bookings during peak periods carry the steepest premiums.
2. Choose a PARF or COE car. These vehicles are mechanically sound but cost less to rent because they are not brand new. The savings can be $10–$20/day compared to a new model.
3. Opt for weekly billing. Even if you only need the car for five or six days, a weekly rate is often cheaper than paying the daily rate for each day.
4. Compare rental companies directly. Aggregator sites show a range of prices, but going direct to a rental company can sometimes unlock better deals or waive certain fees.
5. Skip unnecessary add-ons. GPS devices, child seats, and additional driver fees add up. Bring your own phone mount for navigation and check if your insurance already covers rental vehicles.
Our [budget car rental tips](/blog/budget-car-rental-tips-singapore) guide covers more money-saving strategies.
Daily Rates vs Weekly and Monthly Rates: What Makes Sense?
Choosing the right billing period saves you more than any discount code. Here is how the math works out:
| Billing Period | Typical Cost | Effective Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | $60–$100/day | $60–$100 |
| Weekly | $385–$650/week | $55–$93 |
| Monthly | $1,400–$2,200/month | $47–$73 |
The rule of thumb: if you need a car for three days or fewer, daily billing makes sense. For four to six days, ask about the weekly rate. For anything beyond two weeks, monthly billing almost always wins.
If you are weighing your options, our comparison of [short term car rental rates](/blog/short-term-car-rental-singapore-daily-weekly-rates) lays out the numbers side by side.
What Documents Do You Need for a Daily Rental?
Picking up a daily rental in Singapore is straightforward. You will need:
- A valid driving licence (Singapore licence or International Driving Permit for foreign visitors)
- NRIC or passport for identification
- A credit or debit card for the deposit
- Minimum age of 21 years (some companies require 23 for premium vehicles)
The entire pickup process usually takes under 15 minutes. Some companies, including FreshCars, offer doorstep delivery so you can skip the trip to the office entirely. See our [car rental documents guide](/blog/car-rental-documents-singapore-requirements-2026) for the full checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Rent a Car Per Day in Singapore?
Daily car rental in Singapore costs between $49 and $150 depending on the vehicle type. Economy sedans start from around $49–$80 per day, while SUVs and luxury cars range from $100 to $250 per day. The final cost also depends on your rental company, booking timing, and any add-on fees.
Is It Cheaper To Rent a Car Daily or Weekly in Singapore?
Weekly rates are almost always cheaper on a per-day basis. A car that costs $70/day individually might cost $385 for a full week, bringing the effective daily rate down to about $55. If you need a car for four days or more, ask about the weekly rate before committing to daily billing.
What Is the Cheapest Car Rental Per Day in Singapore?
The cheapest daily car rentals in Singapore start from $49/day for economy sedans like the Toyota Vios or Hyundai Avante. PARF and COE cars are the most affordable options. Booking in advance and renting during off-peak periods can also help you secure a lower rate.
Are There Hidden Fees on Top of the Daily Rate?
Yes, several potential extras can increase your total cost. These include insurance excess, fuel charges, mileage caps, late return fees, and deposits. Always ask for a full cost breakdown before signing. Look for companies with transparent pricing and low accident excess to keep surprises to a minimum.
Can I Rent a Car for Just One Day in Singapore?
Absolutely. Most car rental companies in Singapore offer single-day rentals. You will typically need a valid driving licence, an ID document, and a credit or debit card for the deposit. Some companies also offer same-day booking if you need a car at short notice.
Conclusion
Daily car rental rates in Singapore start from as low as $49/day for economy cars and go up to $250/day for luxury models. The key to getting a fair price is understanding what affects the rate — vehicle type, timing, rental duration, and hidden fees. Book ahead, choose the right billing period for your needs, and always ask for a full cost breakdown before you commit.
Looking for a daily rental with transparent pricing and no hidden fees? Browse available cars at [freshcars.sg](https://freshcars.sg) or call us at +65 9619 2819 to find the right car for your needs.



