How Much Does an Enterprise Car Rental Really Cost Per Week?
When you pull up the Enterprise website and start scrolling through the list of cars, the first thing that catches your eye is the daily rate. It looks simple enough—$35 a day, $45 a day, maybe a weekend special. But most renters think in weeks, not days, and that shift changes the math dramatically. Understanding the weekly cost breakdown helps you spot hidden fees, compare options fairly, and avoid unpleasant surprises at the rental counter.
What Makes Up a Weekly Rental Price?
Enterprise doesn’t present a single “weekly price” on the front page. Instead, the total you pay is a combination of several line‑item charges:
- Base Daily Rate: The advertised cost per day for the specific vehicle class.
- Taxes & Surcharges: Sales tax, airport concession fees, and sometimes a “government surcharge” that varies by location.
- Insurance Add‑Ons: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), personal accident protection, and supplemental liability coverage.
- Optional Extras: GPS, child seats, additional driver fees, or the famed “Unlimited Mileage” upgrade.
- Location‑Specific Fees: Airport pickup, cross‑border permits, or fuel‑service charges.
When you add them together and multiply by seven days, that’s the figure you’ll actually see on your credit‑card statement.
Typical Weekly Cost Ranges by Vehicle Class
Below is a snapshot of what you might expect in the United States for a standard, midsize, and premium car. Numbers are averages; your exact total will depend on the city, season, and any promotions Enterprise is running.
- Compact/Economy (e.g., Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta): $250 – $340 per week.
- Midsize (e.g., Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry): $320 – $420 per week.
- Full‑size or Luxury (e.g., BMW 3 Series, Mercedes‑C): $500 – $750 per week.
Notice how the spread widens the higher you go. That’s largely because insurance and optional extras become more expensive for pricier models.
Breaking Down an Example
Let’s say you rent a midsize sedan in Denver for seven days. Here’s a plausible line‑item invoice:
- Base rate: $55 × 7 = $385
- State sales tax (8.5%): $32.73
- Airport concession fee: $30
- CDW (optional, $12 / day): $84
- GPS rental (optional, $8 / day): $56
- Fuel service (pre‑pay full tank, $65): $65
Total: $652.73
This example shows why the weekly price can be more than double the daily rate multiplied by seven. Each added feature or location fee chips away at your budget.
How to Lower the Weekly Total
Enterprise offers a few levers you can pull without sacrificing the car you need:
- Skip the CDW if your personal auto policy already covers rentals. A quick call to your insurer can save $70 – $100.
- Bring your own GPS or use your phone. Free navigation apps eliminate that daily charge.
- Refuel yourself. Returning the car with a full tank is typically cheaper than the pre‑pay fuel option.
- Look for “Weekly Specials.” Enterprise sometimes lists a reduced weekly rate that already bundles taxes and fees.
- Consider off‑airport locations. The same car may be $15–$30 cheaper per day a few miles away from the airport.
When Does Enterprise Offer the Best Value?
Timing matters. The company’s pricing algorithm reacts to three main factors:
- Seasonality: Summer travel peaks and holiday weeks drive rates up.
- Local Events: Concerts, conventions, or sports tournaments can cause a temporary surge.
- Advance Booking Window: Reserving two weeks ahead often secures a lower weekly total than a last‑minute grab.
If you have flexibility, aim for mid‑week pickups during shoulder season (late spring or early fall). That usually yields the most modest weekly cost.
Key Takeaways
- The weekly price is a sum of daily rates, taxes, insurance, and optional extras.
- Expect $250–$750 per week depending on vehicle class and location.
- Minor adjustments—like using your own GPS or refueling yourself—can shave $50–$150 off the total.
- Plan ahead and avoid airport locations when possible for the best rates.
