If you want to explore Perth without overspending, hiring a car can be one of the most cost-effective ways to get around. This guide breaks down how to find genuinely cheap car hire in Perth, what “cheap” really means in practice, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can turn a low advertised price into an unexpectedly expensive trip.
A well-priced rental shouldn’t mean low quality. With the right provider, you can secure a clean, reliable, modern vehicle with clear pricing and no hidden extras.
What Does “Cheap Car Rental in Perth” Actually Include?
Cheap car hire is more than just finding the lowest advertised price. In Perth, a genuine budget-friendly rental should still offer reliability, clarity and convenience without cutting corners or adding hidden extras.
A fair and affordable rental typically includes:
- Well-maintained, modern vehicles that are clean, serviced and ready for daily driving
- Transparent pricing with no unexpected pick-up or return charges
- Straightforward rental terms, including clear eligibility requirements and easy-to-understand insurance options
- Flexible hire periods, whether you need a vehicle for a day, a week or a long-term stay
At Aries Car Rental, we meet all of these expectations with a modern, well-maintained fleet, clear pricing, and straightforward rental terms. Our hire periods are flexible, and optional protection is available to suit different needs.
This focus on simplicity and value is why many travellers choose us for affordable car rentals in Perth.
Which Car Types Offer the Cheapest Hire Rates in Perth?
Choosing the right vehicle class is one of the simplest ways to keep hire costs down.
At Aries Car Rental, each category comes with its own starting price, so you can easily choose a vehicle that fits your budget and travel needs. The table below shows our current “starting from” rates across all major vehicle types.
| Vehicle type | Best for | Why it’s affordable | Starting from* |
| Small Cars / Hatchbacks | Solo travellers, couples, light luggage | Lowest hire rates and very fuel-efficient; ideal for city driving and short trips | $29/day for our MG3 Hatchback |
| Sedans / Family Cars | Small families, work trips, two couples | More comfort and boot space while still keeping daily hire costs manageable | $36/day for our Mazda 2 Sedan |
| SUVs / 5–7 Seaters | Families, small groups, longer drives | Extra space and comfort, with costs spread across more passengers | $42/day for our Mitsubishi ASX SUV |
| People Movers / 8 Seaters | Larger families, group holidays, sports teams | Higher base price, but very cost-effective per person when the vehicle is full | $66/day for our Kia Carnival (2019) |
| Mini Bus (12 Seater) | Big groups, tours, events, school or club trips | Maximises seating capacity so one vehicle can move the whole group together | $164/day for our Toyota Commuter Bus |
| Vans | Groups with extra luggage, equipment or bulky items | Combines passenger seating with generous storage, reducing the need for multiple vehicles | $66/day for our Kia Carnival (2019) |
*Prices reflect Aries Car Rental’s advertised “starting from” rates. Actual pricing may vary based on availability, season and hire duration.
How to Find the Lowest Car Hire Prices in Perth
Car hire prices in Perth change with demand, season and vehicle availability. A few practical choices can help you secure the best value for your trip.
To keep costs down:
- Book early, especially during busy Perth travel periods
- Choose small or economy vehicles if you don’t need extra space
- Hire for longer periods, as extended rentals often reduce the average daily rate
- Avoid peak dates, such as school holidays, major events and long weekends
- Select the vehicle class that best matches your group size and luggage, so you’re not paying for space you won’t use
- Return the vehicle on time and with a full tank to avoid avoidable fees
- Read the rental terms, especially around permitted use, fuel, insurance conditions and return requirements
These simple steps help keep your rental cost predictable and ensure you’re paying only for what you actually need.
How can Aries Car Rental help you save even more?
On top of competitive base rates, Aries Car Rental provides a few extra ways to reduce your overall hire cost, depending on how long you need a vehicle and why you are travelling.
- Seasonal special offers – Limited-time promotions and discount codes published on our Special Offers page.
- Tailored long-term hire rates – Custom pricing for month-plus rentals, designed to be more cost-effective than repeated short hires.
- Corporate hire rates – Structured pricing for businesses that need regular or ongoing vehicles for staff and visitors.
These supplementary options sit alongside our standard pricing and give you more flexibility to keep car hire affordable when you are planning a longer stay or travelling for work.
How Car Rental Pricing Works and Why Rates Can Change in Perth
Car hire pricing in Perth is influenced by a few consistent factors. At Aries Car Rental, these mainly come down to the type of vehicle you choose, how long you need it for, and general demand across the year.
- Vehicle class – Smaller cars such as hatchbacks have the lowest daily rates. Larger options like SUVs, people movers, vans or mini buses cost more due to size, seating and capacity.
- Length of hire – Daily rates can be lower when you book for longer periods. This is especially useful for long-term visitors, students, contractors or temporary work placements.
- Seasonal demand – School holidays, long weekends and peak tourism periods can affect availability across Perth, with cheaper classes booking out first. During quieter periods, more budget-friendly options are usually available.
- Fleet availability – If certain vehicle categories are in high demand, the remaining options may naturally sit at a higher price point. Booking early helps secure the most affordable class.
These factors explain why prices can vary throughout the year and why choosing the right vehicle class and hire duration can make a meaningful difference to the overall cost.
What Hidden Fees Should You Check Before Booking a Cheap Rental?
A low daily rate is only useful if you understand the rental conditions that sit behind it. Most additional costs come from situations where terms aren’t followed, or where specific requirements apply. Being aware of these upfront helps you avoid unexpected charges.
Before you book, it’s worth checking:
- Age and licence requirements – Aries requires a full, valid licence and a minimum age of 22 for most vehicles (25 for certain classes). Provisional or learner licences aren’t accepted.
- Excess and insurance conditions – Standard liability applies unless optional protection is selected. It’s important to understand what is covered and what isn’t.
- Fuel requirements – Vehicles must be returned with the same fuel level they were supplied with. Refuelling charges apply if this isn’t met.
- Return time – Late returns without prior notice or approval can incur additional fees, as the vehicle may be booked for the next customer.
- Additional drivers – Extra drivers must be approved and listed on the rental agreement, and a set fee applies.
- Permitted use and road restrictions – Driving on unsealed roads, off-road, or in prohibited areas breaches the rental terms and may result in significant charges if damage occurs.
- After-hours pick-up or drop-off – These services may incur a fee, depending on the location and time requested.
These checks help you understand the conditions clearly and ensure you only pay for the hire itself, not avoidable extras.
Why long-term car hire can be the cheapest option in Perth
Long-term car hire can be one of the most affordable ways to access a vehicle in Perth. It suits anyone needing transport for several weeks or months and often works out cheaper than repeated short-term bookings.
Long-term hire reduces the average daily rate because the cost is spread over a longer period. It also avoids the large upfront expenses of buying a car, as well as ongoing costs like servicing, registration and depreciation.
At Aries Car Rental, our long-term car hire gives you tailored rates and fully serviced vehicles, so your extended rental fits your work, family or replacement needs without the ongoing costs of owning a car.
This type of hire is especially practical for contractors, students (over 22 years old), FIFO workers, long-stay visitors and anyone who needs reliable transport without a long-term financial obligation.
Tips to Save More on Car Hire
You can’t control everything that affects price, but a few simple choices will help keep your hire cost down.
- Book early, especially around public holidays and busy travel periods.
- Travel outside peak seasons where you can, as demand is usually lower.
- Choose the smallest vehicle that suits your group and luggage, since smaller cars are cheaper to hire and run.
- Only book the days you actually need, because even a low daily rate adds up over unused days.
- Return the vehicle on time and with the correct fuel level to avoid avoidable charges.
- Read the rental terms before you drive off, so you stay within the permitted use and don’t trigger extra fees.
- Check for current specials or long-term and corporate hire options if you’re staying longer or renting for work, as these can offer better overall value for your situation.
Why choosing a transparent rental company matters
In the end, the real difference between a “cheap” rental and a genuinely good value rental comes down to the company you choose. Low prices are only worthwhile if the experience is clear, fair and reliable from start to finish.
A provider you can trust will offer:
- Transparent pricing with no hidden surprises
- Modern, well-maintained vehicles
- Rental terms that are easy to understand
- Sensible, clearly explained insurance options
- Helpful support if something goes wrong
Cheap car hire should feel simple, predictable and stress free, not risky or confusing.
At Aries Car Rental, this is the standard we aim for every day, so you can keep your costs down and still enjoy a safe, comfortable and confident driving experience in Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth renting a car in Perth?
Yes, in many cases. If you plan to explore beyond the CBD, visit beaches, wineries or national parks, or you are on a tight schedule, hiring a car is usually the most flexible and time-efficient option. Public transport works for some central trips, but it often takes longer and does not always suit early starts or late finishes.
Do I need a hire car if I am staying in Perth CBD only?
If you are staying right in the CBD and mainly visiting nearby attractions, you may be able to rely on walking, public transport and rideshare.
A hire car becomes more useful if you want to visit places like Fremantle, the Swan Valley, Perth’s northern beaches or the hills without juggling timetables.
Is it easy to drive in Perth and Western Australia?
Driving in Perth is generally straightforward for most visitors. Traffic is lighter than in many larger cities, roads are well signed, and you drive on the left-hand side.
The main things to watch are peak-hour traffic on major routes and parking rules in the CBD.
What should I know about driving longer distances from Perth?
Distances in WA can be much greater than many visitors expect. Plan your route within the permitted area of use, stick to sealed roads, plan fuel stops in advance, allow extra time, and avoid rushing.
Take extra care when driving at dawn, dusk or night when wildlife is more active, and choose a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle for longer trips.
How do I book cheap car hire with Aries Car Rental?
You can book online by choosing your pick-up location, dates and vehicle type, then reviewing the total price and any optional protection before you confirm.
You can also contact our team directly if you are unsure which vehicle category suits your plans or budget.
Can I rent a car from Aries Car Rental if I am visiting from overseas?
In most cases, yes.
You must be at least 22 years old, have held your overseas licence for at least 2 years, and hold a full, valid licence.
It must be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit or approved translation. Standard age and eligibility requirements still apply, so it is worth checking these before you book.
Which vehicle type is best for my trip?
For solo travellers or couples with light luggage, a small car or hatchback is usually the cheapest and easiest to park.
Sedans and SUVs suit families and small groups who need more space, while people movers, mini buses and vans are better for larger groups, events or trips where you have extra gear or bulky items.
If you are unsure, the Aries team can help you match a vehicle to your itinerary and budget.