The short answer is: it depends. It depends on your needs, your travel goals, your likes, and your dislikes. We will discuss why it is sometimes good to get a taxi and why sometimes it might be better to rent a car.
Advantages of a taxi
Does driving make you stressed? In this case, taxi services will allow you to rest. You won’t have to learn how to control a car with which you might be unfamiliar. You won’t have to worry about navigating around and finding a place to park. Taxi drivers know their way around well and can take you to your destination quickly. It is also a quite secure way of traveling, and you do not have to worry about gas or insurance.
Moreover, if you are young, a taxi might be the only possible choice. In most US states, the minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old. There are only three exceptions when you can rent a car just over 18: if you are in New York or Michigan states, or a government worker (have your documents in that case). Also, there is an additional young renter fee. The average cost is $25 per day. And if you are renting a car in NY or MI under 21, you will have to pay even more. This is because statistics show that people under 25 are at a larger risk to make an accident than older people.
Advantages of a rental car
However, renting a car has even more advantages. Some of the most important perks are freedom and privacy. You get to be your own boss. You control where to go and which roads to choose, when to leave and when to go back. If you like driving and are good with navigating, it might be a much more satisfying choice.
Another thing is privacy. If you are traveling with your friends and family, you usually talk with them during journeys. With a taxi driver sitting in the front, the conversations would feel much more restricted. Travel time might not be too enjoyable: it would be only for the sake of getting from point A to point B. Meanwhile, driving your loved ones yourself can create a pleasanter atmosphere. You can also keep your belongings in the car and don’t have to drag them around or leave them at the place you are staying.
Is a rental car cheaper than a taxi?
Usually yes, but it can depend. Are you only planning to go to the beach and relax there all day? Taxi might be cheaper. Also, when taking a taxi, you do not have to pay for fuel or parking space, compared to when you rent a car.
However, if you are planning lengthier trips, a rental car is definitely better. You pay a fixed price for a day and can travel however much you want. You can stop wherever you want if you see an interesting sight and continue traveling whenever you feel like it: you don’t have to wait for a taxi to come. Also, don’t worry about the car breaking down: it’s insured by the rental company.
Also, taxi rates often rise during peak hours, and they can be super expensive in some cities. For example, Honolulu, Hawaii, and Santa Barbara, California, are known to have some of the highest taxi fares in the US. The initial charge is around $3.50 in Honolulu, and every mile costs around $3.60. You will see that the price will add up at a furious rate.
To sum up, renting a car is usually economically better: unless you are only planning on making one shortish trip a day. Although you will have to figure your way around and find a parking space, a rental car will give you more freedom and privacy. A rental car is the best choice if you want your car trips to be a meaningful and enjoyable part of the journey. Check out the article on things to consider when choosing a rental car.
Are you ready to rent a car instead of a taxi? We offer various kinds of cars for rent in various locations.