Budget Rent A Car Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Budget Rent A Car offers affordable car rental services, providing a wide selection of vehicles and convenient rental options for travelers and locals alike.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
174
+
-8%
-8%
Franchise fee
?
$45,000
Investment
?
$626,000 - $1,588,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Budget Rent A Car is a leading international car rental brand known for affordable, reliable service. Founded in 1958 by Morris Mirkin in Los Angeles, California, the company began with a fleet of just 10 vehicles aimed at cost-conscious travelers.
In 1960, Mirkin partnered with Jules Lederer to form Budget Rent A Car Corporation, which rapidly expanded through franchising. Today, Budget is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, and operates as a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group.
Budget began franchising in 1960, enabling rapid national and international growth. By offering lower rates and operating from off-airport locations, the brand appealed to value-conscious customers.
Budget’s core offerings include rental services for cars, trucks, and vans, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The company differentiates itself through competitive pricing, a wide range of vehicle options, and customer-focused programs like the Budget Business Program, which offers corporate discounts and complimentary Fastbreak service.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Budget Rent A Car franchise is
$626,000 - $1,588,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial License Purchase Fee
$50,000
Construction, remodeling, decorating, and leasehold improvements
$15,000 – $50,000
Furniture, fixtures, other fixed assets, and equipment
$15,000 – $28,000
Signage
$10,000 – $25,000
Three months’ rent and security deposits
$9,000 – $18,000
Vehicle insurance premiums
$15,000 – $37,500
Grand opening advertising and promotional costs
$2,000 – $5,000
Office supplies
$500 – $2,000
Miscellaneous opening costs
$1,000 – $3,000
Automobiles
$450,000 – $1,290,000 (plus interest)
Travel and living expenses during training
$3,000 – $7,500
Additional funds (three months)
$55,000 – $72,400
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$625,500 – $1,588,400
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial License Purchase Fee
$50,000
Construction, remodeling, decorating, and leasehold improvements
$15,000 – $50,000
Furniture, fixtures, other fixed assets, and equipment
$15,000 – $28,000
Signage
$10,000 – $25,000
Three months’ rent and security deposits
$9,000 – $18,000
Vehicle insurance premiums
$15,000 – $37,500
Grand opening advertising and promotional costs
$2,000 – $5,000
Office supplies
$500 – $2,000
Miscellaneous opening costs
$1,000 – $3,000
Automobiles
$450,000 – $1,290,000 (plus interest)
Travel and living expenses during training
$3,000 – $7,500
Additional funds (three months)
$55,000 – $72,400
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$625,500 – $1,588,400
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Budget Rent A Car's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Budget Rent A Car had 1371 total units in 2025, of which 174 were franchised-owned and 1197 company-owned.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Budget Rent A Car offers a comprehensive training program designed to ensure franchisees and their team members are fully equipped to operate their locations effectively. The training is primarily digital, allowing flexible access, and must be completed to the franchisor’s satisfaction.
Web-Based Training via Workday Learning: Franchisees, their General Manager, and other approved employees must complete online training programs that are accessible on any web-enabled device. These sessions are mandatory and designed to cover essential operational knowledge.
Manuals and Support Materials: The franchisor provides detailed manuals that include administrative and operational procedures. These materials are used in conjunction with the online training to ensure consistent standards.
On-the-Job Instruction: Practical training is incorporated to reinforce digital learning. Franchisees and their staff gain hands-on experience to better understand daily tasks and customer service expectations.
Territory Protection
Budget Rent A Car does not grant exclusive territory rights to its franchisees. While franchisees may be assigned a general area for operations, the franchisor retains the right to establish other Budget locations or distribution channels within or near that area.
This means franchisees might face competition from other Budget franchisees, corporate-owned locations, or different channels under the same brand. The lack of territorial exclusivity also allows Budget to maintain flexibility in strategic placement and market coverage.
However, franchisees are still expected to meet sales quotas and development milestones within their operating area as outlined in the agreement. This structure allows Budget to grow its brand presence while franchisees compete under uniform standards.
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