I've rented cars in Halifax about a dozen times in the past couple of years. $400 - $450 (all in) is what you I would expect for a full-sized weekly rental in NS.
My opinion: Avis is the way to go in Halifax/NS. Others (typically Enterprise) are occasionally competitive, but Avis has always been the cheapest, regardless of season.
Despite being the cheapest, the vehicle quality is solid (I get an intermediate or full sized every time), customer service is top notch, and I've yet to have the "Oops, we've run out of those cars" discussion.
1. Avis offers a really good discount (~20%) for booking online and prepaying. I always use this option and it's never been a problem. Typically book a week or two before the trip to ensure selection.
2. Most (all?) Scotiabank VISA customers get a 20% discount with Avis. This is on top of the typical VISA insurance benefits etc. Just need to mention it to the desk clerk at pickup. Frankly, it may be worth getting a low-limit Scotia VISA just for the savings?
3. Unless you can have someone do a pickup/drop off, expect to pay a $50-$60 premium to rent from any company's airport location. FYI - it's a long drive to Halifax (more than $50 cab ride).
4. There's a gas station right at the airport and (surprisingly) there isn't some crazy $0.50/l premium on the gas prices. Prices are all over the place in NS, so you may pay a few pennies extra or a few pennies less. Don't bother searching Hell's Half Acre for cheap gas.....just fill up at the airport.
AVIS Example:
Full-Size (Chevy Impala) August 2-August 8:
$385 at the counter. $320 with the prepay option.
Taxes and Surcharges: $135 (based on prepay)
Total: $455.00
The Scotia VISA discount would push the price to $390 (all in).
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