Generally, it is cheaper to rent a car in Spain than in France. Spain has one of the most competitive car rental markets in Europe, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and major cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Prices for a compact car in Spain can often be 20% to 40% lower than for a similar vehicle in France. Additionally, fuel prices and highway tolls (peajes) in Spain are typically lower than the notoriously high "Péage" costs in France, where driving across the country can result in a significant expense just for the use of the motorways. In France, rental costs are driven up by higher labor costs and stricter insurance requirements. However, there is one major exception: if you are a non-EU resident planning a trip of 21 days or longer, France offers a "Tax-Free Buy-Back" lease program (through companies like Peugeot or Renault) which can be significantly cheaper than a traditional long-term rental. For a standard 1-week vacation, however, the base rates, insurance, and overall "road trip" expenses will almost always be more budget-friendly in Spain.