Moving Van Cost Calculator
Renting a moving truck costs $30–$150/day for local (in-town) moves plus $0.59–$0.99/mile. One-way rentals for long-distance moves cost $400–$2,500+ depending on truck size, distance, and date. The total cost including fuel, insurance, and equipment ranges from $150–$500 for local and $800–$4,000 for cross-country.
Total Truck Cost = Base Rental + (Miles × Per-Mile Rate) + Fuel + Insurance + Equipment Rental + Taxes
Renting a moving truck or van is the most affordable way to move for people willing to handle the driving, loading, and unloading themselves. But advertised rates don't tell the whole story — mileage charges, fuel, insurance, equipment fees, and environmental surcharges can double the sticker price. Our moving van cost calculator gives you the complete cost including every fee, so you can compare rental companies and budget accurately.
The three major rental truck companies — U-Haul, Penske, and Budget — have different pricing structures, fleet quality, and policies. Our calculator accounts for all three.
What This Means
Your estimate includes the base rental rate, mileage charges (for local rentals), estimated fuel cost, basic insurance, and equipment fees. One-way rentals include unlimited mileage but higher base rates. Actual fuel costs may vary 10–20% based on driving conditions and speed. Always compare quotes from all three major companies for the same dates and truck size — prices can vary by 30–50% for the same route.
Moving Truck Rental Company Comparison (2026)
| Feature | U-Haul | Penske | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck sizes | 10', 12', 15', 17', 20', 26' | 12', 16', 22', 26' | 12', 16', 22', 26' |
| Local daily rate | $19.95–$39.95 | $59–$149 | $29.95–$99.95 |
| Per-mile rate (local) | $0.79–$0.99 | $0.59–$0.79 | $0.59–$0.89 |
| One-way available? | Yes (most routes) | Yes (most routes) | Yes (limited routes) |
| Locations | 22,000+ (largest network) | 2,600+ | 2,400+ |
| Fleet age | Mixed (older fleet) | Newer (avg 2–3 years) | Mixed |
| Auto transport/dolly | Yes ($50–$500) | Yes (limited) | Yes (limited) |
| Fuel type (large trucks) | Gasoline | Diesel (larger trucks) | Diesel or Gas |
| Insurance included? | No (add $14–$45/day) | Basic included | Basic included |
Key insight: U-Haul's advertised daily rates are the lowest, but their per-mile charges and insurance add-ons often make the total cost comparable to Penske and Budget. Penske trucks are the newest and most fuel-efficient. Budget often has the best one-way deals for popular routes.
Worked Example: U-Haul vs. Penske for a 1,200-Mile Move
The Lopez family is moving from Miami, FL to Nashville, TN (approximately 1,200 miles) with a 3-bedroom home. They need a 20–22 ft truck. Here's the true cost comparison:
| Cost Component | U-Haul 20' | Penske 22' |
|---|---|---|
| One-way base rental | $1,450 | $1,280 |
| Mileage | Included (one-way) | Included (one-way) |
| Insurance/damage waiver | $42/day × 3 days = $126 | Included (basic) |
| Environmental fee | $7/day × 3 days = $21 | $5/day × 3 days = $15 |
| Equipment (dolly + pads) | $47 | $30 (pads free) |
| Tax (7%) | $115 | $93 |
| Fuel (loaded truck, 1,200 mi) | 8 MPG: $525 (gas @$3.50) | 7 MPG: $675 (diesel @$3.95) |
| Auto transport trailer | $380 | N/A (not available) |
| Total (U-Haul) | $2,664 | |
| Total (Penske) | $2,093 | |
Penske is $571 cheaper in this scenario due to included insurance and lower base rate, despite higher diesel fuel costs. However, U-Haul offers the auto transport trailer option for towing a car, which Penske doesn't offer on this route. If the Lopez family needs to tow a car, U-Haul at $2,664 is the only option.
Tips to Save on Moving Truck Rental
- Compare all three companies for your specific route. Pricing varies dramatically by route and date. One-way rates depend heavily on supply and demand — returning a truck to a high-demand city is often much cheaper.
- Book 2–4 weeks early. Last-minute bookings cost 20–50% more and may have limited truck availability, especially during peak season.
- Choose off-peak dates. Weekday rentals, mid-month dates, and fall/winter moves save 15–30%. The most expensive dates are the last and first weekdays of each month in summer.
- Return the truck full. Fill up at a cheap gas station near the drop-off location. Refueling fees of $5–$9/gallon are the most common overcharge.
- Use AAA and other discounts. U-Haul offers 10% off for AAA members. Penske offers military, college student, and corporate discounts of 10–20%. Budget offers AAA and USAA discounts.
- Rent from a company location, not a dealer. U-Haul's network includes gas stations and hardware stores that rent trucks — these dealer locations have older trucks and less support. Company-owned locations offer newer vehicles and better service.
- Return on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate plus penalties. If your move takes longer than expected, call ahead to extend rather than facing late fees.
Sources and Methodology
Our moving van cost calculator uses:
- Published rental rates from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck, verified quarterly.
- Real-world fuel economy data for loaded rental trucks by size.
- Current fuel prices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
- Fee and insurance data confirmed through actual rental transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck for one day?
A one-day local truck rental costs $30–$150 for the base rate, plus $0.59–$0.99 per mile. The total for a local move (30 miles round trip) including mileage, insurance, and fuel is typically $100–$300. U-Haul's base rate is the lowest ($19.95–$39.95) but their per-mile rate ($0.79–$0.99) adds up quickly. Penske charges a higher daily rate ($59–$149) but includes lower mileage costs. For very short moves (under 10 miles), U-Haul is cheapest; for 30+ mile local moves, Penske or Budget often win.
Is U-Haul cheaper than Penske?
It depends on the move type. For one-way long-distance moves, Penske is often 10–20% cheaper because their pricing includes insurance and they have lower environmental fees. For short local moves (under 20 miles), U-Haul's lower daily rates make it cheaper despite higher per-mile charges. For the most accurate comparison, get quotes from both companies for your specific route, dates, and truck size. The cheapest option varies by route and season.
Do I need insurance for a rental truck?
Your personal auto insurance and credit card may already cover rental trucks — check before buying the rental company's coverage. If not covered, purchasing damage waiver insurance ($14–$45/day) is highly recommended. A single accident in a rental truck without coverage can result in $5,000–$25,000+ in liability. Penske and Budget include basic liability coverage in their rates; U-Haul requires you to purchase it separately or sign a liability waiver.
Can I rent a moving truck one-way?
Yes, all three major companies offer one-way rentals. U-Haul has the most routes available due to their 22,000+ locations. One-way rates include unlimited mileage (you only pay for fuel) but are significantly higher than local rates — typically $400–$2,500 depending on distance and truck size. One-way rentals on high-demand routes (e.g., California to Texas) are cheaper than reverse routes (Texas to California) due to migration patterns affecting truck supply at each location.
How far in advance should I reserve a moving truck?
Reserve 2–4 weeks in advance for local moves and 3–6 weeks for one-way long-distance rentals. During peak season (June–August), reserve 4–8 weeks ahead. U-Haul offers a $50 reservation guarantee — if they can't provide the reserved truck size, you get $50 off or a free upgrade. Penske and Budget may substitute a comparable truck if your reserved size isn't available. Always confirm your reservation 48–72 hours before pickup.