Truck Rental Cost Guide: U-Haul vs Penske (2026)
A local moving truck rental costs $20–$40/day in base rate plus $0.79–$1.29 per mile, usually totaling $50–$200 for a same-city move. A one-way long-distance rental is priced as a flat package — typically $1,000–$3,000 for 1,000+ miles — with fuel, insurance, and equipment added on top.
Truck Rental Total = Base Rate + (Mileage × Per-Mile Rate) + Fuel + Insurance + Equipment + Taxes/Fees
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to relocate if you're willing to drive and do the heavy lifting yourself. The four national players — U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Enterprise — price differently: U-Haul and Budget charge a low daily base plus per-mile for local moves, while one-way moves use flat package pricing that swings with season and route demand.
This guide compares real 2026 pricing structures, truck sizes, and the hidden fees that inflate the final bill. Always confirm a written quote at the time of booking, since one-way rates are dynamic. For full-service comparisons, the American Moving & Storage Association is a useful neutral reference.
What This Means
Use the estimate above as your all-in move budget, then compare it against a DIY truck rental. For a local move, a truck plus fuel and insurance often lands under $200 — far below full-service movers — but you supply the labor. For one-way long-distance moves, add the flat package price, fuel (the biggest variable, since these trucks get 8–12 MPG), and a damage-waiver if you want coverage. Reserve early; one-way rates rise sharply near peak weekends.
U-Haul vs Penske vs Budget vs Enterprise (2026)
Each company suits a different kind of move. This table compares typical 2026 pricing and strengths:
| Company | Local Base Rate | Local Per-Mile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $19.95–$39.95/day | $0.79–$1.29/mi | Widest network, smallest trucks, one-way |
| Budget | $19.99–$34.99/day | $0.79–$1.09/mi | Frequent online discount codes |
| Penske | Flat one-way packages | Unlimited miles (one-way) | Long-distance, newer fleet, reliable trucks |
| Enterprise (Truck Rental) | Daily rate, varies | Per-mile or capped | Local moves, business/commercial use |
Penske is widely regarded as the most reliable for long one-way moves and often includes unlimited mileage in its package, while U-Haul wins on sheer location count and smaller truck options. Budget frequently posts the lowest advertised local rate. Enterprise focuses on local and commercial rentals rather than one-way consumer moves.
One-Way Long-Distance Rental Pricing
One-way rentals use flat package pricing that bundles a set number of days and miles. Here are representative 2026 estimates for a 26-foot truck on popular routes:
| Route (one-way) | Distance | U-Haul (26') | Penske (26') |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas → Atlanta | ~780 mi | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,300–$1,900 |
| Chicago → Denver | ~1,000 mi | $1,400–$1,900 | $1,600–$2,300 |
| New York → Miami | ~1,280 mi | $1,700–$2,400 | $1,900–$2,800 |
| Los Angeles → Seattle | ~1,140 mi | $1,500–$2,200 | $1,700–$2,500 |
Prices are dynamic and rise on peak weekends (end of month, Memorial Day, Labor Day) and for popular outbound cities. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek pickup typically yields the lowest rate.
Choosing the Right Truck Size
Renting too small means a second trip or a stuffed cab; too big wastes fuel and is harder to drive. Match truck length to home size:
| Truck Size | Best For | Approx. Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 ft | Studio / 1 bedroom | Up to ~1–2 rooms |
| 15–16 ft | 1–2 bedroom apartment | ~2 rooms + appliances |
| 20 ft | 2–3 bedroom home | ~3 rooms |
| 26 ft | 3–5 bedroom home | ~4–5 rooms |
When in doubt, size up one tier — a single oversized trip beats two undersized ones, especially on a one-way move.
How to Get the Lowest Truck Rental Price
A few habits reliably shave the final bill:
- Book early and midweek. Reserve 3–4 weeks out and pick up Monday–Thursday to dodge weekend surge pricing.
- Compare all four companies the same day. One-way rates change daily, so quote U-Haul, Penske, and Budget together for your exact dates.
- Hunt for codes. Budget and U-Haul frequently honor online promo codes and AAA/military discounts.
- Right-size the truck. One bigger truck usually beats two trips of a smaller one on fuel and time.
- Return it full. Refueling fees from the rental company are marked up well above pump prices.
- Check your existing coverage. If your auto policy or card covers rental trucks, you can skip the daily damage waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is U-Haul or Penske cheaper?
U-Haul is usually cheaper for local and shorter one-way moves and offers smaller trucks and more locations. Penske often costs slightly more but includes unlimited mileage on one-way rentals, has a newer and more reliable fleet, and tends to win on long cross-country moves. Always compare both for your exact dates and route, since one-way prices change daily with demand.
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck for a local move?
A local moving truck rental typically costs $20–$40 per day in base rate plus $0.79–$1.29 per mile. For a same-city move with limited mileage, the total usually lands between $50 and $200 before fuel and optional insurance. Fuel adds the most variability, since moving trucks average only 8–12 MPG. Returning the truck full avoids a marked-up refueling charge.
What size moving truck do I need?
Match truck length to home size: a 10–12 ft truck suits a studio or one-bedroom, a 15–16 ft truck fits a one to two-bedroom apartment, a 20 ft truck handles a two to three-bedroom home, and a 26 ft truck covers a three to five-bedroom house. When uncertain, size up one tier — a single oversized trip beats two undersized trips on fuel, time, and effort.
Does my car insurance cover a rental moving truck?
Often not. Many personal auto policies and credit cards exclude large moving trucks because they exceed covered vehicle weight or class limits. Call your insurer and card issuer before declining the rental company's damage waiver. If you have no coverage, the daily damage waiver (about $15–$30/day) protects you against repair bills for collision or damage during the rental.
How much fuel will a moving truck use?
Moving trucks are heavy and inefficient, averaging just 8–12 miles per gallon. A 1,000-mile one-way move can burn 80–125 gallons, often $300–$500 in fuel depending on prices. Budget fuel as a separate, significant line item, plan refueling stops along your route, and always return the truck with a full tank to avoid the rental company's premium refueling fee.