U-Haul vs. Penske vs. Budget vs. Enterprise: moving truck rental prices, sizes and reviews compared.
Renting a truck is usually the cheapest way to move, but prices, mileage rules and truck sizes differ a lot between companies. Here’s how the major rental companies compare in 2026, what a rental really costs, and which truck size you need.
Moving Truck Rental Companies at a Glance
| Company | Truck sizes | Local base rate | Mileage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | 10′, 15′, 17′, 20′, 26′ | From about $20–$40/day | Per-mile charge on local rentals; one-way includes set miles | Availability, local moves, trailers and towing |
| Penske | 12′, 16′, 22′, 26′ | From about $30–$50/day | Free unlimited miles on one-way rentals | Long-distance moves, newer trucks |
| Budget | 12′, 16′, 26′ | From about $20–$40/day | Per-mile charge on local rentals; one-way includes set miles | Discounts and deals |
| Enterprise Truck Rental | Cargo vans, 15’–16′ box trucks | Varies by location | Varies | Local moves at select locations |
Base rates are starting points for local rentals and vary by location, date and truck. Mileage, fuel, insurance and equipment add to the total.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck in 2026?
Your total depends on the truck size, distance, day of the week and time of year. Beyond the base rate, budget for:
Mileage
Local rentals usually charge per mile. One-way rentals include a set number of miles, except Penske, which includes unlimited miles on one-way rentals.
Fuel
Moving trucks often get 8 to 12 miles per gallon. Return with the same fuel level to avoid refueling charges.
Damage protection
Optional coverage typically adds $15 to $50 per day. Check whether your auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks; many don’t.
Equipment
Dollies, furniture pads and tow equipment add up. Some are included or discounted with certain rentals.
Moving Truck Rental Reviews
U-Haul
Most locationsU-Haul has operated since 1945 and has by far the largest network of rental locations in the U.S. and Canada, which makes it the easiest company to find a truck from on short notice. It offers the widest range of truck sizes plus trailers, tow dollies and car carriers, and it sells moving supplies with a buy-back on unused boxes.
- Most pickup and drop-off locations
- Five truck sizes plus trailers and towing
- Low advertised local base rates
- Per-mile charges add up on local moves
- Truck age and condition vary by location
- Pickup location can change close to your date
Penske
Best for long distancePenske is known for newer, well-maintained trucks and free unlimited miles on one-way rentals, which can save hundreds on a long move. It’s AAA’s truck rental partner, with discounts for AAA members, military, college students and online one-way bookings, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Unlimited miles on one-way rentals
- Newer, reliable fleet
- Strong AAA, military and student discounts
- Fewer locations than U-Haul
- Local base rates can be higher
- No towing equipment rentals at many locations
Budget Truck Rental
Best for discountsBudget runs frequent online promotions and offers some of the most generous group discounts, including up to 20% for AARP members, military, students and first responders. Its three truck sizes cover most moves, and its trucks come with features like automatic transmission and loading ramps on most models.
- Frequent promo codes and group discounts
- Competitive one-way pricing
- Simple three-size lineup
- Fewer truck sizes
- Per-mile charges on local rentals
- Fees for late cancellations
Enterprise Truck Rental
Local movesEnterprise rents cargo vans, pickups and box trucks at select locations. It’s a solid option for local moves and small apartments, especially if you already rent from Enterprise, but availability of moving-size trucks and one-way options is more limited than the big three.
What Size Moving Truck Do You Need?
| Truck size | Fits about | Home size |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo van or 10′ | A few pieces of furniture and boxes | Dorm or small studio |
| 12’–15′ | 1 to 2 rooms | Studio or 1-bedroom apartment |
| 16’–17′ | 2 to 3 rooms | 1–2 bedroom apartment or small home |
| 20’–22′ | 3 to 4 rooms | 2–3 bedroom home |
| 26′ | 5 to 8 rooms | 3–5 bedroom home |
When in doubt, size up. A second trip on a local move costs time and mileage, and on a one-way move it isn’t an option. A truck slightly too big costs far less than one too small.
How to Save on a Moving Truck Rental
- Compare quotes from at least two companies. Prices for the same route and size can vary by hundreds of dollars.
- Use a discount. AAA, AARP, military, student and online discounts can take 10% to 20% off. See our list of moving discounts.
- Move midweek and mid-month. Weekends and the first and last days of the month are the most expensive.
- Book early, especially for summer, to lock in rates and your preferred truck size.
- Return it full and on time to avoid refueling and late fees.
- Consider a container instead for long moves if you don’t want to drive. Compare portable storage container companies.
Truck Rental vs. Moving Container vs. Movers
| Rental truck | Moving container | Full-service movers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives | You | The company | The company |
| Who loads | You or hired labor | You or hired labor | The movers |
| Timeline | Tight, by the day | Flexible | Scheduled by movers |
| Storage | No | Yes | Sometimes, extra cost |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
Need help with the heavy lifting? Hire moving labor to load and unload your truck, or get local mover quotes and long-distance mover quotes.
Find a truck deal
Check current Budget Truck promotions and discounts for your move.
Check Budget Truck DealsEstimate your total cost
Calculate rental, mileage and fuel before you book.
Truck Rental Cost CalculatorMoving Truck Rental FAQs
What is the cheapest moving truck rental company?
It depends on the move. U-Haul and Budget often have the lowest local base rates, while Penske’s unlimited miles can make it cheapest for long one-way moves. Compare quotes and apply any discount you qualify for.
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck for a day?
Most local rentals start around $20 to $50 per day for the truck, plus a per-mile charge, fuel and optional coverage, so a typical local move runs about $100 to $400.
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
No. Consumer moving trucks up to 26 feet can be driven with a regular driver’s license in the U.S.
Which moving truck company has unlimited miles?
Penske includes free unlimited miles on one-way rentals. Other companies include a set number of miles on one-way rentals and charge per mile on local rentals.
What size truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 15- to 17-foot truck usually fits a two-bedroom apartment. If you have a lot of furniture or appliances, a 20- to 22-foot truck is safer.
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