Renting a U-Haul truck for a local move usually costs $60 to $250 once mileage, fuel, and protection are added to the advertised $19.95 to $39.95 base rate. One-way moves typically run $400 to $4,000 including fuel, depending on truck size and distance. Use the calculator below to estimate your total, including fuel, then compare it with a moving container if you’d rather not drive a truck yourself.
U-Haul Cost Calculator
Estimate your 2026 truck or trailer rental cost, including fuel
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Independent estimate based on typical 2026 U-Haul pricing. Not affiliated with U-Haul. Actual rates vary by location, date, and availability. Taxes not included. Confirm your price at uhaul.com.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul in 2026?
U-Haul prices local (in-town) rentals and one-way rentals very differently. The advertised $19.95 base rate is only the starting point for an in-town rental. Once you add mileage, damage protection, fees, and fuel, a typical local move costs several times that. One-way rentals are quoted as a single trip price, but fuel for a long drive can add hundreds of dollars.
In-town (local) rental costs
| Vehicle | Base rate | Typical local move total |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo van or pickup truck | $19.95 | $75 – $110 |
| 10 ft truck | $19.95 | $80 – $120 |
| 15 ft truck | $29.95 | $90 – $135 |
| 20 ft truck | $39.95 | $105 – $155 |
| 26 ft truck | $39.95 | $110 – $160 |
One-way rental costs
| Truck | 500 miles | 1,000 miles | 2,500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft truck | About $690 | About $1,170 | About $2,600 |
| 15 ft truck | About $875 | About $1,480 | About $3,310 |
| 20 ft truck | About $985 | About $1,640 | About $3,620 |
| 26 ft truck | About $1,070 | About $1,780 | About $3,900 |
How U-Haul Pricing Works
In-town rentals
For a local move where you return the truck to the same location, you pay a daily base rate plus a per-mile charge for every mile driven. Per-mile rates typically run about $0.79 to $1.29, depending on your market and the day. Many locations rent trucks in blocks shorter than a full day, and returning late can add another day’s charges. Cargo trailers rented in town have no mileage fee.
One-way rentals
For a move to another city, U-Haul quotes one price that includes a set number of days and a mileage allowance based on your route. The price depends on truck size, pickup and drop-off locations, your moving date, and how many trucks are needed in your destination area. Going over the allowance usually costs about $1.00 per extra mile, and extra days cost about $40 for trucks and $20 for trailers.
Which U-Haul Truck Size Do You Need?
| Vehicle | Best for | Approx. fuel economy |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft pickup truck | Furniture, appliances, small loads | 19 mpg |
| 9 ft cargo van | Studio or dorm room | 18 mpg |
| 10 ft truck | Studio or 1-bedroom apartment | 12 mpg |
| 15 ft truck | 1 to 2 bedrooms | 10 mpg |
| 20 ft truck | 2 to 3 bedrooms | 10 mpg |
| 26 ft truck | 3 to 5 bedrooms | 10 mpg |
| Cargo trailers (4×8 to 6×12) | Small moves if you have a tow vehicle | Your vehicle’s mpg drops while towing |
When in doubt, size up. A truck that’s too small can mean a second trip, which adds mileage, fuel, and time and often costs more than the larger truck would have. Check U-Haul’s truck size guide for exact dimensions and capacities.
Extra Costs to Budget For
- Fuel. You must return the truck with the same fuel level you received it with, or pay a refueling charge. Moving trucks get about 10 to 12 mpg, so fuel is often one of the biggest costs on a long move.
- Damage protection. U-Haul’s Safemove coverage protects against damage to the truck and your cargo. Safemove Plus adds liability coverage. Local rentals are charged per day, and one-way rentals per trip. Your auto insurance or credit card may not cover rental trucks, so check before declining.
- Environmental fee. A small fee, usually $1 to $5, is added to most rentals.
- Equipment. Utility dollies run about $7, appliance dollies about $10, and furniture pads about $10 per dozen.
- Late returns, extra miles, and cleaning. Returning late, going over your mileage allowance, or returning a dirty truck can all add charges.
- Towing setup. Renting a trailer may require a hitch installation if your vehicle doesn’t have one.
- Loading help. Hiring movers to load and unload typically costs $60 to $150 per hour for a two-person crew. Estimate it with our moving labor cost calculator.
U-Haul vs. a Moving Container vs. Full-Service Movers
| Rental truck | Moving container | Full-service movers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who drives | You | The company | The company |
| Who loads | You (or hired help) | You (or hired help) | The movers |
| Loading time | Tight: usually a day or less | Flexible: days or weeks | Handled for you |
| Storage between homes | Not included | Built in | Extra cost |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Middle | Highest |
For local moves, a rental truck is usually the cheapest option. For long-distance moves, the gap narrows once you count fuel, hotels, meals, and days off work, and a container lets you skip the long drive entirely. Compare your numbers with our PODS cost calculator, and use code WEBSAVE6 to save 10% on PODS. For a fully hands-off move, get quotes from long-distance movers or estimate the cost with our long-distance moving cost calculator.
How to Save on a U-Haul Rental
- Move midweek and mid-month. Weekends and the first and last days of the month are the busiest and often the most expensive.
- Avoid peak season if you can. One-way rates typically climb from May through August.
- Reserve early. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you better availability, especially for one-way trucks.
- Pick the right size. One trip in the right truck beats two trips in a smaller one.
- Use a trailer for small moves. If you have a vehicle that can tow, a cargo trailer has no mileage fee on in-town rentals.
- Refuel yourself. Fill the tank to the pickup level at a regular gas station before you return the truck to avoid refueling charges.
- Be ready on moving day. Having everything packed before you pick up the truck saves rental hours and mileage.
U-Haul Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a U-Haul for a day?
The base rate is $19.95 to $39.95 depending on the truck, plus about $0.79 to $1.29 per mile. With mileage, damage protection, fees, and fuel, a typical one-day local move costs about $75 to $160 before tax.
How much does a one-way U-Haul cost to move across the country?
A 2,500-mile one-way move typically costs about $2,600 for a 10 ft truck and $3,900 for a 26 ft truck, including fuel and damage protection. Peak-season moves and popular routes can cost more.
What gas mileage does a U-Haul truck get?
About 10 mpg for 15, 20, and 26 ft trucks, about 12 mpg for a 10 ft truck, and 18 to 19 mpg for cargo vans and pickups. Fuel economy drops with heavy loads, hills, and highway speed.
Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul or use a PODS container?
For local moves, a rental truck is usually cheaper. For long-distance moves, the difference often shrinks once you add fuel, lodging, and time off work, and a container also includes storage and saves you the drive.
Do U-Haul trailers charge mileage?
In-town trailer rentals have no per-mile fee, and one-way trailer rentals are quoted as a flat trip price. You still pay for your own vehicle’s fuel, and towing lowers its gas mileage.
Easy Storage Search is not affiliated with U-Haul. Prices are independent 2026 estimates and vary by location, date, and availability; confirm your rate at uhaul.com. We may earn a commission from some links on this page at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.