Renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move, but pricing is more complex than the headline daily rate suggests. Mileage fees, fuel costs, insurance, equipment rentals, and one-way drop-off charges can double the base price. This guide compares the three major truck rental companies side by side with real 2026 pricing so you can make an apples-to-apples comparison for your specific move.
For in-town moves where you pick up and return the truck to the same location, 2026 daily rates are as follows. U-Haul charges $20 to $40 per day for cargo vans and 10-foot trucks, $40 to $60 for 15-foot and 17-foot trucks, and $50 to $70 for 20-foot and 26-foot trucks, plus $0.69 to $0.99 per mile. Penske charges $50 to $80 for 12-foot trucks, $70 to $100 for 16-foot trucks, and $80 to $120 for 22-foot and 26-foot trucks, with mileage included in some packages. Budget charges $40 to $70 for 12-foot trucks, $60 to $90 for 16-foot trucks, and $70 to $110 for 26-foot trucks, plus mileage at $0.59 to $0.89 per mile. U-Haul is typically cheapest for short local moves under 20 miles, while Penske and Budget often include more free miles, making them competitive for longer local distances.
One-way rentals where you drop off at a different location are priced as a flat fee based on distance and truck size. For a 500-mile one-way move in 2026, U-Haul charges $500 to $900 for a 10-foot truck, $700 to $1,200 for a 15-foot truck, and $900 to $1,500 for a 26-foot truck. Penske charges $600 to $1,000, $800 to $1,300, and $1,000 to $1,700 for comparable sizes. Budget charges $550 to $950, $750 to $1,250, and $950 to $1,600 respectively. For cross-country moves of 2,500 miles, multiply these ranges by roughly 2.5 to 3. The total for a large cross-country truck rental typically runs $2,500 to $4,000 before fuel. One-way pricing varies dramatically by route and date, so always check all three companies for your specific origin, destination, and dates.
Selecting the correct truck size prevents both overpaying and making multiple trips. A cargo van or 10-foot truck fits a studio apartment or single room of furniture: 1 to 2 rooms of items, a mattress, and 10 to 20 boxes. A 12-foot to 15-foot truck handles a one-bedroom to small two-bedroom apartment with standard furniture. A 16-foot to 17-foot truck is right for a full two-bedroom apartment or small three-bedroom house. A 20-foot truck fits a three-bedroom house with moderate furnishings. A 26-foot truck is necessary for a fully furnished three-bedroom house or any four-plus bedroom home. When in doubt, go one size up: the cost difference between a 15-foot and a 20-foot truck is often only $20 to $40 per day, but renting a truck that is too small means a second trip or leaving items behind.
The rental rate is only part of your total cost. Fuel is the biggest add-on: a 26-foot truck gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon, meaning a 1,000-mile move costs $350 to $500 in fuel alone at current diesel prices. Insurance is optional but recommended: damage waivers cost $10 to $15 per day, and supplemental liability runs $12 to $18 per day. Equipment rentals add up: furniture dollies cost $7 to $10 each, appliance dollies $10 to $15, furniture pads $10 to $15 per dozen, and auto transport trailers $150 to $300 for one-way rentals. After-hours drop-off fees, cleaning fees, and late return charges are less common but worth understanding upfront. For long-distance moves, budget for hotels ($80 to $150 per night) and meals ($30 to $50 per day) during the drive.
Booking early is the most important step, especially for summer and month-end moves when inventory is tight and prices surge. Aim for 3 to 4 weeks in advance for local rentals and 4 to 6 weeks for one-way long-distance rentals. Compare all three major companies for your specific route since pricing varies by up to 50 percent between providers on the same dates. U-Haul has the most locations, which matters for rural areas. Penske trucks tend to be newer and better maintained. Budget often runs promotional pricing. Mid-month and mid-week moves are reliably cheaper than first and last of the month or weekend rentals. Check if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental truck damage before purchasing the rental company's insurance. AAA members receive discounts with Budget and Penske. Our moving cost calculator can help you compare rental versus full-service costs for your specific move.
Use our free calculator to get a personalized cost estimate for your move.
Try the CalculatorCompare prices from up to 3 local movers. No obligation, no spam.
Local moving truck rentals cost $20 to $120 per day in 2026 depending on truck size and company, plus $0.59 to $0.99 per mile. A typical in-town move with a mid-size truck costs $80 to $200 total including mileage and fuel.
U-Haul is typically cheapest for short local moves due to lower daily rates. For long-distance one-way rentals, all three companies are competitive and pricing varies significantly by route and date. Always compare all three for your specific move since the cheapest option changes based on your origin, destination, and timing.
Moving trucks get 8 to 12 miles per gallon depending on size. A 10-foot truck averages 12 mpg, a 15-foot truck 10 mpg, and a 26-foot truck 8 to 10 mpg. For a 1,000-mile long-distance move in a 26-foot truck, expect to spend $350 to $500 on fuel.
Check your personal auto insurance and credit card benefits first, as they may already cover rental trucks. If not, damage waiver coverage at $10 to $15 per day is recommended since moving truck repairs are expensive. Supplemental liability at $12 to $18 per day provides additional protection.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
DIY vs Movers: Which Is Actually Cheaper?
DIY moves are not always cheaper than hiring movers — especially for long distances or large homes. The break-even point depends on your home size, distance, and how much you value your time. This breakdown compares true costs side by side for every common move type.
In-Depth GuideThe Cheapest Way to Move: 12 Budget Options Ranked
Full-service movers cost $1,200-$5,000+ for a typical move, but you can cut that by 40-70% with the right approach. The cheapest method depends on your distance, volume, and timeline. A U-Haul is cheapest for short local moves, but portable containers beat trucks for 500+ mile moves. This guide ranks every budget option with real cost comparisons so you can find the cheapest way to move your specific situation.
In-Depth GuideMoving Container vs. Rental Truck: Which Saves More?
Portable containers (PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT) and rental trucks (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) are the two most popular DIY moving options, but they work very differently. Containers cost $2,000-5,000 for long-distance moves while trucks run $1,200-3,500 — but containers give you more loading time and door-to-door delivery. This guide compares real costs, convenience, and capacity side by side.
