Planning to shift your house or office but concerned about moving costs? No worries, we bought you the cheapest moving truck rental companies to have a safe and affordable transfer of your stuff.
Which Is the Cheapest Company to Rent a Truck From?Budget Truck Rental is the most affordable option, particularly for long-distance moves. It tends to be cheaper than U-Haul, especially for moves over 100 miles. In our research, for a 400-mile move, Budget’s prices were $200 to $400 lower than both Penske and U-Haul, making it a great choice for those looking to save. However, for short distances, U-Haul is cheaper. |
Renting a cheaper moving truck offers flexibility and savings, especially when compared to professional movers or using your own vehicle. Here’s why:
| Rental Company | 30-Mile Move | 100-Mile Move | 400-Mile Move | Website |
| Budget | $153.50 | $278.20 | $988.20 | Get a Quote |
| U-Haul | $131.37 | $222.93 | $1,249.71 | Get a Quote |
| Penske | $166.25 | $311.22 | $1,414.30 | Get a Quote |
If you’re looking for the cheapest moving truck, Budget is hard to beat—especially for long-distance moves.
For short trips (30–100 miles), its prices are pretty average. But for a 400-mile move, Budget can save you $200–$400 compared to Penske and U-Haul.
Want to know what makes it even better? It’s the flexible pick-up and drop-off dates features of Budget—because moving plans always change. Plus, short moves include a full day and 59 miles in the base price, so you get more for your money.
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Average Moving Costs with Budget
(Prices include rental and fuel costs. Rates may vary by location and are subject to change.)
Budget’s offerings can vary depending on the location. While some spots provide moving supplies and rental cars, others might not. Need a little extra? You can tack on furniture pads, hand trucks, moving help, protection plans, and roadside assistance. This makes Budget perfect for making long-distance moves smoother and stress-free!
| Get 10% Off Your Budget Truck Rental!
Booking online with Budget Truck Rental comes with a perk—you’ll automatically score a 10% discount on your reservation. No extra steps, no promo codes—just savings right away! |
U-Haul is a well-known name in truck rentals, and it often has the best prices for short moves. In our search, its rates for 30- and 100-mile trips were among the cheapest.
But be careful at checkout. U-Haul adds extras by default, which can raise your total cost. Therefore, make sure to remove anything you don’t need!
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NB: Prices are estimates and can vary by location.
| Is PODS more expensive than U-Haul?
Yes, U-Haul is usually cheaper than PODS, but the total cost depends on factors like the number of items, distance, and gas prices. If you have only a few bulky items, renting a small PODS container and using a truck for the rest can be a cost-effective option |
Get to know about the Budget services in depth in our U-Haul Truck Rental Review.
Penske is a solid choice for truck rentals, offering everything from cargo vans to box trucks. While it isn’t the cheapest compared to U-Haul, it stands out for providing clear, itemized quotes right from the start, so there are no surprise fees.
Penske gives you a fixed number of days for your rental, depending on the truck size. If you need more time, you can extend your rental for an additional $100 per day.
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Average Moving Costs with Penske
NB: These prices include rental costs, fuel, and estimated charges for four home sizes. Prices may vary based on location and availability.
| Is Penske U-Haul’s biggest competitor?
Yes, Penske is U-Haul’s biggest competitor. It outperforms U-Haul in several key areas, including customer reviews, reservation reliability, and pricing—particularly for large trucks and long-distance moves. Though U-Haul is cheaper, Penske’s superior ratings stand out, making it more readable than U-Haul. |
Get to know about the Budget services in depth in our Penske Truck Rental Review.
Home Depot’s Load ‘N Go rental is a solid choice for local moves or one-way trips, offering affordable trucks and flexible rental options. They provide 8 ft. and 10 ft. flatbed trucks, cargo vans, and 12 ft. HD moving trucks. You can rent these vehicles by the hour (75 minutes), daily, or weekly, with unlimited mileage included.
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Average Moving Costs with Home Depot
Home Depot Load ‘N Go rentals are ideal for short, local moves or transporting large single items, like picking up furniture. Their trucks are perfect for one-way trips or when you need a smaller vehicle for a quick move.
However, if you need anything larger than a 12′ truck, you’ll have to rent from Penske, as Home Depot doesn’t offer larger vehicles in their fleet.
Enterprise is best known for car rentals, but it also offers trucks for local moves. You can rent pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks, often at a lower price than U-Haul for trips under 100 miles. However, since Enterprise mainly focuses on car rentals, it has fewer add-on services and moving supplies. Also, the truck you need may not always be available at the closest location, but that’s less of an issue for local moves.
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Enterprise earns high marks for customer service, with many renters praising its friendly and helpful staff. If you need a reliable and budget-friendly truck rental, it’s a strong choice. Plus, Enterprise offers added perks like moving coverage, roadside assistance, and even used vehicle sales.
Get to know about the Budget services in depth in our Enterprise Truck Rental Review.
Saving money on a rental truck goes beyond just finding the cheapest rate. Here are key factors to consider when choosing the best moving truck for your needs.
The right truck size ensures a smooth move while keeping costs low. A studio apartment may only need a 10-ft truck, while a larger home requires 22–26 ft.
| Truck Size | Best For |
| 10–12 ft. | Studio or 1–2 rooms |
| 15–16 ft. | 1-bedroom home or 3-4 rooms |
| 17–20 ft. | 2-bedroom home or 3-bedroom apartment |
| 22–26 ft. | 5–8 rooms or a large 3-bedroom home |
When selecting a truck, consider bulky furniture, large appliances, and the number of boxes you have.
When you’re moving a long distance, a one-way rental can be the better option. This works best especially for those cross-country moves. Companies like Budget and Penske often offer more affordable pricing for long-haul trips compared to U-Haul. Thus you can save some extra cash.
In addition to the truck, many rental companies offer moving supplies like dollies, furniture pads, and trailer hitches. While you can always borrow or buy supplies separately, it’s handy that companies like U-Haul let you add extras right when booking your rental.
Before you pick a rental truck, think about how long you’ll need it and how far you’re going. Budget includes a set number of miles in their base rate, but if you go over, you’ll pay extra. On the other hand, some companies like Home Depot offer unlimited mileage for certain vehicles, which is perfect if you have a long road ahead.
A great deal isn’t just about price—it’s about transparency. Some rental services provide low initial quotes but charge extra fees later.
Getting the best deal on a rental truck isn’t just about finding the lowest price—it’s about timing, flexibility, and strategy. Here’s how you can save:
If you know your moving date in advance, reserve your truck as soon as possible. Companies like Penske recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead, but booking weeks in advance gives you time to compare rates and switch to a better deal if needed.
Truck rental prices fluctuate based on location, date, and demand, similar to airline tickets. Check multiple companies and different pick-up/drop-off locations to find the best rate. Some services may also price match if you show a lower quote from a competitor.
Moving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is more expensive because demand is higher. Weekday rentals (Monday–Thursday) often come with lower rates, so try to schedule your move midweek if possible.
A well-packed truck means fewer trips, less fuel consumption, and lower mileage costs. Organizing your space efficiently can help avoid renting a larger truck than necessary.
Many truck rental companies offer special discounts for military members, students, teachers, and first responders. Always ask if you qualify for a deal before booking.
To conclude, if you want a budget-friendly moving truck rental company for long distances, Budget is the go-to choice. However, for short distances, U-Haul has some amazing pricing to offer. But considering the review and rating, Penske is a more reliable option than U-Haul.
The largest standard moving trucks are 26 feet long. These trucks can carry up to 10,000 pounds and typically run on diesel fuel. Depending on the state you’re driving through, you may need a special license to operate them, so it’s important to double-check your area’s requirements before hitting the road.
In winter you will get the cheapest pricing for renting a moving truck. Besides, fall and early spring are also great times when truck renting can be cheap. Due to cold weather, there is less demand for moving trucks in these seasons, which brings you affordable deals.
For most rental and box trucks, you won’t need a special license—your standard driver’s license will do. However, for a 26′ truck, some states require a commercial driver’s license (CDL), so it’s important to check the local laws to make sure you’re driving legally.
While gas mileage can vary depending on the truck, Penske trucks are known for being the most fuel-efficient among rental options. If fuel economy is a key factor in your decision, Penske could be your best bet.
It is not mandatory, but it’s a risky move if you’re traveling far. This is because your regular car insurance won’t cover you while driving a moving truck. That means if something happens, ensuring the protection of your stuff is questing here. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to get insurance especially on a long trip.