Rental prices can vary based on truck size, distance, and rental company. For example, Budget Truck Rental offers competitive prices, with local moves starting around $80, while U-Haul and Penske offer pricing from $110 to $260. Understanding these costs and factors can help you choose the best option for your move while sticking to your budget.
The average cost of renting a moving truck varies depending on the size of the truck and the distance of the move. For short local trips, the cost is typically around $130, while long-distance moves can cost over $3,000. Here’s a breakdown of average truck rental costs:
| Home Size | 1-room apartment | 2-room apartment | 3-room home | 5-room home |
| Cost for 50 Miles | $130 | $130 | $140 | $190 |
| Cost for 450 Miles | $710 | $750 | $800 | $1,030 |
| Cost for 1,750 Miles | $1,640 | $1,690 | $1,790 | $2,140 |
NB: The data provided is accurate as of 6/19/20. Availability and prices may differ based on location and are subject to change.
The size of the truck you choose plays a significant role in your total rental cost. Typically, larger trucks cost more, but this can vary depending on the company and the home size you’re moving.
To help guide you, we reached out to the three largest rental truck providers to determine their recommended truck sizes based on home size. While U-Haul offers a 10-foot truck as the smallest option, both U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental offer 26-foot trucks as the largest available.
| Company | Truck Size | Price For Different Millage | |||
| 50 Miles | 463 Miles | 1,033 Miles | 2,060 Miles | ||
| Budget | 26-ft | $38.38 + $0.47/mile | $777.70 | $3,029.63 | $2,861.33 |
| 12-ft | $21.14 + $0.47/mile | $571.63 | $1,988.27 | $2,179.52 | |
| U-Haul | 10-ft | $19.95 + $0.99/mile | $478.32 | $1,042.62 | $2,059.35 |
| 26-ft | $47.38 + $0.99/mile | $829.56 | $3,387.69 | $3,032.49 | |
| Penske | 12-ft | N/A | $980.64 | $2,689.32 | $2,366.84 |
| 26-ft | $328.09 + $1.29/mile | $980.64 | $4,273.79 | $2,682.49 | |
*Data as of 12/19/2022. The printing may vary for the present time.
When moving locally, rental trucks are more affordable than one-way trips. Typically, a local move costs around $150, while a one-way rental averages $1,780. The price also depends on the millage. The more distance you travel, the more cost you will need to pay.
| Home Size | 1-room apartment | 2-room apartment | 3-room home | 5-room home |
| Local Move Cost | $130 | $130 | $140 | $190 |
| One-Way Move Cost | $1,570 | $1,610 | $1,740 | $2,210 |
NB: The data is current as of 6/19/20. Costs may vary based on location and availability.
Which truck moving company has the cheapest prices depends on your moving situation. Although Budget Truck Rental offers the lowest price, for the most part, other companies offer the best price depending on a specific situation. Here is a fast look at the top moving truck companies’ best situations depending on your move:
| Best for | Local moves |
| Why Choose | lowest overall average cost, around $1,520, and is a great option for short-distance moves |
If you’re moving locally and want to save money without wasting time comparing different rental companies, Budget Truck Rental is your best bet. With an average cost of $1,520, Budget is $30 more affordable than its competitors. And when it comes to in-town moves, the savings are even greater—$70 less than the industry average.
| Company | Average Cost for 50-Mile Local Move |
| Budget Truck Rental | $80 |
| Penske Truck Rental | $110 |
| U-Haul | $260 |
Budget is known for offering competitive prices, but what sets it apart is its variety of discounts. Unlike other companies, Budget provides a wide range of price reductions for:
| Best for | Long-distance moves or larger homes |
| Why Choose | Rates are a little higher for local moves but often come in much more competitive when it comes to long distances and for those moving large homes. |
Penske Truck Rental is the best choice when:
Penske excels in both large home moves and cross-country travel, offering some of the most affordable options in these categories. Unlike some competitors, Penske’s quotes are incredibly accurate and include nearly all costs except for gas, which makes budgeting easier and more predictable.
| Company | Penske Truck Rental | Budget Truck Rental | U-Haul |
| Initial Quote | $1,360 | $1,170 | $1,180 |
| Final Cost | $1,540 | $1,520 | $350 |
| Amount Over Quote | $1,180 | $1,580 | $400 |
NB: Data current as of 6/19/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Penske offers clear pricing, so you won’t face unexpected fees. Other companies, like U-Haul, often have final costs much higher than the initial quote. This makes Penske a great choice for long-distance moves or larger homes because of its transparency.
| Best for | Affordable insurance options |
| Why Choose | Has low-cost insurance coverage, and that proves to be very cost-effective in case others’ prices are too high |
You should choose a U-Haul truck if you want affordable insurance or if Budget Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental are not available in your area. U-Haul’s insurance, priced at $70, is almost half the cost compared to other rental truck companies.
Actually, the cheapest truck rental company is going to be different based on the size and distance of your move, and your particular needs. It’s always a good idea to compare quotes from each provider for the best deal for yourself.
On the bottom line, the quotation for a moving truck is, most of the time, not the price that you’ll actually pay. The extra costs will add up quickly, so you need to be prepared to account for a few hidden fees. Here’s a breakdown of common fees not usually included in your quote:
Rental trucks are known for poor fuel efficiency, so you’ll be responsible for refueling before returning the truck. Gas costs can add a significant amount to your total rental price.
Damage protection for your rental truck is an extra cost that can exceed $100. While it’s optional, it’s highly recommended to protect against unexpected accidents or damages.
Most of the time, you will be charged per mile you drive for local moves. In the case of long-distance moves, the mileage is mostly unlimited, but for short trips, it will add up pretty fast, depending on how far you need to go.
Boxes, moving blankets, furniture pads, and tie-down straps are usually not included in your rental. These things, if needed, will come at an additional cost.
Most moving truck companies do not include taxes in the quoted price. Be prepared for these added costs when finalizing your rental.
If you will be towing an automobile, trailer, or dolly, be prepared for an additional charge for this equipment.
Knowing these other costs will considerably help you when budgeting without surprises at the end of a bill. Always check with the rental company for an itemized list of potential charges before booking.
The cost of renting a moving truck depends on the company, truck size, and how far you’re moving. Budget Truck Rental is usually the cheapest for local moves, but U-Haul and Penske are also solid options.
However, you must remember, there are extra costs like fuel, insurance, and mileage. Moreover, before confirming your service, compare quotes to get the best deal for your move.
For the best and most affordable truck rentals nearby, U-Haul is a solid choice, with over 20,000 locations nationwide. Other great options include Budget Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental. You can also explore WowMover’s guide to cheapest truck rentals and discover more budget-friendly alternatives. For extra savings, use our free moving concierge to compare available discounts on rentals.
If you need a small moving truck, U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental are your go-to options. U-Haul’s 10-foot truck is the smallest and works great for compact moves.
Yes, Budget Truck Rental is a comparable alternative to U-Haul. Budget is often more affordable, with an average cost of around $1,520, which is $30 less than U-Haul’s pricing.
The top truck rental companies are U-Haul, Budget Truck Rental, and Penske Truck Rental. For budget-conscious options, check out Enterprise Truck Rental and Home Depot, where you can compare prices to find the best deal.
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul are some of the most affordable truck rental services. These three are the most competitive in pricing and can be found just about anywhere in the country.
Your best bet for a cross-country move would be to hire professional movers. You can find the best interstate movers on WowMover, where your goods will safely and effectively reach their destination.