How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul Truck?

Renting a U-Haul truck can start at $19.95 for a local rental, but that advertised price is only the starting rate for certain vehicles. Your total cost will also depend on mileage, fuel, taxes, fees, and any protection or equipment you add.

For a one-way move, U-Haul typically provides a route-specific quote that includes an allotted number of days and miles. Prices depend on the truck size, pickup and drop-off locations, moving date, and availability.

The best way to budget is to compare the complete rental cost, not just the advertised daily rate.

U-Haul Truck Rental Prices by Size

U-Haul offers several vehicle sizes, from pickup trucks and cargo vans to larger moving trucks. The starting price generally increases with truck size.

The following are advertised starting rates for eligible in-town rentals, not guaranteed prices for every location or date.

*These figures are starting-rate references, not live quotes. Mileage, fuel, taxes, fees, and optional services may cost extra. Verify the current rate for your location and moving date.

Larger trucks can cost more to rent and fuel, but choosing a truck that's too small may mean making extra trips. Compare your inventory with the available truck sizes before booking.

For a detailed comparison of vehicle dimensions and capacity, see our U-Haul truck sizes and prices guide.

How Much Does a U-Haul Cost for a Local Move?

For an in-town rental, you generally pick up and return the truck to the same location. The total cost includes the base rental rate, mileage charges, fuel, applicable taxes and fees, and any optional extras.

Example: Estimating a Local U-Haul Rental

Suppose you're renting a 10-foot truck for one day and expect to drive 40 miles.

In this example, the rental would cost approximately $74.95 before taxes, fees, and optional extras.

The $1.00 mileage rate and $15 fuel expense are illustrative assumptions, not confirmed rates for your location. Your actual total may be higher or lower.

If you need the truck for multiple days or expect to make several trips, include the additional rental time and mileage in your estimate.

How Much Does a One-Way U-Haul Rental Cost?

One-way rentals are designed for moves where you pick up the truck in one location and return it to another.

Unlike local rentals, one-way pricing generally depends on the complete route rather than a simple daily base rate.

The quote typically considers:

• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Truck size and availability
• Moving date and rental duration
• Included mileage allowance
• Additional equipment or protection selected

Your reservation should specify the allowed rental days and miles. Extra charges may apply if you exceed those limits.

For example, a rental with 500 included miles would require additional mileage charges if you drove 550 miles. The amount depends on the extra-mile rate stated in your agreement.

Before booking: Compare one-way quotes for your exact route and dates. A different pickup location or moving date can sometimes change the available options and price.

What Additional Fees Does U-Haul Charge?

The advertised truck rental price is not always the final amount. Several additional expenses can affect your moving budget.

Check which expenses are included in your quote and which will be paid separately during the move.

How Much Does U-Haul Charge Per Mile?

For local rentals, mileage rates vary by location, vehicle, and rental date. Your quote should show the applicable rate.

One-way rentals generally include a mileage allowance. If you exceed it, U-Haul charges for the additional miles according to the rental agreement.

Avoid using a single national per-mile rate to estimate every U-Haul rental.

How Much Does U-Haul Charge for Extra Days?

The cost of additional rental time depends on the rental type, equipment, and agreement.

If you expect to need more time, request an extension before your scheduled return. Additional days may be subject to availability, and unapproved late returns can involve different charges.

How Much Does Fuel Cost for a U-Haul Truck?

Fuel can be a significant expense, particularly for larger trucks or long-distance moves.

The amount you spend depends on the truck's fuel efficiency, the distance traveled, local fuel prices, traffic, and how heavily the vehicle is loaded.

Actual fuel consumption may differ. Check the fuel type required for your assigned vehicle and follow the fuel-return terms in your agreement.

What U-Haul Protection Plans Are Available?

U-Haul offers optional protection products that can affect your total rental cost.

Two commonly advertised moving-truck options are Safemove and Safemove Plus.

Plan details, pricing, eligibility, and availability can vary. Review the actual terms rather than assuming every type of damage is covered.

Your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits may not cover a rental moving truck. Contact your insurer or card provider before declining or purchasing additional protection.

What Other U-Haul Services Can Increase Moving Costs?

U-Haul offers services and equipment beyond truck rentals, including trailers, towing equipment, dollies, furniture pads, packing supplies, storage, U-Box containers, and Moving Help labor.

These are not automatically included with every truck rental.

If you need help loading or unloading, compare the cost of hiring moving labor separately. For a long-distance move, you can also compare the complete cost of renting and driving a truck with the price of hiring professional movers.

How to Estimate Your Total U-Haul Rental Cost

Use the following calculation before deciding whether a truck rental fits your budget:

Total estimated rental cost = Truck rental charge + Mileage or route-related charges + Fuel + Taxes and fees + Optional protection + Equipment and labor + Additional time or miles

To get a more reliable estimate:

1. Choose the right truck size. Make an inventory of the furniture and boxes you're moving.
2. Enter your exact route and dates. Local and one-way rentals are priced differently.
3. Check mileage and rental time. Review the per-mile rate or included mileage allowance.
4. Estimate fuel and other expenses. Include equipment, protection, tolls, and any moving help.
5. Review the full quote. Check the pickup and return locations, deadlines, and terms before confirming.

Is Renting a U-Haul Cheaper Than Hiring Movers?

Renting a truck can be less expensive than hiring full-service movers, particularly for a short local move when you can handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

However, a DIY move still has costs beyond the truck rental. These may include fuel, mileage, supplies, equipment, moving labor, lodging, and time away from work.

For a fair comparison, calculate the full cost of both options.

Before You Book a U-Haul Truck

Before confirming your reservation, review the total quoted price, mileage allowance or per-mile rate, rental duration, pickup and return locations, fuel requirement, and optional protection.

Pay particular attention to the return deadline and any charges for additional days or miles.

A U-Haul rental can be a practical choice for a DIY move, but the lowest advertised daily rate doesn't necessarily mean the lowest overall moving cost. Getting a quote for your actual route, truck size, and dates is the best way to avoid budget surprises.