Budget truck rental prices depend on truck size, rental length, location, and how far you drive
Budget charges by the day for the truck itself, then adds a mileage fee on top. A one-day local rental of their smallest truck (10 feet) might run $20 to $40, but that does not include the per-mile charge, which typically falls between $0.59 and $1.29 per mile depending on the truck size and your location. A 100-mile move in that same small truck could add $60 to $130 to your bill. Larger trucks (14, 17, or 20 feet) cost more per day and charge higher per-mile rates.
The final price also shifts based on demand, time of year, and which Budget location you rent from. A truck in a rural area may cost less than the same truck from a city center. Weekend rentals often cost more than weekday ones. Budget publishes no fixed price list because rates change constantly—you have to check their website or call a specific location to see what they charge on your exact rental dates.
Key Takeaways
- Budget charges a daily rate for the truck plus a per-mile fee, and both vary by truck size and location.
- Mileage charges typically range from $0.59 to $1.29 per mile, so a 200-mile move can easily double your daily rental cost.
- Prices are higher during peak moving season (May through September) and on weekends.
- Damage waivers, fuel charges, and equipment fees (dollies, blankets, boxes) are separate from the base rental price.
- Calling the specific Budget location where you plan to rent often reveals lower prices than the national website.
How Budget's pricing structure works
Budget separates the truck rental into two charges: the daily rate and the mileage rate. The daily rate covers the truck for a 24-hour period. If you rent on Friday and return on Monday, you pay for three days. The mileage rate is per mile driven, regardless of how many days you have the truck—if you drive 500 miles in one day, you pay for 500 miles.
This structure means a short local move (say, 50 miles) might be cheaper than you expect, because the mileage fee stays low. But a long-distance move (500+ miles) can cost more in mileage than in daily rental fees. Budget's website lets you enter your pickup location, return location, and dates to see an estimated total, but that estimate does not include damage waivers, fuel, or equipment rentals.
Truck sizes and their price ranges
Budget offers four main truck sizes, each with different daily rates and mileage charges. The 10-foot truck is the smallest and cheapest option, suitable for studio or one-bedroom apartment moves. The 14-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. The 17-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. The 20-foot truck is for large homes or commercial moves.
A 10-foot truck might cost $25 to $50 per day with mileage at $0.59 to $0.79 per mile. A 20-foot truck could run $60 to $100 per day with mileage at $1.09 to $1.29 per mile. These ranges shift based on location and season. The only way to know the exact price for your move is to enter your details on Budget's website or call the location directly.
What adds to the base rental price
The daily rate and mileage fee are only the starting point. Budget charges extra for a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day), which covers collision and theft damage if you decline your own insurance. You pay for fuel separately—Budget charges a premium per gallon if you return the truck empty, so most renters fill the tank themselves at a gas station before returning it.
Equipment rentals also stack up quickly. A dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads run $1 to $3 per pad. Boxes and tape are sold separately. If you need a hand truck, furniture dolly, and pads for a three-day rental, you could add $50 to $100 to your total. Some Budget locations offer package deals that bundle equipment at a discount, so ask when you reserve.
Seasonal and day-of-week price swings
Budget's prices climb sharply during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. A truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $50 or $60 per day in July. The mileage rate can also increase during peak season. Weekends are consistently more expensive than weekdays year-round, because more people move on Saturdays and Sundays.
Month-end and the first week of the month see higher demand than mid-month, so prices tend to spike then. If you have flexibility in your moving date, renting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in October will almost always cost less than a Saturday in June. Budget's website shows prices for different dates, so you can compare before you commit.
How to find the lowest Budget truck rental price
Start by checking Budget's website directly and entering your exact pickup location, return location, and dates. Then call the specific Budget location where you plan to rent—local managers sometimes offer discounts or promotions that do not appear online. Ask whether they have a current special or whether renting on a different day would lower the price.
Compare Budget against U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot truck rentals for the same dates and truck size. Prices vary significantly between companies, and the cheapest option changes depending on your location and move size. If you belong to AAA, AARP, or a military branch, ask whether Budget honors a discount code. Some credit cards offer rental car discounts that may explore to truck rentals—check your card's benefits before you book.
Understanding Budget's mileage charges
Budget's per-mile fee is the biggest variable in your final cost. A 10-foot truck at $0.69 per mile means a 300-mile move costs $207 in mileage alone, on top of the daily rental. A 20-foot truck at $1.19 per mile for the same 300 miles costs $357 in mileage. Some Budget locations offer unlimited mileage deals for longer rentals, though these are less common than they were years ago—ask whether your location has one.
Budget calculates mileage from the odometer reading at pickup to the reading at return. If you pick up the truck with 50,000 miles and return it with 50,300 miles, you are charged for 300 miles, even if your actual route was shorter. Plan your route before you rent, and ask the location whether there are any toll roads you should avoid to keep mileage down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Budget charge for a one-way rental?
Yes. If you pick up in one city and return in another, Budget charges a one-way fee on top of the daily and mileage rates. This fee varies by distance and location—a one-way rental from New York to Boston costs more than one from two nearby suburbs. Always specify your return location when you get a quote, because one-way rentals are often significantly more expensive than round-trip.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Budget charges an additional daily rate for each 24-hour period (or partial period) you keep the truck past the return time. If you are an hour late, you may be charged a full extra day. Call the location as soon as you realize you will be late—some managers waive the fee if you call ahead, though this is not may provide.
Can I get a price quote without entering a credit card?
Yes. Budget's website shows estimated prices for any dates and locations without requiring payment information. The estimate is not binding, but it gives you a ballpark figure. Prices may shift slightly when you actually reserve, depending on current demand and any promotions running at that moment.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
The main ones are the damage waiver, fuel surcharge, equipment rentals, and tolls. Budget does not hide these, but they do not appear in the initial quote unless you select them. Read through the full quote before you confirm—it should list every charge separately so you know exactly what you are paying.
Does Budget offer discounts for long-term rentals?
Some locations do, but it depends on the truck size and how long you need it. A week-long rental may may have access to for a reduced daily rate compared to renting day-by-day. Call the location directly and ask whether they have a weekly or monthly rate, because these deals are not always advertised on the website.