The cheapest moving trucks usually come from Home Depot, Lowe's, or U-Haul's budget lines, not from the major rental chains

Home Depot and Lowe's rent moving trucks by the hour or day at rates often 20 to 40 percent lower than U-Haul's standard pricing. U-Haul's own budget option, called U-Box, costs less per month for long-distance moves but requires you to pack a container they store and deliver. Penske and Budget truck rentals sit in the middle—more expensive than Home Depot but sometimes cheaper than U-Haul for one-way trips. The actual lowest price depends on your move distance, truck size, and whether you need the truck for a few hours or several days.

Price varies wildly by location and season. Summer moves cost more everywhere. A 10-mile local move might run $20 to $40 at Home Depot but $60 to $100 at U-Haul. A 500-mile one-way move could be $400 at Penske and $800 at U-Haul, or vice versa depending on which direction you're going. The only way to know your actual cost is to enter your dates, locations, and truck size into each company's website and compare the final quote—not the advertised rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Home Depot and Lowe's typically charge the lowest hourly and daily rates for local moves, starting around $20 to $30 per day for a cargo van.
  • U-Haul's standard pricing is higher per day but offers flat rates for one-way moves that can beat hourly rentals on long distances.
  • Penske and Budget fall between Home Depot and U-Haul in price and may be cheaper for specific routes or truck sizes.
  • Mileage charges, fuel, insurance, and equipment fees stack on top of the base rate, so always get a full quote before deciding.
  • Booking on weekdays and avoiding peak summer months (May through September) typically lowers your total cost.

Home Depot and Lowe's: Lowest hourly rates for short moves

Home Depot and Lowe's rent cargo vans and small trucks through third-party operators, usually for $20 to $40 per day or $5 to $15 per hour. These rates are genuinely the lowest entry point if you're moving within your city or to a nearby town. You pick up and drop off at the store, which limits your options but keeps overhead down.

The catch is that hourly rentals add up fast. A four-hour move might cost $20 to $60, but if you need the truck for 10 hours, you're paying $50 to $150. Home Depot and Lowe's also charge mileage on top of the hourly rate—typically 50 cents to $1 per mile—so a 30-mile round trip adds $15 to $30. You also pay for fuel and often a damage waiver ($10 to $20). For moves under 50 miles and under six hours of driving, Home Depot is usually the cheapest option. Beyond that, daily rates or one-way rentals from U-Haul or Penske often cost less.

U-Haul: Flat rates for one-way moves, higher daily rates for local moves

U-Haul charges by the day for local moves (usually $20 to $40 per day for a cargo van, $40 to $80 for a 10-foot truck) plus mileage (typically 99 cents to $1.99 per mile). For one-way moves, U-Haul quotes a flat rate that includes unlimited mileage—this is where U-Haul often beats competitors. A 500-mile one-way move might cost $400 to $700 depending on truck size and season, which works out cheaper than paying daily plus mileage.

U-Haul's U-Box container service costs $2,000 to $5,000 for a long-distance move, depending on distance and season. You pack the container at your pace, U-Haul stores it, and they deliver it to your new place. This spreads the cost over weeks rather than days and works well if you don't have a firm move date. U-Haul also charges for equipment (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), fuel, and optional insurance. Always request the full quote including all fees before booking.

Penske and Budget: Mid-range pricing with regional variation

Penske and Budget typically charge $40 to $70 per day for a 10-foot truck plus mileage (usually $1 to $1.50 per mile). For one-way moves, they quote flat rates similar to U-Haul's. Penske often has better rates in certain regions—check both companies for your specific route, because pricing swings based on local demand and truck availability.

Both companies offer damage waivers, equipment rentals, and moving supplies. Budget sometimes runs promotions for first-time renters or off-season moves. Neither is consistently cheaper than U-Haul, but for specific routes or truck sizes, one may undercut the others by $100 or more. The only way to know is to get quotes from all three.

How to lower your moving truck rental cost

Book on a weekday rather than Friday through Sunday. Weekend demand drives prices up, especially in summer. Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save 10 to 20 percent. Avoid May through September if possible—these are peak moving months and rates are highest. If you must move in summer, book as far in advance as you can; last-minute bookings cost more.

Rent the smallest truck that fits your belongings. A cargo van costs less than a 10-foot truck, which costs less than a 20-foot truck. Overestimating size wastes money. If you're unsure, ask the rental company for a size recommendation based on your inventory.

Return the truck on time and with a full tank of fuel. Late fees run $20 to $50 per hour. Refueling at the rental location costs more than filling up at a gas station beforehand. Some companies charge a restocking fee if you return the truck dirty or with debris inside, so clean it out before drop-off.

Skip optional insurance if your personal auto or renters insurance covers rental trucks—many policies do. Damage waivers at rental companies typically cost $15 to $30 per day and cover only minor damage. Check your policy before paying for rental coverage.

Comparing quotes across companies

Get quotes from Home Depot, Lowe's, U-Haul, Penske, and Budget for your exact move dates, locations, and truck size. Write down the base rate, mileage charge, fuel cost, insurance, and any equipment or service fees. Add them all up—the advertised rate is never the final price. A truck advertised at $20 per day might cost $85 after mileage, fuel, and a damage waiver.

Check whether the quote includes unlimited mileage (common for one-way moves) or charges per mile (common for local moves). A one-way move with unlimited mileage might be cheaper than a local move with per-mile charges, even if the distance is the same. Pay attention to pickup and drop-off locations too—some companies charge extra if you pick up at one location and drop off at another.

What to watch for when booking

Confirm the truck size and type before paying. "10-foot truck" means different things to different companies. Ask for the interior dimensions and cargo capacity. If the truck is too small, you'll have to make multiple trips or rent a larger one, both of which cost more.

Read the fuel policy. Some companies charge for a full tank upfront and let you return it empty; others charge you for any fuel missing when you return it. Returning the truck on empty saves money only if you refuel at a cheaper gas station beforehand.

Ask about the damage waiver and what it covers. Most cover minor dents and scratches but not major damage or mechanical failure. If you cause an accident, you may still owe a deductible. Understand your liability before you sign.

Check the cancellation policy. If your move date changes, can you cancel or reschedule without penalty? Most companies allow changes up to 24 hours before pickup, but some charge a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire a moving company?

For a small, local move, renting a truck is almost always cheaper—$50 to $200 versus $1,000 to $3,000 for a professional mover. For a long-distance move with heavy furniture, a moving company may cost less if you factor in your time, fuel, and the risk of damage. Get quotes from both before deciding.

Can I rent a truck one-way and save money?

Yes, if the distance is long enough. U-Haul and Penske offer flat one-way rates with unlimited mileage. A 300-mile one-way move might cost $300 to $500, which is cheaper than paying daily plus mileage. For moves under 100 miles, local daily rates are usually cheaper.

Do I have to pay for insurance when I rent a truck?

No. Rental company insurance is optional. Check your personal auto or renters insurance policy first—many cover rental trucks at no extra cost. If yours does, skip the rental company's damage waiver and save $15 to $30 per day.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees typically run $20 to $50 per hour, sometimes more. If you're running late, call the rental location when ready. Some companies offer grace periods of 30 minutes to an hour. Plan to return the truck with time to spare.

Can I rent a truck for just a few hours?

Yes. Home Depot and Lowe's rent by the hour, starting at $5 to $15 per hour. U-Haul, Penske, and Budget have daily minimums, usually 24 hours. For a short local move under four hours, hourly rental from Home Depot is your cheapest option.