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

U-Haul is one of the most widely recognized names in DIY moving, and the pricing structure is more layered than most people expect. The base rate you see advertised is rarely the final number — and understanding what drives the total cost helps you budget more accurately before you commit.

How U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing Works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a base rate plus mileage charges. The base rate covers the truck for a set rental period (usually one day for local moves). Mileage is charged separately, per mile driven. Those two numbers combine to form the core of your bill — but several other factors layer on top.

Base Rates by Truck Size

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, and the base rate scales with the vehicle. Rates vary by location, availability, and time of year, but here's a general picture of how the lineup is structured:

These figures are approximate and shift based on your market, rental location, and how far in advance you book. Weekend and summer rates tend to run higher than weekday or off-season pricing.

Local vs. One-Way Rentals: A Major Cost Difference

This distinction matters more than almost any other factor.

Local rentals are round-trip — you pick up and drop off at the same location. These use the day-rate plus per-mile charge model (often around $0.79–$1.09 per mile, depending on market and truck size).

One-way rentals are priced differently. Instead of a mileage rate, U-Haul sets a flat total that factors in the distance between origin and destination. These tend to cost significantly more overall — sometimes several hundred dollars for a long cross-country move — but they eliminate the need to drive back.

For one-way moves, the quoted rate is essentially a package price. It still doesn't include fuel, insurance, or add-ons.

What Gets Added to the Base Rate 🚚

The advertised rate is the starting point. Here's what typically adds to it:

• Fuel: U-Haul trucks are returned with the same fuel level they left with. If you return it low, you pay a per-gallon penalty that's typically higher than pump prices. Larger trucks get worse fuel economy — the 26-footer might average 8–10 MPG depending on load and terrain.
• Damage protection / SafeMove: Optional coverage plans range roughly from $15–$30+ per rental. Declining coverage means you're responsible for damage to the truck.
• Equipment add-ons: Dollies, furniture pads, and other accessories each carry their own daily fees — usually $7–$14 per item.
• Taxes and fees: Vary by state and location.
• Extra days: If you keep the truck beyond the agreed return time, additional day rates apply.

Factors That Shift the Final Price

No two U-Haul rentals cost the same. The variables include:

• Your pickup location: Urban markets often have different pricing than rural or suburban areas
• Demand and availability: Rates fluctuate with inventory — a location running low on 20-footers may price them higher
• Time of year: Late May through August is peak moving season; rates reflect that
• Day of week: Weekend pickups typically cost more than weekday rentals
• How far you drive: For local moves, mileage is the biggest wildcard. Underestimating your driving distance is a common budgeting mistake
• Reservation timing: Last-minute rentals often cost more, and truck availability narrows

Estimating Your Total Cost

For a local move, a rough estimate starts with the base rate, then adds:

• Expected miles × per-mile rate
• Fuel cost (estimate MPG for the truck size × distance ÷ local gas price)
• Any add-ons you plan to use
• Coverage, if selected

For a one-way move, U-Haul's website provides quotes based on origin, destination, truck size, and pickup date. That quote is your most reliable number — but it still doesn't include fuel.

The Spectrum of What People Actually Pay

Someone renting a 10-foot truck for a local studio move, driving 30 miles round-trip on a Tuesday in a mid-size city, might pay $60–$90 total. Someone renting a 26-foot truck for a cross-country move during peak summer season, with coverage and equipment add-ons, could easily see $1,500 or more.

The gap between those two scenarios is wide — and it's driven almost entirely by the variables above. 🗺️

Your actual cost depends on the truck size you need, where you're picking up, when you're moving, how far you're driving, and which optional services you choose. U-Haul's online quote tool reflects current local pricing for your specific route and dates — that's the only number that reflects your situation accurately.